Sweet Bread (Christmas Cake)(Virgin Islands Native Recipe)
A rich, spiced holiday sweet bread from the Virgin Islands, featuring fragrant cinnamon, mace, and citrus peel. Filled with dried fruits and nuts, it embodies festive warmth and Caribbean flavor, perfect for Christmas celebrations and special gatherings with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 yeast cake ⓘ
- 1 cup warm water ⓘ
- 3 lb. flour ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 4 tsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 1/4 lb. shortening ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. sugar ⓘ
- 6 eggs ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. currants ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. raisins ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. prunes ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. citron ⓘ
- 1 tsp. mace
- 1/4 tsp. cloves ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg ⓘ
- 4 tsp. orange peel ⓘ
- 1 quart hot milk ⓘ
- 2 oz. bitter almonds
Instructions
- Dissolve the yeast cake into 1 cup of warm water.
- Add enough flour to make a stiff batter, then add 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon; beat until smooth.
- Cover and set to rise.
- Cream the shortening and sugar together.
- Add eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture.
- Add the prepared yeast mixture and salt.
- Stir in the currants, raisins, prunes, citron, and bitter almonds, beating well.
- Sift the flour with spices (cinnamon, mace, cloves, nutmeg), then add alternately with hot milk, beating until light.
- Stir in the orange peel and nuts.
- Pour the batter into greased tins and allow to rise until doubled in size.
- Brush the risen bread with syrup made of brown sugar and water before baking.
- Bake at 375°F for approximately 45 minutes.
- Brush the bread with syrup again after baking for a shiny glaze.
- For the Christmas touch, add 1/4 cup of cherry cordial or guavaberry liquor to the batter before baking.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or substituting some of the sugar with honey for a richer sweetness. If you don't have bitter almonds, regular almonds can be used, but be sure to chop them finely. For a fun twist, try adding a handful of chocolate chips or dried cranberries alongside the fruits. Remember to keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens may vary.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this festive sweet bread with a side of fresh fruit or a light spread of cream cheese for breakfast or brunch. It pairs beautifully with Herbed Green Pea Soup for a heartier meal. For a delightful dessert, consider drizzling it with a warm chocolate sauce or serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A cup of spiced tea or coffee complements the flavors perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sweet bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, slice and warm individual pieces in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This helps to retain the bread's moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Bread (Christmas Cake)(Virgin Islands Native Recipe) contains roughly 1572 calories, with 14g protein, 163g carbohydrates, and 117g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (201% of the Daily Value), iron (95% of the Daily Value), and calcium (72% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 978mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of a yeast cake?
Yes, you can use instant yeast as a substitute for yeast cake. Use about 2 teaspoons of instant yeast in place of the yeast cake, and mix it directly with the dry ingredients rather than dissolving it in water. This will save you some time and still yield a delicious, fluffy bread.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of this sweet bread, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or add 1 teaspoon for better texture. Keep in mind that the bread may have a slightly different texture but will still be delightful and festive.
What can I use instead of shortening?
If you prefer not to use shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. Both options will add a rich flavor and help create a moist texture. Just remember to soften the butter before creaming it with sugar for the best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).