Barbados Sugar Cakes are a beloved traditional treat throughout the Caribbean, particularly in Barbados. These delightful sweets, made with just a few simple ingredients like grated coconut, sugar, and water, often feature a hint of nutmeg or vanilla to enhance their flavor. Their sweet, crumbly texture and subtle nutty taste make them a perfect snack to share with friends and family.

Originating in Barbados, these sugar cakes hold a rich cultural significance, reflecting the island’s long history with the sugarcane industry. The use of coconut and sugar highlights the region’s agricultural abundance, and the recipe has been lovingly passed down through generations, becoming a staple in Barbadian cuisine. Popular as a street food, Barbados Sugar Cakes are enjoyed by people of all ages across the Caribbean, appreciated for their unique texture and satisfying sweetness.

Crafting Barbados Sugar Cakes is a straightforward yet precise process. The mixture of grated coconut, sugar, and water is slowly heated with constant stirring to achieve a thick, fudge-like consistency. Once formed into small, round shapes and allowed to cool and harden, these cakes are ready to enjoy. They are a healthier dessert option, offering dietary fiber without any cholesterol, and their natural ingredients make them a guilt-free indulgence. The nutty coconut flavor paired with the caramelized sweetness ensures that these cakes are a hit with anyone who tries them.

Here's a step-by-step method for making Barbados Sugar Cakes:

Ingredients:

- 2 cups grated coconut

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- 1/2 cup water

- 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg (optional)

- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Method:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated coconut, sugar, and water.

2. Add the nutmeg and vanilla extract (if using) and mix well.

3. Transfer the mixture to a heavy-bottomed saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has completely dissolved.

4. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan.

5. Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.

6. Grease a baking sheet with butter or cooking spray.

7. Use a spoon or cookie scoop to form the mixture into small, round cakes and place them on the greased baking sheet.

8. Allow the cakes to cool completely and harden before serving.

Notes:

- Stir the mixture constantly while cooking to prevent it from burning or sticking to the pan.

- If the mixture becomes too thick and hard to work with, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

- These cakes can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Nutrition Value:

One serving (1 cake) of Barbados Sugar Cakes contains approximately:

• Calories: 160
• Total fat: 8g
• Saturated fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 5mg
• Total carbohydrate: 22g
• Dietary fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 21g
• Protein: 1g

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients listed:

1. 2 Cups Grated Coconut

• Calories: 680 kcal
• Total Fat: 64 g
• Saturated Fat: 57.6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Dietary Fiber: 16 g
• Sugars: 6 g
• Protein: 6 g

benefits:

• Rich in fiber, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
• Contains healthy fats, including medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which may boost brain health.
• High in manganese, which is important for bone health and metabolism.

2. 1 Cup Granulated Sugar

• Calories: 774 kcal
• Total Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 200 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0 g
• Sugars: 200 g
• Protein: 0 g

benefits:

• Provides a quick source of energy.
• Should be consumed in moderation to avoid negative effects on blood sugar levels and overall health.

3. 1/2 Cup Water

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Total Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0 g
• Sugars: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g

benefits:

• Essential for hydration and overall bodily functions.
• Helps maintain a healthy weight and improves digestion.

4. 1/4 Teaspoon Grated Nutmeg (Optional)

• Calories: 3 kcal
• Total Fat: 0.2 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.01 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 0.5 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.3 g
• Sugars: 0.1 g
• Protein: 0.1 g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may benefit heart health.
• May have antimicrobial properties.

5. 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Optional)

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Total Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 0.3 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0 g
• Sugars: 0.3 g
• Protein: 0 g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants that help protect your body from damage caused by harmful molecules known as free radicals.
• May have anti-inflammatory properties.

Enjoy your delicious Barbados Sugar Cakes!