Trinidad Sweet Bread (Coconut Bread): A Caribbean Christmas Classic You Must Try

3 days ago
3 min read

Introduction

When Christmas comes to Trinidad & Tobago, the aroma of warm spices, coconut, and freshly baked sweet bread fills the air. For many Trinbagonians, Sweet Bread—also known as Coconut Bread—is more than a holiday treat. It’s a slice of home, a comforting tradition passed down from generation to generation.

This festive loaf is soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and packed with grated coconut, raisins, cherries, and warming spices. Whether enjoyed with morning cocoa tea or served after Christmas lunch, Sweet Bread is a beloved centerpiece of the Caribbean holiday season.

What Is Trinidad Sweet Bread?

Trinidad Sweet Bread is a dense, coconut-rich loaf flavored with nutmeg, cinnamon, almond essence, and mixed fruits. Its signature feature?

A golden crust enriched with coconut flakes that add a bit of crunch.

It's traditionally baked in loaf pans and served during:

Christmas
Weddings
Baptisms
Sunday tea time

But at Christmas, it holds a special place — a symbol of warmth, family, and festive Caribbean flavors.

Trinidad Sweet Bread / Coconut Bread Recipe

Ingredients (Makes 2 Loaves)

Dry Ingredients:

4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Coconut & Fruit:

2 cups grated fresh coconut (or packaged unsweetened coconut)
1 cup raisins
½ cup mixed dried fruit (optional)
½ cup candied cherries (halved)
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup melted butter (or margarine)
1 cup evaporated milk
½ cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond essence
1 egg (beaten)

Topping (optional but traditional):

2 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons grated coconut
Cherries for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour two loaf pans.

2. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

3. Mix the Coconut & Fruit

In a separate bowl, combine grated coconut, raisins, mixed fruit, cherries, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix well so the coconut absorbs some of the sugar.

4. Add Wet Ingredients

Pour in melted butter, evaporated milk, water, vanilla, almond essence, and the beaten egg. Stir until everything is well combined.

5. Add to Flour Mixture

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until a thick, sticky batter forms.Do not overmix — Sweet Bread should be dense, not tough.

6. Fill the Loaf Pans

Divide batter evenly into the two prepared pans.

Top each loaf with:

sugar
grated coconut
cherries

This creates the signature crunchy sweet crust.

7. Bake

Bake for 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cool & Serve

Cool completely before slicing. Store in an airtight container — Sweet Bread tastes even better the next day as the spices deepen.

Tips for the Perfect Trinidad Sweet Bread

✔ Use fresh coconut if possible

Freshly grated coconut gives unmatched flavor and moisture.

✔ Don’t skip almond essence

This is the hallmark of authentic Trini Sweet Bread.

✔ Adjust sweetness

If using sweetened coconut, reduce sugar slightly.

✔ Add rum-soaked raisins for a spicy, boozy twist

✔ Serve warm with butter, cheese, or cocoa tea

A true Caribbean Christmas vibe.

Why Sweet Bread Is a Holiday Favorite

Trinidad Sweet Bread brings:
Comfort
Tradition
Nostalgia
A delicious taste of Caribbean Christmas culture

Every slice tells a story — of family gatherings, kitchen laughter, and the unforgettable warmth of the islands.

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Learn how to make authentic Trinidad Sweet Bread (Coconut Bread), a beloved Caribbean Christmas recipe filled with grated coconut, spices, raisins, and cherries. Easy, flavorful, and perfect for the holidays.