If you’re craving a dessert that’s rich, comforting, and full of flavor, Jamaican Toto Cake is the one to try. This traditional Caribbean treat is moist, tender, and infused with warm spices and shredded coconut. It’s simple to make, wonderfully aromatic, and guaranteed to bring a taste of the islands right to your kitchen.
Jamaican Toto Cake
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter, room temperature | 1/2 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Flour | 2 3/4 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Ginger | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Nutmeg | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Sweetened, shredded coconut | 2 cups |
| Evaporated milk | 1 (12 oz) can |
| Whole milk | 1/4 cup |
| Powdered sugar | 1 tablespoon (for dusting, optional) |
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prep Dish: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Add Milk & Coconut: Slowly pour in the evaporated milk and whole milk, mixing until smooth. Fold in the shredded coconut until evenly blended.
- Bake the Cake: Spread the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last 10–15 minutes.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
This Jamaican Toto Cake is soft, spiced, and coconut-rich—the kind of dessert that instantly transports you to the Caribbean. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or just when you need something sweet and special.
