The Caribbean is not only a paradise for beach lovers but also a haven for foodies with a sweet tooth. Caribbean desserts are a delightful fusion of tropical fruits, warm spices, and rich ingredients that reflect the region’s multicultural influences, including African, European, and Indigenous traditions.
From decadent rum-soaked cakes to sweet tropical treats, Caribbean desserts are sure to satisfy any craving for something sweet.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best Caribbean desserts that you must try, each offering a unique taste of the islands.
1. Jamaican Rum Cake (Black Cake)
A Holiday Favorite
Jamaican Rum Cake, also known as Black Cake, is a must-try Caribbean dessert, especially during the holiday season. This rich, dense cake is made with dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, and prunes) soaked for weeks or even months in rum and wine. The soaked fruits are then blended into a batter flavored with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
The result is a moist, dark cake with a deep, spiced flavor and a hint of rum. Black cake is traditionally enjoyed at Christmas, weddings, and other special occasions, but you can find it year-round at bakeries and celebrations throughout the Caribbean.
Key Ingredients:
- Dried fruits (raisins, currants, prunes)
- Dark rum and red wine
- Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice)
Where to Try: Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and other English-speaking Caribbean islands, especially during the holiday season.
Fun Fact: Many families have their own closely-guarded recipes for black cake, passed down through generations.
2. Barbadian Sweet Bread
Coconut-Lover’s Delight
Barbadian Sweet Bread, or Bajan Sweet Bread, is a beloved dessert in Barbados. This sweet, dense bread is made with grated coconut, raisins, and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. It’s often baked with a coconut topping, adding extra sweetness and texture.
Sweet bread is commonly served during the Christmas season, but it’s also enjoyed year-round as a snack or dessert. The combination of coconut and spice gives this treat a unique Caribbean flavor, perfect for pairing with a cup of tea or coffee.
Key Ingredients:
- Grated coconut
- Raisins and dried fruits
- Spices (nutmeg, cinnamon)
Where to Try: Barbados, particularly at local bakeries and markets.
Fun Fact: Bajan sweet bread is also called “coconut bread” in some parts of the Caribbean.
3. Trinidadian Coconut Drops
A Simple but Satisfying Treat
Coconut Drops are a popular dessert in Trinidad and Tobago, loved for their simple yet satisfying combination of grated coconut, flour, sugar, and spices. These small, drop-shaped cookies are baked until golden, with a chewy texture and a rich coconut flavor.
The addition of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg gives these treats a cozy flavor, making them a perfect snack to enjoy with tea or coffee. Coconut drops are a staple at Trinidadian family gatherings, especially during holidays.
Key Ingredients:
- Fresh grated coconut
- Sugar and flour
- Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg)
Where to Try: Trinidad and Tobago – Find them at local bakeries and food markets.
Fun Fact: Coconut drops are easy to make at home and are often prepared in large batches for sharing during special occasions.
4. Bahamian Guava Duff
A Sweet, Fruity Classic
Guava Duff is one of the most famous desserts in the Bahamas, a sweet and fruity dish that showcases the tropical flavors of guava. The dessert consists of guava puree rolled into a soft dough, which is then steamed or boiled. Once cooked, it is typically served with a rich butter-rum or vanilla sauce that complements the sweetness of the guava.
The combination of the warm, fruity guava filling and the decadent sauce makes guava duff a comforting and indulgent treat. It’s often enjoyed at Bahamian celebrations and holidays.
Key Ingredients:
- Fresh or canned guava
- Flour and butter for the dough
- Butter-rum or vanilla sauce
Where to Try: Nassau, Bahamas – Guava duff is a staple at Bahamian restaurants and homes, especially during celebrations.
Fun Fact: Making guava duff is considered a culinary art in the Bahamas, with families often passing down their recipes through generations.
5. Cuban Flan
A Silky, Caramel Delight
Cuban Flan is a silky, custard-based dessert topped with a rich caramel sauce. This dessert has roots in Spain but has become a favorite across the Caribbean, with Cuba being especially famous for its version. Cuban flan is made with eggs, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk, giving it a rich, creamy texture.
The key to a great flan is the caramel sauce, which is made by melting sugar until it becomes golden and syrupy. The flan is baked in the caramel-lined mold, absorbing its sweetness and creating a beautiful contrast between the creamy custard and the rich caramel.
Key Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Caramel sauce (melted sugar)
Where to Try: Havana, Cuba – Flan is a staple dessert in Cuban households and restaurants.
Fun Fact: Flan is a versatile dessert and can be flavored with vanilla, coconut, or even coffee, depending on the region.
6. Grenadian Nutmeg Ice Cream
A Cool and Spicy Treat
Grenada is known as the “Spice Isle” of the Caribbean, and Nutmeg Ice Cream is a delicious way to enjoy one of the island’s most famous exports. This creamy, spiced ice cream is made with fresh nutmeg, which gives it a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the cool, refreshing texture of ice cream.
Nutmeg ice cream is often served at local festivals, restaurants, and ice cream parlors across Grenada, offering a unique dessert experience that highlights the island’s signature spice.
Key Ingredients:
- Fresh grated nutmeg
- Milk, cream, and sugar for the ice cream base
Where to Try: St. George’s, Grenada – Look for it at local ice cream shops and restaurants.
