Jamaica is of course famous for its curries and jerk dishes, but there are also a selection of desserts common to our culture. I have made vegan gluten-free recipes for all the popular Jamaican desserts, plus a few more that aren’t necessarily Jamaican in origin but are commonly made there or heavily feature tropical ingredients.
Jamaican desserts are a richly delicious experience, with most featuring an assortment of spices commonly used in Jamaican cuisine, and various starches normally eaten on a daily basis.
My Best Jamaican Desserts
If you are wanting to add something new to your dessert menu, or have an old favorite you’d like to make vegan or gluten-free, I know you will enjoy my Jamaican dessert recipes.
For those who are only vegan, and not gluten-free, you can just use all purpose flour in place of gluten-free flours and starches.
Jamaican Spice Bun
Jamaican spice bun is a sweet bread that is very popular in Jamaica, It is moist, with warm spices and plump dried fruits. I’m so excited to share with you my vegan, gluten-free version of this Jamaican staple.
Jamaican Fruit Cake (Christmas Cake)
A delicious and rich version of Jamaican Fruit Cake that is especially popular around Christmas. it is vegan, gluten-free, and alcohol-free with an amazing taste and moist texture!
Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding
This Jamaican sweet potato pudding recipe is a vegan spin on this popular dessert enjoyed in Jamaica and the Caribbean throughout the year. It is very moist, rich, and indulgent!
Gizzada
Gizzada is a perfect blend of flaky shell pastry and soft, chewy, and sweet filling. It is a delicious dish that works perfectly well as a dessert and a snack. It is also a perfect gift for holidays and Christmas.
Jamaican Cornmeal Pudding
Jamaican Cornmeal Pudding also called cornmeal pone is a flavorful Jamaican dessert made from cornmeal, coconut milk, raisins, and spices.
It has a firm pudding consistency with a sweet and creamy coconut custard topping. Cornmeal pudding is a staple dessert in Jamaica and throughout the Caribbean.
Jamaican Hummingbird Muffins
These delicious Hummingbird Muffins are the perfect breakfast or dessert treat. They contain juicy pineapple, bananas, and crunchy pecans. They are also vegan and gluten-free!
Jamaican Coconut Drops
Jamaican coconut drops are a traditional Jamaican dessert that is a perfect treat for every occasion. These are sweet, chewy, and full of unique texture. The soft and chewy coconut pieces and the gummy texture of the toffee are utterly divine.
Jamaican Peanut Drops
Peanut drops are a very popular Jamaican snack. You will find it in most households. It is not just flavorful but is also quite easy to make. Once you try it out, I bet you won’t be able to keep your hands off it.
It is particularly perfect for someone who has a sweet tooth. These drops are an ideal snack to satisfy an untimely sugar craving.
Baked Plantains
These juicy baked plantains are a delight, they are sweet, melt in your mouth and healthy. Baked in the oven compared to traditional frying, this is comfort food at its best, served as a side, dessert or snack.
Jamaican Bulla
Jamaican bulla cakes are a perfect snack for you and your family. If you have a sweet tooth, you will love these cakes. These are not just easy to make but are gluten-free and vegan. Furthermore, they are a super healthy snack.
Jamaican Coconut Bread
Vegan Coconut Bread is a moist sweet bread with lots of coconut flakes and coconut milk for a delicious authentic coconut flavor. This recipe is also gluten-free.
Cassava Pone
This Vegan Jamaican Cassava Pone is a non-dairy version of the popular Jamaican dessert, like Vegan Jamaican Cornmeal Pudding. It is incredibly flavorful and easy to prepare. Cassava, also known as yuca, is grated and mixed with coconut milk, sugar, spices, and baked until bubbly and golden brown.
Tamarind Balls
Tamarind balls are a tasty, healthy, and vegan snack idea for you and your family. These are easy to make and store and a perfect treat for every occasion.
Banana Fritters
This delicious Jamaican Banana Fritters recipe is so easy to prepare and kid-friendly. Banana fritters have been special to me from my childhood days and they taste just as delicious as my mom made them!
Jamaican Blue Draws (Dukunu)
This amazing Jamaican blue draws, also know as duckunu/duckunoo, or tie-a-leaf, is a delicious treat, made from cornmeal, sweet potato, green banana, freshly grated coconut, coconut milk, and a blend of spices, wrapped in green banana leaf and boiled for a moist and incredibly tasty pudding.
Vegan Pineapple Upside Down Cake
This Vegan Pineapple Upside Down Cake is the perfect holiday treat, moist and fluffy cake with juicy pineapple slices studded with festive cherries.
Vegan Banana Bread
Moist and flavorful Vegan Gluten-Free Banana Bread is so easy to prepare. Enjoy a slice of the perfectly sweet homemade banana bread for breakfast or dessert.
Naseberry Cake
My Vegan Naseberry (Sapodilla) Cake perfectly showcases the intersection between delicious tropical, caramel, and fall flavors, in a complexly pleasing but easy-to-make dish to delight all your family and guests.
More of My Best Vegan Recipes:
- My Best Vegan Tofu Recipes
- My Best Cauliflower Vegan Recipes
- Jamaican Vegan Recipes
- My Best Lentil Recipes
- Vegan Curry Recipes
- 25 Vegan Quinoa Recipes
- Vegan Cabbage Recipes
- Pasta Salad Recipes
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I’m Jamaican and these are spot on. Ah-ma-zing!
I see all your vegan and gluten free bakery, would like to order and try
Hello Maxine, time doesn’t allow me to actually open a bakery. I hope you try making my recipes, they are easy to make and taste awesome.
I Look at Your Lovely Dishes & Pastries There Are Looking Very Delicious & Enticing 💝💝💝💖🍽🍹
the best jamaican dessert very important
beautiful jamaican recipe
Thank you Francoise.