Caribbean Sweet Bread Recipe

Caribbean Sweet Bread is a delicious and moist treat that combines tropical flavors and warm spices. This bread is soft, slightly sweet, and often enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert. It’s a perfect recipe for those who want to experience the flavors of the Caribbean in their kitchen, featuring ingredients like coconut, dried fruits, and a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk (or coconut milk for a more tropical flavor)
1/2 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
1/2 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped dried apricots, or prunes)
1/4 cup chopped candied ginger (optional)
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional)
For the Glaze (Optional):

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk or coconut milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Set this aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, around 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients:

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Add the vanilla extract and milk (or coconut milk), mixing until combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as it can make the bread dense.