Every year, as the Easter season approaches, the air in Jamaican households fills with the irresistible aroma of sweet, spiced bread baking in the oven. This is not just any bread—it’s the Jamaican Easter Bun, a cherished holiday treat that pairs beautifully with a slice of cheese. Passed down through generations, this rich and fragrant bun is a staple in Caribbean Easter celebrations.
Legend has it that the Easter Bun originated from the British hot cross bun, introduced during colonial times. However, Jamaicans added their own unique twist, infusing it with bold spices, dried fruits, molasses, and a touch of stout, creating a truly authentic Caribbean delight. Whether you’re celebrating Easter or simply craving a slice of warm, spiced goodness, this Jamaican Easter Bun recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Authentic Flavor – The perfect balance of sweetness, warm spices, and a rich, dense texture.
✔️ Easy to Make – A straightforward recipe that’s perfect for home bakers.
✔️ Pairs Perfectly with Cheese – The traditional way to enjoy a Jamaican Easter Bun is with a thick slice of cheddar cheese.
✔️ Great for Gifting – A homemade bun makes a thoughtful Easter gift for friends and family.
✔️ Stays Fresh for Days – Thanks to its moist texture, it remains delicious for several days.
Ingredients for Jamaican Easter Bun
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 cup Guinness stout (or a dark malt beverage)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- 1 tablespoon mixed essence (or almond extract)
- 2 eggs, beaten
Mix-ins:
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup dried cherries or mixed dried fruit
- 1/4 cup chopped candied ginger (optional)
Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons honey or jam (warmed)
- 1 tablespoon water
How to Make a Jamaican Easter Bun?
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
- Prepare the Wet Mixture: In a saucepan, heat the brown sugar, honey, molasses, and Guinness over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and add melted butter, vanilla extract, orange zest, and mixed essence.
- Combine & Mix: Gradually add the warm liquid mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring continuously. Add beaten eggs and mix until well combined.
- Fold in Fruits: Gently fold in the raisins, dried cherries, and candied ginger.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Glaze & Serve: Brush the top with warmed honey or jam for a glossy finish. Allow to cool before slicing.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Jamaican Easter Bun
✔️ Use stout for authenticity – Guinness or a dark malt drink enhances the depth of flavor.
✔️ Don’t overmix the batter – Stir gently to keep the bun moist.
✔️ Let it cool completely before slicing – This helps the flavors develop and prevents crumbling.
✔️ Store properly – Wrap in plastic wrap or foil to keep fresh for up to a week.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the best Jamaican Easter Bun recipe, it’s time to bake up this delicious holiday treat! Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or indulging in a slice with a cup of tea, this bun is bound to bring joy to your Easter celebrations. Try it out, and don’t forget to share your results!
Happy Baking!
Jamaican Easter Bun Recipe: A Sweet and Spiced Holiday Tradition
A rich, moist, and flavorful spiced bun packed with dried fruits, subtle hints of molasses, and warm spices. Traditionally enjoyed in Jamaica during Eastertime, especially paired with slices of sharp cheddar cheese, this bun is a beloved cultural staple that brings a taste of island heritage to your table.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
Wet Ingredients:
Mix-ins:
Glaze:
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
-
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
-
In a saucepan, heat the brown sugar, honey, molasses, and Guinness over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and add melted butter, vanilla extract, orange zest, and mixed essence
-
Gradually add the warm liquid mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring continuously. Add beaten eggs and mix until well combined.
-
Gently fold in the raisins, dried cherries, and candied ginger.
-
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
-
Brush the top with warmed honey or jam for a glossy finish. Allow to cool before slicing.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 1
Serving Size 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 320kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 7g11%
- Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 35g
- Protein 5g10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
