Saint Lucian Coconut Bread

Name: Saint Lucian Coconut Bread
Yield: 9
Cuisine: Saint Lucia
Ingredients: All-purpose flour — 350 g (2 3/4 cups); Baking powder — 2 tsp; Salt — 1/2 tsp; Sugar — 150 g (3/4 cup); Shredded coconut — 100 g (1 cup); Eggs — 2; Vegetable oil — 120 ml (1/2 cup); Coconut milk — 200 ml (3/4 cup); Vanilla extract — 1 tsp

The Quirky Foodster Team

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Servings

Ingredients

All-purpose flour — 350 g (2 3/4 cups)
Baking powder — 2 tsp
Salt — 1/2 tsp
Sugar — 150 g (3/4 cup)
Shredded coconut — 100 g (1 cup)
Eggs — 2
Vegetable oil — 120 ml (1/2 cup)
Coconut milk — 200 ml (3/4 cup)
Vanilla extract — 1 tsp

Method

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a loaf tin.
Whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.
In a separate bowl, beat sugar, eggs, oil, coconut milk and vanilla until combined.
Fold the wet ingredients into the dry, then stir in the shredded coconut until just combined.
Pour into the prepared tin and bake 50-55 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.
Cool 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack.

Introduction: A moist, lightly sweet loaf studded with shredded coconut, a favourite Caribbean tea-time bread.

Cultural Background: Coconut bread reflects the abundance of coconut across Saint Lucia, baked into a soft loaf enjoyed with butter at breakfast or with afternoon tea.

Tips: Don’t overmix once the flour is added, or the loaf will turn dense. Toast a little coconut before adding for deeper flavour.

Variations: Add raisins or chopped nuts to the batter; drizzle with a light sugar glaze once cooled.

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

Reheating: Best fresh; warm slices briefly in a low oven or toaster if desired.

Nutrition: Approx. 260 kcal, 4 g protein, 32 g carbohydrate, 13 g fat per slice.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use fresh coconut instead of shredded?

A: Yes, freshly grated coconut works well and gives an authentic texture.

Q: Why did my loaf sink in the middle?

A: This usually means it was underbaked; test with a skewer before removing from the oven.