Get ready to transport your taste buds to the heart of the Caribbean with this unforgettable Jamaican Toto Cake Recipe! This classic, coconut-laden dessert is pure comfort—in every moist, spiced bite, you’ll find the flavors of golden sunshine and island breezes. Whether you grew up with this classic at Sunday dinners or it’s your very first slice, Toto Cake’s intoxicating blend of coconut, spices, and just the right touch of sweetness will make you fall head-over-heels in love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Jamaican Toto Cake Recipe is in its simplicity—humble pantry staples come together for a cake that’s nothing short of spectacular. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to give the cake its signature crumb, deep flavor, and that irresistible aroma that will have everyone lining up for seconds.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, providing a soft but sturdy crumb that soaks up all those delicious coconut flavors.
- Shredded unsweetened coconut: Toasty, rich coconut is the star, bringing natural sweetness, bite, and that tropical spark.
- Brown sugar: Deep, caramelly notes layer extra warmth and a hint of richness into every bite.
- Granulated sugar: Ensures just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the spices.
- Baking powder: Gives the cake its lift and fluff—don’t skip it for that perfect texture!
- Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to guarantee an even rise and that tender crumb.
- Salt: A tiny pinch that amplifies every flavor, making the sweet and spice pop.
- Ground nutmeg: Signature Jamaican spice brings a toasty, slightly nutty warmth to the cake.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds coziness and depth, perfect for rounding out the coconut flavor.
- Ground allspice: A kiss of clove and pepper that whispers classic Caribbean charm.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Gives Toto that buttery lushness, ensuring every bite is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Coconut milk: Dials up the coconut flavor and keeps the cake unbelievably moist—use full-fat for maximum richness.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness, giving structure and a beautiful golden color.
- Vanilla extract: Lends floral sweetness, enhancing every other ingredient.
- Almond extract (optional): For a subtle nutty aroma that’s absolutely dreamy with coconut—just a splash goes a long way!
How to Make Jamaican Toto Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by setting up for success! Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get an 8-inch square baking pan ready with a little grease or a snug parchment paper lining. This ensures your Jamaican Toto Cake Recipe slips right out after baking, with flawless, golden edges. There’s nothing quite like the anticipation of toasty coconut in the air as the oven preheats!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, shredded coconut, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice. The aroma at this stage is already mouthwatering—and properly combining these dry ingredients guarantees that those warming spices and coconut will be evenly distributed throughout your Toto Cake.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, blend together the melted butter, rich coconut milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re feeling extra fancy. Smooth, creamy, and fragrant, this mixture forms the luxurious liquid base that turns simple flour and sugar into something magical.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Grab your spatula and gently stir until everything is just combined—do not overmix! The secret to a perfect Jamaican Toto Cake Recipe crumb lies in keeping the batter tender and not overworked. You want a thick, scoopable batter that’s rich with coconut.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Scrape the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with the back of your spoon or spatula. Slide it into your hot oven and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The kitchen will fill with the sweet scent of coconut and spice—pure island nostalgia!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the Toto cake cool in its pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This little patience saves you from a crumbly mess and ensures the flavors settle beautifully. Serve plain for tradition, or dust with powdered sugar for a bit of pizzazz.
How to Serve Jamaican Toto Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Classic Jamaican Toto shines all on its own, but a simple dusting of powdered sugar gives it a beautiful finish. You can also scatter a little extra toasted coconut on top or drizzle with a touch of condensed milk for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
Pair each square of this cake with a cup of hot, spiced tea or smooth coffee. In Jamaica, Toto is often enjoyed at breakfast or tea time, making it a delightful companion for warm beverages or even a splash of coconut-flavored rum for a grown-up treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the Jamaican Toto Cake Recipe into bite-sized cubes and threading them with fresh pineapple and mango for a Caribbean-style dessert platter! Alternatively, serve caramelized bananas alongside for a tropical twist, or top individual pieces with a scoop of coconut ice cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Jamaican Toto Cake Recipe moist and flavorful, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It actually improves a bit overnight, as the flavors have more time to mingle!
Freezing
Toto cake freezes like a dream! Once completely cool, wrap whole or sliced cake securely in two layers of plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When the craving hits, thaw at room temperature—just as moist and delicious as the day you baked it.
Reheating
To bring your Jamaican Toto Cake Recipe back to its “just-baked” softness, pop a slice into the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes. The coconut aroma comes right back to life!
FAQs
Can I use sweetened coconut instead of unsweetened?
You can use sweetened coconut if that’s what you have on hand, but the cake will turn out sweeter and slightly moister. You may wish to reduce the granulated sugar by a few tablespoons to keep the balance just right.
What does Jamaican Toto Cake Recipe taste like?
It’s a merry dance of coconut, brown sugar, and warming spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, all tucked into an unbelievably moist crumb. The flavor is tropical and comforting with a taste that instantly transports you to the islands!
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure, so your Jamaican Toto Cake Recipe holds together nicely.
Can I add raisins or rum to the batter?
For a fun twist, you can fold in a handful of raisins tossed in a little flour (to prevent sinking), or add a splash of dark Jamaican rum with the wet ingredients for some real island flair—both are traditional and delicious!
Do I need to use both brown and granulated sugars?
Using both sugars gives depth and complexity: brown sugar for its gentle molasses flavor, and granulated sugar for sweetness and texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can use all of one kind, but the classic combination is hard to beat!
Final Thoughts
I hope you treat yourself to baking this Jamaican Toto Cake Recipe and share it with someone special. Honestly, it’s such a joyful cake—cozy, fragrant, and a proud Jamaican classic that deserves a spot in every dessert rotation. Give it a try, and let a little island magic brighten up your day!
Print
Jamaican Toto Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and flavorful Jamaican Toto Cake, a delightful dessert that perfectly blends coconut and warm spices. This moist and aromatic cake is a traditional favorite in Jamaican cuisine, offering a taste of the Caribbean in every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8-inch square baking pan.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients together.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, combine the melted butter, coconut milk, eggs, and extracts.
- Combine the mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Bake: Transfer the batter to the pan and bake for 40–45 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool before serving plain or dusted with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Traditionally made with freshly grated coconut, packaged unsweetened coconut can be used.
- Enhance the flavor with a splash of dark rum or raisins.
- Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Caribbean, Jamaican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
