Bimini Coconut Bread

September 2: World Coconut Day

The flavor of coconut is a distinct taste of the tropics which reminds Islander of her Pacific heritage. But we also like to eat different coconut dishes from around the world to compare and appreciate other cultural cuisines. So we baked a Bahamian delicacy—coconut bread—which is especially popular across the Bimini Islands. The loaf bread is dense and subtly sweet with a hint of coconut (not an overpowering flavor). Though the preparation process is different, it reminds us of the Samoan fa’apapa that Islander’s cousin-in-law would eat. Both are tasty when fresh baked and make the kitchen smell so good! Celebrate World Coconut Day and bake Bimini coconut bread from the Bahamas.

Recipe

(Adapted from Tru Bahamian Food Tours)

Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ cups flour, all purpose
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons dry milk powder
  • 1 1/2t tablespoons sugar, granulated white
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast (not instant)
  • 2 whole eggs, divided use
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 ½ tablespoon butter, softened
  • 1 ½ tablespoon vegetable oil
  • ½ cup coconut milk
  • ½ cup shredded coconut flakes, unsweetened or sweetened

Directions

In the stand mixer bowl, combine the flour, salt, milk powder, sugar and yeast.

In a measuring cup or small bowl, beat one whole egg with one egg white. Pour into the middle of the flour mixture. Add butter, vegetable oil and coconut milk.

Use the dough hook to mix the dough, pouring in the coconut flakes until well combined. Transfer the dough into a greased large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let right in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in size. After rising, punch down the dough and deflate it.

Place the dough on a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes. Place dough on a greased loaf pan. Beat the other whole egg in a cup with a little water and brush the top of the dough. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for half an hour. Check to see if the top has browned and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the dough is cooked through. Remove from the oven.

Let the bread sit in the pan for 15 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve with butter or tropical fruit jams.

Notes

  • Bimini coconut bread is a nice alternative to johnny cakes when serving with Bahamian main dishes.
  • Toast leftover the bread slices to bring out the flavor of the coconut.
  • Search our blog for more coconut recipes.