Jamaican Grater Cake
A sweet, chewy, and vibrant confection made primarily from grated coconut, sugar, and spices, often colored pink or red. It's a traditional Jamaican sweet treat, perfect for celebrations or as an everyday indulgence.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 cups Shredded coconut(unsweetened, fresh or frozen (thawed))
- 2 cups Granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup Water
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoon Red food coloring(or to desired color)
- 0.5 cup Optional: Chopped nuts(e.g., peanuts or almonds)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large saucepan, combine the shredded coconut, granulated sugar, and water. Stir well to combine.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 2
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan. This will take about 15-20 minutes.
⏱️ 20 minutes💡 Tip: Be patient and stir continuously to prevent scorching. - 3
Remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and red food coloring until evenly distributed.
⏱️ 1 minute - 4
If using, fold in the chopped nuts.
⏱️ 1 minute - 5
Quickly spread the mixture onto a greased baking sheet or a piece of parchment paper. Press down firmly and evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
💡 Tip: Work quickly as the mixture will start to set. - 6
Allow to cool completely, then cut into squares or desired shapes.
⏱️ 30 minutes💡 Tip: For cleaner cuts, you can score the grater cake while it's still slightly warm.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using fresh coconut will yield the best flavor and texture.
- ✓Adjust the amount of food coloring to achieve your preferred shade of pink or red.
- ✓Ensure the mixture is cooked to the correct consistency; if it's too wet, it won't set properly.
🔄 Variations
- Add a few drops of almond extract for a different flavor profile.
- Incorporate a small amount of grated ginger for a subtle spicy kick.