TRINI COCONUT SWEETBREAD

One of my absolute favourite quick-breads, this light and fragrant Trini coconut sweetbread is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect balance of coconut flavour with just the right hint of sweetness, and the best part? You can customise it however you like by adding as much (or as little) dried fruit (and even nuts) as your heart desires. Whether you prefer a handful of currants, raisins, or even cranberries; this sweetbread is super versatile. It's quick, easy to make, and always feels like a little slice of Trinbago, no matter where you are!

🥥 TRINI COCONUT SWEETBREAD

A beloved Caribbean classic, rich with coconut, spices, and dried fruit. Perfect for tea time, celebrations, or gifting!

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40–45 mins
Servings: 1 loaf (13x5")

✨ Ingredients:

• ¾ cup butter

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 eggs

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters (optional)

• 3 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp orange zest

• 2 cups coconut husks (with coconut milk blended)

• 3¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 3 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp grated nutmeg

• ¼ tsp ground allspice

• ¾ cup raisins

• ½ cup mixed fruit

• ¼ cup candied citrus peel

📝 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13x5-inch loaf pan and set aside.

2. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

4. Stir in bitters (if using), vanilla, orange zest, and blended coconut husk. Mix until fully combined.

5. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.

6. Toss the raisins, mixed fruit, and citrus peel into the flour mixture to coat (reserve some for topping if desired).

7. Combine wet and dry ingredients and fold gently until just mixed—do not overmix.

8. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan.

9. Sprinkle reserved dried fruits or chopped nuts on top if desired.

10. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

11. Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then slice and enjoy!

💛 Samantha's Serving Tip

This sweetbread can be enjoyed at any temperature—warm, room temp, or chilled. I love mine fresh out the oven with a slice of cheddar cheese (don’t knock it till you try it!). It’s also delicious with a cup of tea or a glass of cold milk—for breakfast, as a snack, or even for dinner. And if you love giving delicious homemade gifts, this sweetbread makes the perfect holiday treat!