One of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets is Trinidadian coconut bake, a soft, lightly sweetened bread with versatility and unique coconut flavor.

For many people in Trini, coconut bake is a staple, often served at breakfast or as a snack. It’s rich and perfect to pair with almost anything, from savory fillings to sweet spreads.

Growing up, coconut bake was a regular treat in my home. I loved watching it come out of the oven, warm and aromatic, ready to be enjoyed.

This post is all about what makes coconut bake special, the different ways you can make it, and some delicious ideas for serving it.

What is Coconut Bake?

Coconut bake, also known as “Trini bake” or just “bake,” is a traditional bread made with flour, coconut, and a few simple ingredients to give it a rich, fluffy texture.

It’s usually round or oval-shaped and has a soft, doughy interior with a slightly crisp, golden-brown crust.

You can bake on a flat surface, like a baking sheet, or in a traditional cast iron skillet. It’s a breakfast item in Trinidad and is enjoyed by both locals and visitors.

Coconut bake is sliced and filled with anything from cheese and butter to saltfish making it perfect for any meal of the day.

Traditional Coconut Bake Recipe

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup grated coconut or 1 cup coconut milk (if using coconut milk, reduce the water slightly)
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp butter (softened)
3/4 cup water (adjust as needed)

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. If you’re using grated coconut, mix it in with the dry ingredients.

If you’re using coconut milk instead of grated coconut, add it to the mixture along with the water. The coconut milk gives the bake a richer flavor, while grated coconut gives it a slightly chewier texture.

Add the butter to the mixture and slowly pour in the water, kneading as you go. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but not too wet. Knead it for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic

Shape the dough into a round or oval shape, then cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for about 15 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or cast iron skillet, place the dough on it, and flatten the dough slightly with your hands. Use a fork to prick holes across the surface of the dough, which helps it bake evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bake turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

Serve and Enjoy
Let the bake cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite fillings, spreads, or toppings!

Using Coconut Milk or Fresh Coconut

With Coconut Milk: Coconut milk makes the bake softer and adds a creamier, more subtle coconut flavor.

With coconut milk, reduce the amount of water slightly, as the milk adds enough moisture to the dough. This version is popular for those who like a smooth and softer texture.

With Fresh Grated Coconut: Using freshly grated coconut gives the bake a heartier texture and a more pronounced coconut flavor.

The grated coconut adds a bit of chewiness and a richer coconut taste, making this option perfect for those who love coconut. Grated coconut also gives the bake a rustic texture, adding small bits of coconut throughout the bread.

Both options are delicious, so it’s worth trying each to see which you prefer!

What to Eat with Coconut Bake

Butter and Cheese

A classic way to enjoy coconut bake is to spread it with butter and add a slice of cheese. The butter melts into the warm bread, and the cheese adds a salty contrast that’s hard to resist. This is perfect for breakfast or a quick snack.

Saltfish Buljol

Saltfish Buljol is a popular Trinidadian dish with salted cod, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices. This savory mixture is delicious when stuffed into a slice of coconut bake, offering a burst of flavor and a nice balance to the mildly sweet bread.

Smoked Herring

Smoked herring is another common filling for coconut bake. The smoky, salty taste of the herring complements the sweetness of the bake. It’s sautéed with onions, garlic, and peppers.

Fried Plantain

If you’re looking for a sweeter pairing, fried plantain is an excellent choice. The caramelized sweetness of the plantain enhances the coconut flavor in the bake and makes for a satisfying, tropical-inspired meal.

Jam or Guava Jelly

Try spreading your coconut bake with jam or guava jelly. The fruity flavor complements the coconut perfectly, making it a great choice for breakfast or dessert.

Eggs and Sausage

For a hearty breakfast, you can serve coconut bake with scrambled eggs and sausage. The savory eggs and sausage make for a filling meal, while the slightly sweet coconut bake adds a unique flavor to the classic breakfast combination.

Storing Coconut Bake

Coconut bake is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.

You can also freeze it by wrapping the slices in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, warm it in the oven or toaster.

Wrapping up

Trinidadian coconut bake is a beloved bread that brings the flavors of the Caribbean into your kitchen. Enjoy it with butter, cheese, saltfish, or any filling.