Toto – Coconut Spice Cake Recipe

Toto is a coconut spice cake that is popular throughout the Caribbean. On some islands it is simply called Coconut Cake. Toto is a dense cake that is rather plain and not much to look at but the combination of coconut and spices makes for a delicious confection that is sure to delight any coconut lover. Add a little (¼ C. or so) dark rum for added flavor.

This recipe happened quite unintentionally a few years ago. I had some grated coconut lingering in the fridge and a new brand of vanilla to try. Add to that the fact that my now former boss had just gifted me with some antique Pyrex baking dishes. I needed an excuse to use the Pyrex so the coconut and the new vanilla were just the thing.  The vanilla wasn’t really my choice, I’m a brand snob when it comes to some things, but it was all I had.  So after whipping up my coconut cake or Toto as we Jamaicans call it and waiting for it to bake, I could hardly contain myself. I vaguely recall something about putting it outside in the middle of a Pennsylvania winter to speed up the cooling process.

As soon as I could I bit into the first slice I was immediately transported back to memories of my younger days in Jamaica. The vanilla, a concentrate made by Island Spice had such a rich aroma and gave the cake such authentic flavor my cousin and I ate the whole thing in 1 sitting

This recipe happened quite unintentionally a few years ago. I had some grated coconut lingering in the fridge and a new brand of vanilla to try. Add to that the fact that my now former boss had just gifted me with some antique Pyrex baking dishes. I needed an excuse to use the Pyrex so the coconut and the new vanilla were just the thing.  The vanilla wasn’t really my choice, I’m a brand snob when it comes to some things, but it was all I had.  So after whipping up my coconut cake or Toto as we Jamaicans call it and waiting for it to bake, I could hardly contain myself. I vaguely recall something about putting it outside in the middle of a Pennsylvania winter to speed up the cooling process. As soon as I could I bit into the first slice I was immediately transported back to memories of my younger days in Jamaica. Well. that toto turned out so good I had to write the recipe down before I forgot

The vanilla, a concentrate made by Island Spice had such a rich aroma and gave the cake such authentic flavor my cousin and I ate the whole thing in 1 sitting

Toto – Coconut Cake Recipe

Sian
4.62 from 13 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Cakes & pastries
Cuisine Jamaican
Servings 8
Calories 584 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 C brown sugar
  • 2 C flour
  • 3 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon* substitute 1 tsp SweetSpice for cinnamon and nutmeg
  • ½ tsp nutmeg*
  • 3 C grated coconut or dry coconut flakes**
  • ¼ lb butter softened
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • C coconut milk *substitute whole milk

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°
    Place dry ingredients in a bowl and mix well to combine. mix until butter until it is fully absorbed and the mixture is sandy. Slowly stir in the vanilla and milk. Continue mixing for 2 to 3 minutes until batter is evenly mixed. Pour mixture into a glass rectangular 8” x 12” or round 9” baking pan. Bake in center of oven at 375° for about 35 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center to check for doneness. If toothpick is not clean return cake to the oven. Check every 5 minutes for doneness. Once the cake is fully baked, remove from the oven and place it on a cooling rack to cool. Store in a cool dark area at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 7 days.

Notes

* substitute 1 tsp Sweet Spice Dessert Accent in place of Cinnamon and nutmeg
** If using store bought coconut. Blend the coconut to make the texture finer. It will give your cake a much better texture and flavor. 
uncut-toto
Toto is a perfect snack for any cake lover or as an accompaniment with coffee.

9 thoughts on “Toto – Coconut Spice Cake Recipe”

  1. I made this cake and it was perfect. Just what I was looking for in a toto. A little bit sweeter than I like so next time I will use a little less sugar. Texture was very good. Thanks

      1. Iona Newman-Jobity

        Great recipe. I tried it and loved everything about it. I could not stop eating it. Thanks for sharing it.

  2. Patrice Anderson

    I have made tot using this recipe three times, and each time I bake the toto, it gets better and better. Thank you for sharing your recipe.

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