We all get that sugar craving from time to time—it’s all about the rush! Jamaicans are no different, except that we take it to another level. Add some unique local ingredients, a dash of Jamaican spice, and a whole lot of flavour, and you’ve got Jamaican sweet treats that are as unforgettable as our island itself.
Whether it’s a snack to enjoy with a cup of tea, a treat to savour during celebrations, or a nostalgic bite from your childhood, Jamaican sweet treats carry a rich cultural history that connects us to our roots.
Here’s our list of Showcase Jamaica’s Top 10 Mouth-Watering Sweet Treats that will have you craving a taste of the Caribbean.
Gizzada
Also known as “pinch-me-round,” gizzada is a classic Jamaican pastry that embodies simplicity and indulgence. Its crisp, pinched pastry shell cradles a sweet, spiced flavoured coconut filling.
Historically, gizzada is thought to have Portuguese influences, as pastries with similar crusts are common in Sephardic traditions. Today, this treat is a staple at bakeries and on snack tables at Jamaican events. Pair it with a cup of warm ginger tea, and you have the perfect afternoon delight.
Peanut Cake
Peanut cake, sometimes referred to as “peanut brittle” in other cultures, is a satisfying combination of peanuts, sugar, spices, and the unmistakable zing of ginger. Its crunchy texture and bold flavours make it a favourite among those who love bold, nutty snacks.
Street vendors often sell peanut cakes in transparent plastic wraps, making them a nostalgic part of childhood memories for many Jamaicans. The ginger used in this treat adds a spicy kick, reminding us of the island’s love for vibrant, layered flavours.
Coconut Drops
Known by many names, including “drops,” “cut cake,” or “chip-chip,” coconut drops are one of Jamaica’s most rustic and beloved desserts. Made by boiling chunks of fresh coconut with spiced brown sugar until caramelised, this treat captures the island’s love for earthy, natural flavours.
Drops are often made during festive occasions or as a way to preserve extra coconuts from backyard trees. Their rough, uneven appearance is part of their charm—each bite offers a chewy, sweet burst of flavour with hints of ginger and nutmeg.
Coconut Toto
Toto is a small, rich coconut cake that’s perfect as a snack or dessert. Its origins can be traced back to the days of slavery, where enslaved Africans created innovative dishes using available ingredients. The inclusion of coconut milk, grated coconut, and brown sugar reflects their resourcefulness and culinary genius.
Today, toto is a staple in Jamaican homes, with recipes passed down through generations. Whether enjoyed plain or topped with a glaze, this cake is a sweet reminder of Jamaica’s enduring resilience and creativity.
Grater Cake
Grater cake is as vibrant as it is delicious, often sporting a pink-and-white appearance that makes it stand out on any dessert table. This treat, made from grated coconut and sugar boiled together, is a quintessential Jamaican sweet with roots in Afro-Caribbean culinary traditions.
In the past, grater cake was made with “wet sugar,” an unrefined brown sugar, which gave it a deeper, richer flavour. Modern variations use white sugar, but the treat’s essence remains the same. It’s a favourite among kids and adults alike, and its simple ingredients are a testament to the magic of Jamaican cooking.
Blue Draws (Duckunoo)
Also called “tie-a-leaf,” blue draws is a dish steeped in history and culture. Made from a mixture of cornmeal, grated sweet potato, coconut milk, and spices, it’s wrapped in banana or plantain leaves and boiled. The name “blue draws” comes from the bluish hue the leaves take on during cooking.
This treat dates back to the time of slavery, when creative cooking methods and limited resources birthed some of the most enduring Jamaican dishes. Blue draws is a symbol of resilience, innovation, and love—often prepared by families during special occasions or as a nostalgic nod to the past.
Potato Pudding
Sweet potato pudding is a dessert that needs no introduction in Jamaica. Its dense, spiced texture and deep flavour make it a favourite at family gatherings and Sunday dinners. The saying “Hell a top, Hell a bottom, Hallelujah in the middle” reflects the traditional method of baking this pudding in a coal-fired dutch pot, with coals placed on both the lid and the base.
The addition of raisins, vanilla, and cinnamon gives this pudding its heavenly taste. Whether eaten warm or cold, it’s a dessert that embodies Jamaican hospitality and tradition.
Plantain Tart
With its vibrant red filling, the plantain tart is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. Ripe plantains are mashed, spiced, and sweetened before being encased in a flaky pastry shell and baked to perfection.
The bright red colour of the filling is achieved using food colouring, a playful touch that makes the tart a standout treat. Plantain tarts are a staple in bakeries across Jamaica, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Jackass Corn
This thin, crispy biscuit may have a funny name, but its flavour is no joke. Made with flour, coconut, sugar, and spices, Jackass Corn is a tough but tasty treat. The name is said to reference the stubbornness of a donkey (or “jackass”), reflecting the biscuit’s hard texture.
Despite its crunch, Jackass Corn is a beloved snack that pairs beautifully with tea or coffee. Its simplicity and long shelf life make it a staple in Jamaican households.
Patty
While primarily known as a savoury snack, the Jamaican patty also comes in sweet variations that deserve recognition. The iconic flaky crust, often tinted golden yellow. It is traditionally filled with seasoned ground beef, but fillings can include chicken, shrimp, lobster, fish, soy, or cheese.
Whether sweet or savoury, the patty is a symbol of Jamaican ingenuity and love for bold flavours. These handheld delights are perfect for any time of day.
Conclusion
From the nostalgic taste of grater cake to the vibrant sweetness of plantain tarts, Jamaica’s sweet treats are a reflection of the island’s culture, history, and love for bold flavours. These desserts go beyond satisfying your sweet tooth—they’re a journey into the heart of Jamaica’s culinary heritage.
Which of these sweet treats have you tried? Are there others you’d add to the list? Share your thoughts, favourite recipes, and memories in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
For more tasty Jamaican delights, check out our previous article, Taste of Jamaica: Explore the Island’s Flavourful Cuisine.
Until next time, Walk Good.
