Easter Bun & Cheese is a cherished Jamaican tradition that blends the warmth of spiced fruit bun with the sharpness of cheddar cheese. Typically enjoyed during the Easter season, this rich, moist loaf is filled with dried fruits, warm spices, and a hint of molasses—creating a sweet, aromatic bread that pairs perfectly with slices of creamy, salty cheese. It’s a comforting treat that holds deep cultural roots and is loved for its irresistible flavor contrast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Caribbean flavor: Rich in spices, dried fruits, and molasses for a deeply traditional taste.
- Perfect sweet and savory combo: The classic pairing of sweet bun with sharp cheese creates a harmonious balance.
- Ideal for celebrations: A festive favorite during Easter, but delicious enough to enjoy year-round.
- Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples and easy-to-follow steps.
- Versatile: Can be enjoyed warm, cold, or toasted, with or without cheese.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Easter Bun
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, cherries)
- 1/2 cup candied ginger, chopped
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup rum (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (optional, for mixing into the dough for a savory twist)
For the Cheese
- Sharp cheddar cheese, sliced
directions
Prepare the Bun:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add molasses, rum (if using), vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in the dried fruits, candied ginger, and grated cheese (if using).
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bun cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Assemble the Easter Bun & Cheese:
- Slice the cooled bun into thick slices.
- Serve each slice with a generous portion of sharp cheddar cheese between slices or alongside.
Serving:
Enjoy this traditional Jamaican Easter treat with a cup of tea or coffee.
Servings and timing
Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 350 kcal
Variations
- Alcohol-free version: Omit the rum and use fruit juice (such as orange or pineapple) to soak the dried fruits.
- Nutty twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Glazed top: Brush the top with a honey or brown sugar glaze before baking for a shiny finish.
- Spiced up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom for deeper flavor.
- Mini buns: Bake the mixture in muffin tins for individual servings.
storage/reheating
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Reheating: Warm slices slightly in the oven or toaster and serve with cheese for best results.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
What is Jamaican Easter Bun made of?
It’s a rich loaf made with flour, spices, dried fruits, molasses, and sometimes rum and cheese for flavor and texture.
Can I make this recipe without alcohol?
Yes, substitute the rum with fruit juice such as orange or apple juice.
What kind of cheese pairs best with Easter bun?
Sharp cheddar cheese is traditional and provides a perfect salty balance to the sweet bun.
Can I make Easter bun gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
How do I know when the bun is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean with no wet batter.
Can I use store-bought mixed fruit?
Yes, any quality mixed dried fruit blend will work well in this recipe.
Should I soak the dried fruit before adding?
It’s not required but soaking in rum or juice for 30 minutes enhances flavor and moisture.
Is this bun only eaten at Easter?
While it is traditionally made during Easter, it can be enjoyed year-round as a sweet, spiced treat.
Can I skip the candied ginger?
Yes, but it adds a nice touch of spice. You can substitute with chopped crystallized ginger or omit entirely.
Can I toast Easter bun?
Yes, lightly toasting enhances the flavors and makes the bun even more enjoyable with melted cheese.
Conclusion
Easter Bun & Cheese is a treasured part of Jamaican culinary tradition, celebrated for its rich spices, sweet fruitiness, and the savory contrast of sharp cheddar cheese. Whether enjoyed during the Easter holiday or any time of year, this delicious treat is easy to prepare and perfect for sharing. Its bold, balanced flavors and comforting texture make it a timeless favorite across generations.
PrintEaster Bun & Cheese
A beloved Jamaican Easter treat, this rich, spiced fruit bun is traditionally paired with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese. The combination of the sweet, moist bun with the creamy, salty cheese creates a perfect balance of flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jamaican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, cherries)
- 1/2 cup candied ginger, chopped
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup rum (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (optional, for mixing in the dough)
- Sharp cheddar cheese, sliced (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the molasses, rum (if using), vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in the dried fruits, candied ginger, and grated cheese (if using).
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bun to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the bun has cooled, slice it into thick slices.
- Serve each slice with a generous piece of sharp cheddar cheese in between the slices.
Notes
- For a more traditional taste, soak the dried fruits in rum overnight before using.
- You can omit the cheese in the batter for a purely sweet version.
- This bun stores well wrapped in foil or an airtight container for several days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice with cheese
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 65mg