Recipe: A Taste of the Caribbean - Jamaican Toto (Coconut Cake)

Jamaican Toto, also known as Coconut Cake, is a delightful island treat bursting with warm spices and fluffy coconut goodness. This recipe is a simple yet flavorful way to bring a taste of the Caribbean right to your kitchen.

How to make Jamaican Toto/ Coconut Cake

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 - 1 ½ cups sugar (depending on desired sweetness)

• 3 teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ½ teaspoon ground allspice

• ½ teaspoon grated ginger

• ½ cup melted butter

• 2 eggs

• 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut flakes

• 1 ¾ cups coconut milk (or 3 cups for a richer flavor, omit whole milk)

• ⅓ cup whole milk (optional)

• 1 teaspoon rum or brandy (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8x12 inch baking pan.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, and coconut milk. If using whole milk, add it here as well.

4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Gently fold in the shredded coconut flakes.

6. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread evenly.

7. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Base top of toto/cake with melted butter (** Add a touch of rum or brandy to the mix** - Optional)

9. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting or dusting with powdered sugar.

Tips:

• For an extra burst of coconut flavor, toast the shredded coconut flakes lightly in a dry pan before adding them to the batter.

• Want a richer toto? Use the full 3 cups of coconut milk and skip the whole milk.

• This cake is delicious on its own, but you can also frost it with your favorite cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk.

• To store, cover the cooled cake and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  

Enjoy this delightful taste of Jamaica!