If you have a sweet tooth and a love for tropical flavors, then you are going to adore this Jamaican Toto Cake Recipe. This traditional Jamaican coconut cake embodies a perfect harmony of warm spices, creamy coconut, and moist, tender crumb that makes every bite a little celebration. With its rich history and delightful texture, this cake is much more than just dessert; it’s an experience that brings the vibrant spirit of Jamaica right into your kitchen. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply as a treat for yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles and a few happy dance moments around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly wonderful about this Jamaican Toto Cake Recipe is how simple and wholesome the ingredients are, yet how much they contribute to the overall magic of the cake. Each item plays a special role—from the creamy butter that keeps the cake moist, to the spices that add warmth, to the shredded coconut providing texture and that unmistakable island touch.
- Butter, ½ cup (room temperature): Using softened butter helps create a light, fluffy texture once creamed with sugars.
- Brown sugar, ½ cup: Adds a deep molasses flavor and moistness to the cake.
- Granulated sugar, ½ cup: Balances sweetness and aids in creating a tender crumb.
- Eggs, 2: Provide structure and richness to the cake batter.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors for that classic bakery aroma.
- Flour, 2 ¾ cups: The base that holds everything together, make sure to sift for a lighter batter.
- Baking powder, 1 tablespoon: Key for a nice rise and fluffy texture.
- Salt, 1 teaspoon: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Cinnamon, 1 teaspoon: Adds a warm, inviting spice note that complements the coconut.
- Ginger, ¼ teaspoon: Subtle heat that gives the cake a gentle kick.
- Nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon: Elevates the spice profile with a fragrant touch.
- Sweetened shredded coconut, 2 cups: The star ingredient lending texture and authentic tropical flavor.
- Evaporated milk, 1 (12 oz) can: Adds creamy richness and moistness.
- Whole milk, ¼ cup: Lightens the batter and improves tenderness.
- Powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon (optional): Perfect for a delicate finishing touch when dusted atop the finished cake.
How to Make Jamaican Toto Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Start by setting your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step ensures your Jamaican Toto Cake will bake evenly and won’t stick, giving you those beautiful edges we all love.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which helps create the perfect moist yet airy texture that Jamaican Toto Cake Recipe is known for.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Combining these wet ingredients now helps to build the structure and inject that lovely aromatic base essential for the cake’s flavor.
Step 4: Sift and Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Sifting not only ensures there are no lumps but also distributes the spices evenly throughout the flour for a consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing at this stage can make the cake tough, so it’s best to stop once you see no more flour streaks.
Step 6: Add Milk and Coconut
Slowly pour in the evaporated milk and whole milk, then carefully fold in the sweetened shredded coconut. This step infuses the cake with that classic creamy moisture and the delightful chewiness of coconut, hallmark traits of this Jamaican treat.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and place it in the oven. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If you notice the top browning too quickly, tent some foil over the cake for the final 10 to 15 minutes to prevent burning.
Step 8: Dust with Powdered Sugar
After removing the cake from the oven, allow it to cool completely. If you like, sprinkle the top lightly with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant finishing touch that contrasts beautifully with the golden-brown surface.
How to Serve Jamaican Toto Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar is classic, but feel free to add a few toasted coconut flakes or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate your presentation. Fresh tropical fruits like mango slices or pineapple chunks also pair wonderfully, adding vibrant color and juicy sweetness.
Side Dishes
This cake shines beautifully on its own but pairs nicely with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea. For a heartier treat, serve alongside a creamy vanilla ice cream or a scoop of mango sorbet to contrast the warm spices with cool, refreshing flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the Jamaican Toto Cake Recipe into small squares and serve as bite-sized treats on a dessert platter during gatherings. You could even layer slices with coconut cream and fresh pineapple for an easy trifle that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Jamaican Toto Cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it moist. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy every last crumb.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this cake! Slice it into portions and wrap each piece securely in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
To bring your Jamaican Toto Cake back to life, warm slices gently in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. This helps restore that freshly-baked feel and enhances the coconut aroma.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut milk or almond milk in place of evaporated and whole milk to keep that tropical vibe while making it dairy-free.
What makes Jamaican Toto Cake different from other coconut cakes?
Jamaican Toto Cake has a unique blend of warm spices and the use of evaporated milk, creating a moist, dense yet tender texture that’s different from typical fluffy or airy coconut cakes. Its rich spice profile is a distinct hallmark.
Can I use fresh coconut instead of shredded sweetened coconut?
Fresh coconut can be used but will alter the sweetness and moisture level, so you might want to add a bit of extra sugar and reduce other liquids slightly to balance the batter properly.
Is this recipe suitable for baking in smaller pans?
Absolutely. Just adjust the baking time accordingly. Thicker cakes might take longer to bake, so always test with a toothpick and keep an eye on the color of the crust to avoid overbaking.
What can I use if I don’t have evaporated milk?
If evaporated milk isn’t available, you can mix regular milk with a little bit of cream or reduce regular milk slightly to mimic its creaminess. This ensures the cake still gets that rich texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this wonderful Jamaican Toto Cake Recipe in your hands, it’s time to bring a little island sunshine into your kitchen. It’s a recipe that’s easy to follow, filled with flavors that comfort and excite at the same time. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to brighten an ordinary day, this cake will become a beloved favorite you’ll return to again and again. So gather those ingredients, fire up your oven, and get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of this delightful Jamaican classic!
Print
Jamaican Toto Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 9×13-inch cake (approximately 12 servings) 1x
Description
This authentic Jamaican Toto Cake recipe features a moist, spiced coconut cake that’s sweet, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Made with a blend of warm spices, shredded coconut, and rich evaporated milk, this traditional dessert is baked to perfection and dusted with powdered sugar for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup whole milk
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 cups sweetened, shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for the batter.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix well until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg to ensure even distribution of spices and leavening agents.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add Milk and Coconut: Slowly pour in the evaporated milk and whole milk while folding in the shredded coconut to create a moist, rich batter.
- Bake: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the cake loosely with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Dust with Sugar: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Dust the top with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature to properly cream with the sugars.
- You can use unsweetened shredded coconut if preferred; adjust sugar accordingly.
- Covering the cake with foil prevents over-browning while allowing the center to bake thoroughly.
- Allow the cake to cool before slicing to ensure clean cuts and preserve texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jamaican
