Hey everyone! Easter is here again—a time for reflection, gratitude, and togetherness. Although this year feels a little more solemn, it’s still important to find joy in the little things and celebrate in our own special ways. In Jamaica, one of the sweetest and most delicious Easter traditions is making and enjoying buns and cheese. It’s more than just food—it’s a symbol of sharing, love, and cultural pride that has been passed down through generations.
Today, I’m excited to bring a piece of Jamaica to your kitchen by sharing my recipe for a traditional Jamaican Easter bun. It’s rich, spiced, and full of dried fruits, with that signature sweetness we all love. Paired with a thick slice of cheese, it’s the perfect treat for Easter, or anytime you’re craving a taste of the islands.
So, grab your utensils, gather your ingredients, and join me as we bake up this delicious piece of Jamaican heritage. Whether it’s your first time making it or you’re a seasoned pro looking to try a new twist, this recipe is one you’ll want to share with family and friends. Let’s get baking!
Jamaican Easter Traditions
Before we dive into making the bun, let me take you down memory lane with a few traditions we cherished back home during Easter. My grandmother, bless her soul, was deeply rooted in her faith. Good Friday and Easter Sunday church services were a must—no excuses, no matter the weather. One of the more fascinating traditions was the ‘egg in a cup.’ Early on Good Friday morning, we’d crack an egg, carefully separate the white, and place it in a glass of water. By noon, the shape of the egg white was said to predict your future, and if a sheep happened to pass by, it was considered a sign of good luck!
Good Friday had strict rules—no fire could be lit after the early morning hours. Auntie would wake up before dawn to prepare our breakfast, but no matter how tempting it was, we weren’t allowed to eat until after three o’clock. Let me tell you, the wait made the food taste even better!
Now, living in London, Easter has its charm. Kids here love their Easter egg hunts, and chocolate eggs have become a staple of the season. But even with these new traditions, I still hold on to the flavors of home. Easter wouldn’t be complete without fried fish, whether snapper, doctorfish, or whatever fresh catch you can find. And, of course, the star of the show—bun and cheese.
Back in Jamaica, we’d slice thick pieces of bun and pair them with large blocks of traditional Jamaican cheese, which is rich and creamy. Here in London, we make do with red Leicester or mature British cheddar and trust me; it’s just as delicious.
These traditions remind me of the rich culture and simple joys of Easter back home. So, let’s carry a bit of that warmth and nostalgia into our kitchens today as we whip up a classic Jamaican Easter bun!
Ingredients for the Bun
Now, let’s get to the good stuff—the bun! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 cups of flour (sifted)
- 2 tablespoons of baking powder
- 2 teaspoons of nutmeg (grated)
- 4 teaspoons of mixed spice
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
- 2 bottles of Dragon Stout
- ½ cup of honey
- 2 cups of light brown soft sugar
- 2 tablespoons of molasses
- 4 ounces of melted butter
- 4 tablespoons of Browning sauce
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla
- Some rose water (optional)
- Raisins (with a bit of flour to prevent sinking)
- 2 beaten eggs
- Glazed cherries for decoration
Making the Easter Bun
First, let’s prepare our dry ingredients. Combine the sifted flour, baking powder, nutmeg, mixed spice, salt, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl and mix thoroughly.
Next, pour in the Dragon Stout for the wet ingredients, followed by honey, sugar, molasses, melted butter, Browning sauce, and vanilla. Make sure everything is blended smoothly. If you like a spicier bun, add more vanilla or rose water for an aromatic touch.
Now, add the raisins you’ve dusted with flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bun. Don’t forget to incorporate the beaten eggs and mix everything well until you get a beautiful, consistent batter.
Preparing to Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (or gas mark 4). Grease your baking tins and dust them with flour to make it easier to remove the buns once they’re baked. Now, pour the mixture evenly into the prepared tins.
Once in the oven, let the buns bake for about 60 minutes. You can check if they’re ready by inserting a knife or skewer into the center—if it comes out clean, your bun is perfect!
Glazing and Serving
When your buns are out of the oven, prepare a glaze using honey, melted butter, and jam. Brush this mixture over the warm buns to give them that shiny, beautiful finish.
Now it’s time for the best part—serving! Slice your bun and pair it with some cheese. You can use red Leicester or any mature cheese you prefer. The sweetness of the bun perfectly complements the cheese, creating an irresistible combination!
Final Thoughts
This was my very first attempt at making a traditional Jamaican Easter bun, and let me tell you, I couldn’t be happier with the results! The texture came out perfectly soft, the flavor is beautifully rich with spices, and it smells divine. There’s something so satisfying about trying something new and seeing it come to life—especially when it’s tied to cherished traditions.
Remember, cooking isn’t about perfection; it’s about trying, learning, and enjoying the journey along the way. Follow my recipe step by step, and you’ll have your own homemade Easter bun bursting with flavor and love. Trust me, your kitchen will smell heavenly, and the taste? Even better!
Thank you so much for joining me on this culinary adventure. I hope you enjoy making and sharing your Jamaican Easter bun as much as I did. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more recipes straight from my heart to yours. Here’s to more delicious creations together—happy baking, my love!
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