Fun Fact: Nutmeg, which grows abundantly in Grenada, was once considered so valuable that wars were fought over its control during the colonial period.
7. Dominican Habichuelas con Dulce
Sweet Bean Dessert
Habichuelas con Dulce is a unique dessert from the Dominican Republic, made with sweetened red beans, coconut milk, evaporated milk, and sugar, flavored with cinnamon and cloves. This dessert is typically enjoyed during the Easter season, but its rich and creamy texture makes it a treat year-round.
While beans may seem like an unusual ingredient for a dessert, in this dish, they are cooked down to create a smooth, sweet pudding-like consistency. Habichuelas con dulce is often served cold and garnished with cookies or crackers.
Key Ingredients:
- Red beans
- Coconut milk and evaporated milk
- Spices (cinnamon, cloves)
Where to Try: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – Served during Easter and in traditional restaurants.
Fun Fact: Habichuelas con dulce is a beloved Easter tradition in the Dominican Republic, with families often preparing large batches to share with neighbors and friends.
8. Puerto Rican Tembleque
A Creamy Coconut Pudding
Tembleque is a creamy coconut pudding that is a staple dessert in Puerto Rican cuisine. Made with coconut milk, sugar, and cornstarch, this dessert has a smooth, silky texture and a rich coconut flavor. Tembleque is typically flavored with cinnamon and sometimes garnished with toasted coconut or nutmeg.
Its name comes from the Spanish word “temblar,” meaning “to shake,” which describes the pudding’s jiggle when served. Tembleque is a simple yet delicious dessert, perfect for cooling down after a spicy Puerto Rican meal.
Key Ingredients:
- Coconut milk
- Sugar and cornstarch
- Cinnamon
Where to Try: San Juan, Puerto Rico – A common dessert served at family gatherings and local eateries.
Fun Fact: Tembleque is often served during Christmas and holiday celebrations in Puerto Rico, but it’s enjoyed year-round.
9. Trinidadian Pineapple Chow
A Sweet and Spicy Fruit Treat
Pineapple Chow is a popular street food snack in Trinidad and Tobago, made with fresh pineapple chunks marinated in lime juice, salt, garlic, and hot peppers. While chow is typically considered a savory snack, its sweet and spicy flavor combination makes it a favorite among locals with a sweet tooth.
Pineapple chow is a refreshing, tangy treat perfect for a hot day, and its spicy kick gives it an extra layer of excitement. This dish can also be made with other fruits like mango or watermelon, depending on the season.
Key Ingredients:
- Fresh pineapple chunks
- Lime juice, garlic, and hot peppers
Where to Try: Port of Spain, Trinidad – Find it at local street food stalls or markets.
Fun Fact: “Chow” is a method of preparing fruit in Trinidad and Tobago, where the fruit is marinated with savory and spicy seasonings.
10. Jamaican Gizzada
A Sweet Coconut Tart
Gizzada, also known as Pinch-Me-Round, is a traditional Jamaican dessert made from a sweet coconut filling baked in a buttery, crispy pastry shell. The filling is flavored with brown sugar, ginger, and nutmeg, giving it a rich, caramelized flavor with a hint of spice.
The name “pinch-me-round” comes from the way the edges of the pastry are pinched into a decorative shape, making the tart as beautiful as it is delicious. Gizzada is often enjoyed as a snack or dessert and is a popular street food treat in Jamaica.
Key Ingredients:
- Grated coconut
- Brown sugar, ginger, and nutmeg
- Pastry dough
Where to Try: Kingston, Jamaica – Gizzada is widely available at bakeries and street vendors.
Fun Fact: Gizzada has its roots in Portuguese and Jewish influences on Jamaican cuisine, brought to the island during colonial times.
Conclusion
Caribbean desserts are a celebration of the region’s tropical ingredients, cultural influences, and rich culinary heritage. From the coconut-laden sweets of Barbados and Trinidad to the rum-soaked cakes of Jamaica and the Bahamas, these desserts offer a delicious way to explore the islands’ flavors. Whether you’re indulging in a slice of black cake or enjoying a scoop of nutmeg ice cream, these treats are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving more.
FAQ
What is the most popular dessert in the Caribbean?
Jamaican Rum Cake (Black Cake) is one of the most popular and iconic Caribbean desserts, especially during the Christmas season.
What are some traditional Caribbean desserts made with coconut?
Popular Caribbean coconut desserts include Tembleque from Puerto Rico, Bajan Sweet Bread from Barbados, Coconut Drops from Trinidad, and Gizzada from Jamaica.
Are there any Caribbean desserts made with tropical fruits?
Yes, Caribbean desserts often feature tropical fruits. Some examples include Bahamian Guava Duff, Trinidadian Pineapple Chow, and Dominican Habichuelas con Dulce, which can be garnished with tropical fruit.
What is the main ingredient in Puerto Rican Tembleque?
The main ingredient in Tembleque is coconut milk, which gives the dessert its creamy texture and rich coconut flavor.
Where can I try Caribbean desserts in local settings?
Many Caribbean desserts can be found at local bakeries, street food stalls, and family-owned restaurants across the islands. For the freshest and most authentic experience, try desserts at local markets and during festivals or celebrations.