Indulge your senses with the irresistible flavors of Jamaican Easter Bun Bread, a delightful treat that embodies the spirit of celebration! This rich, spiced loaf, studded with plump, rum-soaked dried fruits, is perfect for sharing with family and friends during the Easter festivities. Imagine the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through your kitchen as you bake this scrumptious bread, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Whether you're looking to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a slice of paradise, this recipe will have you coming back for seconds. Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport you straight to the heart of Jamaica? Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup mixed dried fruits
- 1/4 cup rum
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Soak the mixed dried fruits in rum for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the fruits to absorb the rum and become plump and flavorful.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and allspice to ensure even distribution of spices.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer or by hand.
- Add the egg to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until well combined and smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Drain the rum-soaked fruits and fold them gently into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the bun bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice and serve. Optional: Brush with additional rum or glaze for extra moisture and flavor.
Tips
- Soaking the Fruits: For the best flavor, soak the mixed dried fruits in rum for at least 2 hours, or even overnight if you have the time. This allows the fruits to absorb the rum, enhancing their sweetness and giving the bread a delicious kick.
- Sifting Dry Ingredients: Don’t skip sifting the flour and spices together! This step helps to aerate the flour and evenly distribute the baking powder and spices, resulting in a lighter, fluffier bread.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and egg are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend more easily into the batter, creating a smoother texture.
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so a few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the baking time! Start checking for doneness at 45 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready to be enjoyed!
- Glazing for Extra Flavor: For a touch of extra moisture and flavor, consider brushing the cooled bread with a bit more rum or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- Storage: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 40mg
