Barbados Sweet Bread is a beloved Caribbean delicacy known for its dense texture and delightful sweetness. This traditional bread features a blend of coconut, nutmeg, and cinnamon, creating a unique flavor profile that's perfect for breakfast or as a tasty snack any time of day.

Barbados Sweet Bread holds deep roots in Barbadian culinary heritage, cherished for generations as a staple comfort food. Influenced by the island's rich cultural tapestry, this bread reflects the fusion of African, British, and indigenous Caribbean flavors. Its popularity extends beyond local kitchens, making it a favored export for those seeking a taste of the Caribbean's culinary diversity.

Here is a step-by-step method for making Barbados Sweet Bread:

Ingredients:

1- 4 cups of all-purpose flour

2- 2 cups of granulated sugar

3- 1 cup of vegetable oil

4- 1 cup of coconut milk

5- 4 large eggs

6- 1 tablespoon of baking powder

7- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

8- 1/2 teaspoon of grated nutmeg

9- 1/2 teaspoon of salt

10- 1 cup of raisins

11- 1/2 cup of chopped pecans (optional)

Method:

1- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).

2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

3- Add the vegetable oil, coconut milk, and eggs to the dry ingredients, and mix until the batter is smooth.

4- Fold in the raisins and pecans (if using).

5- Grease a large loaf pan or two medium-sized loaf pans with cooking spray or butter.

6- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan(s).

7- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8- Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before removing it from the pan(s).

9- Serve the bread warm or at room temperature, sliced and spread with butter or cream cheese.

Note:

1- You can customize this recipe by adding different types of nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, or dried fruit, such as cranberries or apricots.

2- You can also use a combination of coconut milk and regular milk for a milder coconut flavor.

Nutrition Value:

1. 4 cups of all-purpose flour:

  - Calories: Approximately 1568 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 332 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 44 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 4 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 40 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin)

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of iron and calcium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides energy from carbohydrates and a moderate amount of protein, along with some essential vitamins and minerals.

2. 2 cups of granulated sugar:

  - Calories: Approximately 1544 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 400 grams

  - Protein: None

  - Fat: None

  - Sodium: Approximately 8 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: None

  - Minerals: None

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides sweetness and energy from carbohydrates, but low in essential nutrients.

3. 1 cup of vegetable oil:

  - Calories: Approximately 1927 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: None

  - Protein: None

  - Fat: Approximately 218 grams

  - Sodium: None

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin E

  - Minerals: None

  - Nutritional Benefit: High in calories and fat, provides energy and essential fatty acids.

4. 1 cup of coconut milk:

  - Calories: Approximately 552 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 13 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 5 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 57 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 32 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin C, vitamin E, and B vitamins (folate, niacin)

  - Minerals: Contains iron, magnesium, potassium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Rich in healthy fats, provides some protein, vitamins, and minerals.

5. 4 large eggs:

  - Calories: Approximately 280 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 2 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 28 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 19 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 280 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 948 milligrams

  - Vitamins: Rich in vitamin B12, riboflavin, and vitamin D

  - Minerals: Contains iron and phosphorus

  - Nutritional Benefit: Excellent source of high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals.

6. 1 tablespoon of baking powder:

  - Calories: Approximately 5 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 1 gram

  - Protein: None

  - Fat: None

  - Sodium: Approximately 488 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: None

  - Minerals: None

  - Nutritional Benefit: Acts as a leavening agent in baking, helps dough and batter rise.

7. 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon:

  - Calories: Approximately 6 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 2 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 0.1 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 0.1 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 0.3 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamin K

  - Minerals: Contains calcium, iron, and manganese

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and aroma, and contains some antioxidants.

8. 1/2 teaspoon of grated nutmeg:

  - Calories: Approximately 6 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 0.6 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 0.1 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 0.4 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 0.1 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C

  - Minerals: Contains calcium, potassium, and magnesium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and aroma, and may have medicinal properties in traditional medicine.

9. 1/2 teaspoon of salt:

  - Calories: Approximately 0 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 0 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 0 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 0 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 1150 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: None

  - Minerals: Contains sodium and chloride

  - Nutritional Benefit: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness, but should be used in moderation due to high sodium content.

10. 1 cup of raisins:

  - Calories: Approximately 493 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 131 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 4 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 1 gram

  - Sodium: Approximately 12 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin)

  - Minerals: Contains potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides natural sweetness, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.

11. 1/2 cup of chopped pecans (optional):

  - Calories: Approximately 410 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 10 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 5 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 42 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 0 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin E and B vitamins (folate, niacin)

  - Minerals: Contains magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and copper

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds crunch, flavor, and healthy fats, along with vitamins and minerals.

These values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Barbados Sweet Bread is a delicious and unique bread that is perfect for any occasion. With its sweet and nutty flavor, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.