How To Make Trinidad Moist Currants Roll?

Currants Roll is a beloved Trinidadian pastry that brings back childhood memories for many of us.

It’s the perfect treat for holidays, family gatherings, or just when you’re craving something sweet and satisfying.

I grew up watching my grandmother make currants roll, and to this day, the smell of it baking brings warmth to my heart.

Here, I’ll walk you through a simple and easy-to-follow recipe for making a moist Trinidad Currants Roll, complete with tips and answers to common questions.

What Is Trini Currents Roll?

Currants Roll is a traditional Trinidadian pastry filled with sweet and spiced currants. Currants are small dried fruits similar to raisins but with a slightly tangier taste.

These delightful treats are made by rolling currants with sugar and spices inside a buttery, flaky pastry dough and baking it to golden perfection.

The result is a crisp outside and a moist, fruity filling that pairs perfectly with tea or coffee.

How Do You Make Trinidad Moist Currants Roll?

Below is a step-by-step recipe to help you create your own moist and delicious currants roll at home.

Ingredients:

For the Pastry:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ½ cup cold water

For the Filling:

• 1 cup dried currants
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup melted butter (to help keep the filling moist)

Instructions:

Prepare the Pastry:

In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar.

Add the cubed butter and rub it into the flour mixture using your fingers or a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until a dough forms.

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to chill.

Prepare the Filling:

In a bowl, combine the currants, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.

Pour the melted butter over the mixture and stir until the currants are well coated.

Roll Out the Dough:

Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin.

Roll out the chilled dough into a rectangular shape, about ¼ inch thick.

Add the Filling:

Spread the currant mixture evenly across the surface of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.

Roll and Seal:

Carefully roll the dough into a log, starting from one of the longer sides.

Pinch the seams and ends to seal the roll.

Bake:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Place the roll on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush the top with melted butter.

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool and Serve:

Allow the currants roll to cool before slicing into thick pieces. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature!

Tips for Making Moist Currants Roll

Want to make sure your currants roll is perfectly moist? Here are some helpful tips:

Use Fresh Currants:
Stale currants can be dry and tough. Soak them in warm water for 10 minutes if they feel too dry, then drain before mixing with the filling ingredients.

Don’t Skip the Butter:
Adding melted butter to the filling helps keep the currants juicy and prevents them from drying out during baking.

Chill the Dough:
Cold pastry dough creates a flakier texture that retains moisture better. Make sure your dough is well chilled before rolling it out.

Seal the Edges Properly:
Ensure the roll is tightly sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out while baking. This also helps trap moisture inside.

Brush with Butter:
Brushing the top of the roll with melted butter before baking adds moisture and a beautiful golden color.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use raisins instead of currants?

Absolutely! Raisins are a great substitute if currants are not available. You can also mix raisins and dried cranberries for a fun twist.

2. How do I store currants roll?

Store sliced currants roll in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months.

3. Can I make the pastry dough in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out.

4. How do I reheat currants roll?

To reheat, place slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds until warmed through.

5. What can I serve with currants roll?

Currants roll pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or even a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert twist.

Making Trinidad moist currants roll is easier than you might think, and the result is a heavenly pastry filled with fruity goodness. With simple ingredients and a few key tips, you can enjoy this traditional treat in the comfort of your home.

More Trini Desserts Recipes

• Moist Trini Marble Sponge Cake
• Trinidad Soursop Punch Recipe
• Trinidad Coconut Sweet Bread
• Trinidad Sweet Rice Recipe
• Trinidad Cassava Pone Recipe