Learn how to make authentic Jamaican Easter Bun from scratch—rich, spiced, and packed with flavor! This traditional treat is soft, slightly sweet, and filled with fruits and warm spices, perfect for pairing with cheese. Whether you’re making it for Easter or just craving a taste of Jamaica, this step-by-step guide will show you how to get it just right.
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of brown sugar, molasses, and honey creates a rich sweetness, balanced perfectly by the deep flavors of stout and fruit.
- Dried fruits, such as raisins, cherries, and candied peel, add texture and natural sweetness to each bite.
- The blend of warm spices, including freshly ground allspice, nutmeg, and cinnamon, brings the authentic flavor of Jamaica right into your kitchen.
- Using stout (like Guinness or Dragon Stout) adds a complex malt flavor and deep color, making this bun stand out.
- The optional glaze made with guava jam and honey adds a sweet, glossy finish, perfect for enhancing the bun’s visual appeal and flavor.
What You Will Need
Ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
- 24 oz (1.5 lbs) all-purpose flour (use 20 oz for a denser bun)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp freshly ground allspice
- 1½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 tbsp (3 tsp) powdered cinnamon (optional: increase for a stronger cinnamon flavor)
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 8 oz (½ lb) brown sugar
- 2 small whole eggs (or 1 large egg)
- 3 oz honey
- 4 oz molasses (blackstrap or regular)
- 3 oz guava jam (or other fruit jam like strawberry or grape)
- 1½ tbsp vanilla extract
- ½ tbsp orange zest (or use candied mixed peel if preferred)
- 20 oz stout (Guinness or Dragon Stout; or a malted beverage like Malta for a non-alcoholic version)
- 4 oz (1 stick) melted butter (cooled)
Soaked Fruit:
- ¼ cup raisins
- ¼ cup chopped cherries
- Optional: soaked mixed peel (skip if preferred)
- 4 oz Red Label Wine (or white rum, or stout for alcohol-based soaking; use Malta for a non-alcoholic version)
For Glaze:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp guava jam (or your choice of syrupy jam)
- Cherry juice (from the fruit used for decoration)
- A splash of water
For Decorating (Optional):
- Cherries (or soaked fruit of choice)
Equipment Needed:
- Loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spoon or spatula
- Toothpick for testing doneness
How to Make Jamaican Easter Spice Bun
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with baking spray or butter and set it aside.
Step 2: Mix the Soaked Fruit
In a small bowl, soak your raisins, chopped cherries, and optional mixed peel in 4 oz of Red Label Wine, white rum, or stout (or use Malta for a non-alcoholic option). Let the fruits soak for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, molasses, guava jam, vanilla extract, orange zest (or candied peel), stout, and melted butter. Add in the eggs and mix until smooth and combined.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. Gently fold in the soaked fruits.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is well incorporated, making sure the dough is smooth. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Pour Into Pan and Add Toppings
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Optionally, you can add extra cherries or soaked fruits on top for decoration.
Step 7: Bake the Bun
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 60-75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too much, you can cover it loosely with foil and continue baking.
Step 8: Cool and Glaze
Allow the bun to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. In the meantime, prepare the glaze by combining honey, guava jam, and cherry juice in a small saucepan. Heat gently until the glaze is smooth, then brush it onto the top of the cooled bun.
Step 9: Decorate and Slice
Once the glaze has set, decorate the bun with cherries or your choice of soaked fruit. Slice and enjoy!
Note: Browning sauce can be added for a darker color, but it’s optional. Adjust the amount according to your preference.
Tips and Tricks
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter bun, feel free to increase the amount of honey or molasses.
- Use your favorite jam: Guava jam adds a tropical twist, but feel free to substitute with any other fruit jam like strawberry or grape for a different flavor.
- Non-alcoholic version: If you’re avoiding alcohol, you can use a malted beverage like Malta instead of stout or rum to soak the fruits.
- Get creative with fruit: While raisins and cherries are traditional, you can mix in other dried fruits like apricots or currants to customize the flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I bake the Jamaican Easter Spice Bun?
Bake the bun for 60-75 minutes at 350°F. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the bun is ready.
Can I make this recipe without stout?
Yes, you can substitute the stout with a malt beverage like Malta for a non-alcoholic version. If you prefer, you can also use water, but the flavor won’t be as rich.
Can I freeze the Jamaican Easter Spice Bun?
Yes, this bread can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and storing it in an airtight container. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for several hours.
Summary
Jamaican Easter Spice Bun is a flavorful, spiced bread filled with dried fruits and rich molasses. The addition of stout and a sweet glaze makes this bread uniquely delicious. Perfect for Easter or any time of the year, this recipe is sure to satisfy your craving for something truly special.
Jamaican Easter Spice Bun — A Spiced Delight for Any Time of the Year
Ingredients
24 oz (1.5 lbs) all-purpose flour (20 oz for denser bun)
2 tsp baking powder
1½ tsp allspice
1½ tsp nutmeg
1 tbsp (3 tsp) powdered cinnamon
½ tsp salt
8 oz (½ lb) brown sugar
2 small eggs
3 oz honey
4 oz molasses
3 oz guava jam
1½ tbsp vanilla extract
½ tbsp orange zest
20 oz stout (Guinness or Dragon Stout)
4 oz melted butter (cooled)
¼ cup raisins
¼ cup chopped cherries
Optional: soaked mixed peel
4 oz Red Label Wine (or white rum, or stout)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
- Soak the raisins and cherries in wine or rum.
- Mix the wet ingredients in one bowl and the dry ingredients in another.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then stir in the soaked fruits.
- Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 60-75 minutes.
- Brush the cooled bun with a glaze made of honey, guava jam, and cherry juice.
