Bajan Sweet Bread

9 steps · 53 min total

1. 01

   Combine Dry Ingredients

   Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
2. 02

   Melt Butter

   Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
3. 03

   Combine Wet Ingredients

   In a separate bowl, mix the coconut, most of the sugar (reserving some for later), raisins, egg, evaporated milk, almond essence, and the melted butter.
4. 04

   Whisk Wet Mixture

   Whisk this mixture well until it forms a creamy, uniform paste.
5. 05

   Form Dough

   Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix until a stiff dough forms, being careful not to overmix once it comes together.
6. 06

   Fill Tins

   Divide the dough evenly between your prepared baking tins.
7. 07

   Prepare Sugar Wash

   Boil some water. In a small bowl, mix two tablespoons of sugar with a splash of the hot water to dissolve it.

   Brush this sugar wash over the top of each loaf. This will give the crust a nice sheen as it bakes.

8. 08

   Bake Bread

   Bake the sweet bread in the center of a preheated oven for 1 hour, until deep golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. 09

   Cool and Serve

   Let the loaves cool in their tins before removing. Once cooled, slice and serve with a fresh pot of tea.