📝 About This Recipe
A cornerstone of Caribbean culture, the Jamaican Spice Bun is a dark, rich, and aromatic loaf infused with molasses, warm spices, and rum-soaked fruits. Traditionally enjoyed during Easter but loved year-round, its dense, cake-like texture provides the perfect sweet canvas for the salty, creamy contrast of New Zealand processed cheddar (Tastee Cheese). This iconic duo represents the ultimate balance of flavors, bringing a piece of the islands' vibrant culinary heritage to your kitchen.
🥗 Ingredients
The Fruit Soak
- 1/2 cup Raisins or Sultanas (dark or golden)
- 1/4 cup Mixed Peel (candied citrus peel)
- 1/4 cup Glacé Cherries (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Dark Rum (Jamaican dark rum preferred)
The Liquid Base
- 1 cup Dragon Stout or Guinness (at room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 1 cup Dark Brown Sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons Molasses (for deep color and moisture)
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 large Egg (beaten)
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 1 tablespoon Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Allspice (pimento)
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (freshly grated is best)
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
The Glaze and Serving
- 2 tablespoons Honey or Guava Jelly (for the shiny finish)
- 1 tin Jamaican Processed Cheese (such as Tastee Cheese, sliced thick)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
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2
In a small bowl, combine the raisins, mixed peel, and cherries with the dark rum. Let them soak while you prepare the other ingredients to plump them up.
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3
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Whisk well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
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4
In a separate medium saucepan over low heat, combine the stout, brown sugar, molasses, and melted butter. Stir gently until the sugar has completely dissolved. Do not let it boil; you just want it warm and cohesive.
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5
Remove the stout mixture from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Whisk in the beaten egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
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6
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Gradually pour in the liquid mixture while stirring with a wooden spoon or a sturdy spatula.
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7
Mix until just combined. The batter should be thick, sticky, and dark. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bun tough.
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8
Fold in the rum-soaked fruit mixture, including any excess liquid from the bowl, ensuring the fruits are evenly dispersed throughout the batter.
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9
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon.
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10
Bake in the center of the oven for 60 to 70 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a skewer into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
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11
While the bun is still hot from the oven, brush the top generously with honey or melted guava jelly to create that signature sticky, high-gloss finish.
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12
Allow the bun to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. For the best flavor and texture, let it cool completely (or even wait until the next day) before slicing.
💡 Chef's Tips
For the most authentic flavor, use a Jamaican brand of stout like Dragon Stout; its sweetness is unique. If you don't like mixed peel, replace it with extra raisins or dried cranberries, though you'll lose the traditional citrus note. Don't skip the molasses; it provides the deep mahogany color and characteristic 'damp' crumb that defines a spice bun. To get perfectly clean slices, use a serrated bread knife and wait until the bun is fully cooled. Store the bun wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature; it actually tastes better after 24 hours as the spices develop.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Slice the bun into 1/2 inch thick rounds and sandwich a thick slice of Jamaican Tastee Cheese in the middle. Pair with a cold glass of Jamaican Sorrel drink or a tall glass of ice-cold milk. Serve as a mid-afternoon snack with a hot cup of Blue Mountain Coffee. For a breakfast twist, lightly toast the bun slices before adding the cheese so it gets slightly soft. Enjoy alongside a bowl of tropical fruit salad to balance the richness of the bun.