Trinidad Rock Cake

Living in Trinidad, one of the Caribbean’s most colorful and vibrant islands, you are constantly surrounded by a rich tapestry of flavors and aromas. From the warm breezes to the bustling markets, Trinidad embraces you with its spirit of community and love for good food. Today, I am excited to share with you a beloved Trinidadian recipe that captures the essence of the island in every bite: Trinidad Rock Cake. This delightful treat is a classic in Trinidadian households, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring with a cup of tea on a lazy afternoon.

Trinidad Rock Cake

Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1/2 cup raisins
– 1/4 cup chopped mixed peel
– 1/4 cup chopped cherries
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon demerara sugar (for topping)

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Toss in the raisins, mixed peel, and cherries, mixing well to distribute them evenly throughout the flour mixture.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the vanilla extract, milk, and beaten egg.
6. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the milk mixture. Using a fork, gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough rock cakes.
7. Scoop out tablespoons of the dough and drop them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
8. Sprinkle the tops of the rock cakes with demerara sugar for a delightful crunch.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rock cakes are golden brown on the edges and cooked through.
10. Remove from the oven and transfer the rock cakes to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

These Trinidad Rock Cakes are a delightful blend of tender crumb, sweet fruits, and a hint of crunch from the demerara sugar topping. Their rustic appearance and comforting flavors make them perfect for cozy gatherings or simply treating yourself to a taste of the tropics. Enjoy the warm embrace of Trinidad’s flavors right in your own home with these irresistible rock cakes.