Jamaican Spice ‘Easter’ Bun Recipe

It’s impossible to look at a Jamaican spice bun recipe and not think of my childhood. Most, if not all Jamaicans will tell you that Easter is not complete without a bun and cheese in the house. You see, bun and cheese is the defacto Jamaican Easter dessert. For a truly authentic Easter treat you would also need to get your hands on some Tastee’s processed cheese. Otherwise, a few slices of mild cheddar cheese make a great substitute.

Spiced bun is more than just an Easter staple. With or without cheese is a popular inexpensive Jamaican snack. I for one have enjoyed many bun and cheese lunches. Not to be confused with the other bun (a Jamaican synonym for cheating on your mate) this tasty addictive bun is a sweet dense spice cake flavored with baking spices, candied fruits, and brown sugar.

The Jamaican spice bun recipe below is a baking powder recipe. In addition to this one, there is a yeast bun recipe inside my cookbook, Nyammings: 88 Authentic Caribbean Recipes. The recipe below will produce a bun that has a cake-like texture. The yeast bun recipe produces a bun that resembles the more common store-bought variety. A yeast bun has a texture like a Danish, for those unfamiliar with Jamaican spice bun. Nowadays, spice buns can be bought in large, small, and individual sizes in numerous corners of the world.

Jamaican spice bun recipe mise en place

Both Jamaican spice bun recipes give the option to use either a Dragon Stout or an original Guinness. Dragon is a smoother sweeter equally rich ale. If you can get your hands on a Dragon Stout go for it. Otherwise, a  Guinness stout will make a good substitute.

Jamaican Spice ‘Easter’ Bun Recipe

Sian
Course cake
Cuisine Jamaican
Servings 12
Calories 346 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • C dark brown sugar
  • 4 oz butter
  • 11 oz Guinness, or Dragon Stout (1 btl)
  • 3 C flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp nutmeg*
  • 1 tsp cinnamon*
  • 3 tsp baking powder
  • ½ C candied mixed peel
  • ½ C raisins
  • 2 eggs

Instructions
 

  • Pre heat oven to 375°
  • In a saucepan over med – low heat, bring sugar, butter, and Guinness to a boil.  In a glass bowl combine the remaining dry ingredients. Use a whisk to quickly beat eggs into hot liquid. Mix liquid into dry ingredients. After ingredients are completely mixed place in loaf pan and bake for 40 minutes. Insert toothpick in middle to check for doneness. Toothpick should be almost clean, If dough sticks to toothpick, bake for an additional 5 – 10 minutes. Cool on a cooling rack.  Bun can be stored in a cool dry place for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 7 days.

Notes

*substitute 2 tsp Sweet Spice for nutmeg and cinnamon. 

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