Easter in Jamaica wouldn’t be complete without a delicious, spiced, and fruit-filled Easter Bun paired with a slice of creamy cheese. This beloved treat, a staple during the Lenten season, has deep roots in Jamaican culture. Whether store-bought or homemade, nothing beats the taste of a freshly baked Easter Bun made from scratch.
If you’ve been searching for the best Jamaican Easter Bun recipe, look no further! This recipe is rich, moist, and bursting with warm spices, dried fruits, and a touch of sweetness.
The History of Jamaican Easter Bun
The tradition of eating bun and cheese at Easter stems from the British hot cross bun, which was introduced to Jamaica during colonial times. Over the years, Jamaicans put their own twist on the recipe, transforming it into a loaf-shaped spiced bun packed with dried fruits and sweetened with molasses or stout.
Ingredients You'll Need
Dry Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon allspice
½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
½ - 1 cup brown sugar ( depending on the level of sweetness)
½ cup honey or molasses
½ cup butter, melted
1 bottle (10 oz) Guinness Stout, Dragon Stout, or Malta
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon mixed essence (optional)
2 tablespoons browning
2 tablespoons of Guava Jam
1 egg, beaten
Fruits
1 cup raisins and/or fruit and peel mix (soaked in wine or rum overnight for extra flavor)
¼ cup chopped cherries (optional)
Glaze:
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons water
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Mixture
In a saucepan over low heat, combine brown sugar, molasses (or honey), butter, and Guinness stout, Dragon Stout, or Malta. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding the vanilla, mixed essence, browning, jam, and beaten egg.
Step 4: Combine and Fold
Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Fold in the raisin and mix peel fruits and cherries. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Glaze for a Beautiful Shine
While the bun is still warm, mix honey and water and brush it over the top for a glossy finish. Let it cool completely before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Jamaican Easter Bun is best enjoyed with a thick slice of cheddar cheese. Pair it with a cup of tea or a cold glass of milk for a truly authentic experience.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Jamaican Easter Bun is a must-try recipe that brings warmth and nostalgia to the Easter season. Whether you're making it for family, friends, or just for yourself, this bun is sure to be a hit!
Will you be baking your own Easter Bun this year? Let me know in the comments!
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