Tanya's Jamaican Spice Bread
Tanya's Jamaican Spice Bread is a moist and warmly spiced Caribbean-style sweet loaf.Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice create a rich aromatic flavor.Brown sugar and molasses add sweetness and a deep caramel-like taste.Optional raisins and coconut provide extra texture and tropical character.The bread is perfect for breakfast, tea time, dessert, or snacking.Serve warm with butter, tea, coffee, or your favorite hot beverage.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150 g) dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup (85 g) molasses or dark syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (180 ml) milk or coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon dark rum or 1 teaspoon rum extract, optional
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).Grease a standard 9 × 5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper if desired.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and dark brown sugar until creamy and well combined.
Add the Molasses
- Add the molasses or dark syrup.Mix until smooth.The molasses will add a rich color and deep flavor to the bread.
Add the Eggs
- Add the eggs one at a time.Mix well after each addition.
Add the Flavorings
- Stir in the vanilla extract.Add the optional rum or rum extract if using.
Combine the Mixtures
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.Alternate with the milk or coconut milk.Mix gently until just combined.Do not overmix the batter.
Transfer the Batter
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.Smooth the top gently with a spatula.
Bake
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven.Bake for approximately 50–60 minutes.
Check for Doneness
- Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread.It should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
Prevent Over-Browning
- If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the final part of baking.
Cool the Bread
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for approximately 10–15 minutes.
Slice and Serve
- Slice the bread into thick pieces.Serve plain or spread with softened butter.
Notes
- Spices: Adjust the amount of ginger or cinnamon according to your preferred flavor.
- Molasses: Molasses provides a rich color and deeper flavor.
- Coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a subtle tropical richness.
- Raisins: Raisins are optional but add sweetness and texture.
- Mixing: Overmixing can create a dense loaf.
- Baking: Check the bread near the end of the suggested baking time.
- Cooling: Allowing the loaf to cool helps create clean slices.
- Storage: Keep the bread tightly covered to maintain its moisture.