Jamaican Spice Bun

Jamaican spice bun also called Easter bun, since “bun” is very popular around Easter time. However, it is enjoyed all year round in Jamaica. For that reason, I decided to go ahead and share with you my recipe.

Other holiday favorites are Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding, Jamaican Fruit Cake and Jamaican Cornmeal Pudding, which are all easy to make at home. 

Jamaican Spice Bun

I can remember enjoying bun and cheese for the Easter holiday as a child. We ate popular brands like HTB Jamaican Spice Bun and Jamaica National. Honestly, we never thought of making it at home. 

Why Do Jamaicans Eat Bun And Cheese For Easter?

Eating bun and cheese for Easter is a unique Jamaican tradition that has been handed down from one generation to the next.

The Jamaican bun is an adapted version of the hot cross bun,  which was introduced by the British. Hot cross buns go way back to the ancient Babylonian pagan empire.

As time went by, Jamaicans modified the hot cross bun by changing the shape from round to rectangular shape and also removing the cross that was on top of the traditional hot cross bun.

They substituted the honey for molasses that were popularly found on sugar plantations, hence the spiced bun has a darker tone.

They also added dried fruits and served the bun with sliced cheese as a sandwich. Some recipes even have Guinness stout added. 

Is Jamaican Easter Bun Vegan?

Traditional Jamaican bun recipes are made with eggs, and sometimes butter, but my addictive Jamaican bun recipe is dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free.

Jamaican Bun Ingredients

• Gluten-Free Flour
• Sugar
• Ground Flaxseeds
• Baking Powder
• Spices
• Salt
• Almond Milk
• Sunflower Oil
• Molasses
• Vanilla
• Dried Fruits

How Do You Make Jamaican Easter Bun?

Some of the Jamaican spice bun recipes are made with yeast, but mine is made with baking powder. 

1. Preheat oven 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking pan with parchment paper and lightly spray, set aside.
2. Place all the dry ingredients in a bowl and mix, gluten-free all-purpose flour, sugar, ground flaxseeds, baking powder, spices, salt. For the gluten-free flour, I used Krusteaz All-Purpose Gluten-Free flour. 
3. Combine almond milk, sunflower oil, vanilla in a bowl and mix well. 
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix to form a batter. Fold the dried fruits into the batter. Scoop batter into baking pan. 
5. Bake in the center of the oven for  60-75 minutes or until a fork inserted in the middle comes out clean. 
6. Transfer baking pan onto a cooling rack, meanwhile,  prepare the glaze. Spread the glaze on the warm spiced bun. Remove the bun from the pan and allow to cool completely. Delicious served with my Vegan Cheddar Cheese. 

How To Glaze Jamaican Easter Bun? 

1. The trick to moist Easter bun is to glaze it as soon as it comes out of the oven.
2. This will seal the outer layer and keep the bun moist. Make a simple syrup recipe by combining equal parts of sugar and water in a saucepan.
3. Bring to a boil on medium heat while stirring until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and brush on your Easter Bun. 

Other Jamaican Recipes To Try:

• Vegan Jamaican Rice And Peas
• Jamaican Sorrel
• Jamaican Callaloo
• Steamed Cabbage
• Vegan Ackee
•  Jerk Sauce
• Jamaican Lentil Patties

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