Bahamian Coconut Bread

Name: Bahamian Coconut Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 17
Cuisine: Bahamas
Ingredients: All-purpose flour — 3 cups (375 g); Baking powder — 1 tbsp; Salt — 1/2 tsp; Ground nutmeg — 1 tsp; Sugar — 1 cup (200 g); Shredded coconut, sweetened or unsweetened — 1.5 cups (135 g); Large eggs — 2; Milk — 1 cup (240 ml); Butter, melted — 1/2 cup (115 g); Vanilla extract — 1 tsp

The Quirky Foodster Team

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15 min

Prep

55 min

Cook

Servings

Ingredients

All-purpose flour — 3 cups (375 g)
Baking powder — 1 tbsp
Salt — 1/2 tsp
Ground nutmeg — 1 tsp
Sugar — 1 cup (200 g)
Shredded coconut, sweetened or unsweetened — 1.5 cups (135 g)
Large eggs — 2
Milk — 1 cup (240 ml)
Butter, melted — 1/2 cup (115 g)
Vanilla extract — 1 tsp

Method

Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a loaf pan.
Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, sugar and shredded coconut together.
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter and vanilla.
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir just until combined; do not overmix.
Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake 50-60 minutes, until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
Cool in the pan 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Introduction: A lightly sweet, tender quick bread flecked with shredded coconut, this loaf is a breakfast and teatime staple, often eaten warm with butter or alongside a mug of Bahamian bush tea.

Cultural Background: A lightly sweet, tender quick bread flecked with shredded coconut, this loaf is a breakfast and teatime staple, often eaten warm with butter or alongside a mug of Bahamian bush tea.

Tips: Overmixing the batter develops gluten and makes the loaf tough — stir only until the flour disappears.

Variations: Add a handful of raisins or a splash of coconut extract for extra coconut flavour.

Vegetarian/Vegan: Naturally vegetarian as written.

Storage: Store wrapped at room temperature up to 3 days, or refrigerate up to a week.

Reheating: Warm slices briefly in a toaster oven or microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Nutrition: Approx. 290 kcal, 5 g protein, 40 g carbohydrate, 13 g fat per serving (1 slice).

FAQs:

Q: Can I use fresh grated coconut instead of dried?

A: Yes, fresh coconut works well and adds moisture; you may need to bake a few minutes longer.

Q: Why is my loaf dense?

A: Overmixing or too much flour are the most common causes — measure flour by spooning into the cup and levelling off.