I’ve always loved baking simple, Jamaican Rock Cake Recipe rustic treats that carry a story and a bit of nostalgia. One of my favorite recipes comes straight from my Caribbean roots.
It’s full of warmth, comfort, and a unique texture that stands out in any kitchen. After just one bite, you’ll understand the charm behind the Jamaican Rock Cake Recipe.
I’ve made this dozens of times, each batch as satisfying as the last. These little cakes are sweet, crumbly, and filled with coconut goodness.
They’re perfect with tea or coffee. If you enjoy bold flavors and easy prep, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Why You Will Choose Jamaican Rock Cake Recipe?
You’ll choose this Jamaican Rock Cake Recipe because it’s quick, easy, and full of island flavor. I don’t need fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients—just simple pantry staples and a love for baking.
The texture is perfectly crumbly on the outside, soft on the inside, with just the right touch of sweetness. The coconut and spices give it that authentic Caribbean vibe I always crave.
Short on time or want a taste of something nostalgic and homemade, this recipe delivers every time. It’s more than just a snack—it’s comfort, tradition, and flavor in one bite.
How To Prepare Jamaican Rock Cake Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 26 minutes
Total Time: 36 minutes
Course: Dessert or Snack
Cuisine: Jamaican
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: Approximately 10 servings
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet coconut milk powder
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup margarine or butter
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup raisins (soaked in warm water for 10–15 minutes)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 4 oz water or milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
How To Make Jamaican Rock Cake Recipe
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, coconut milk powder, baking powder, and ground nutmeg. Mix well to ensure even distribution of all dry ingredients.
2. Incorporate the Margarine
Add the margarine to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, rub the margarine into the flour mixture until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
3. Add Sugar and Raisins
Stir in the dark brown sugar and the soaked raisins. Ensure the raisins are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten egg, water or milk, and vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Using two forks or a spatula, gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense cakes.
6. Shape the Rock Cakes
Spoon dollops of the mixture onto a greased or parchment-lined baking tray. The shapes don’t need to be perfect; the rustic appearance is part of the charm.
7. Bake
Place the tray in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for approximately 26 minutes, or until the rock cakes are golden brown.
8. Cool and Garnish
Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. If desired, garnish each cake with a piece of maraschino cherry before serving.
Special Notes
Storage: Store leftover rock cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the rock cakes for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
Nutrition Facts Jamaican Rock Cake Recipe
Calories: 350
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 210mg
Total Carbohydrates: 47g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 16g
Protein: 8g
Amazing Serving Ideas
Sure! Here are 5 amazing serving ideas to make your Jamaican Rock Cake Recipe even more delightful:
1. Serve Warm with Butter: Right out of the oven, I like to split a rock cake in half and add a small pat of butter. It melts into the crumbly texture and gives it a rich, comforting flavor.
2. Pair with Jamaican Tea: I often enjoy mine with a cup of Jamaican ginger or sorrel tea. The bold spice in the tea balances the sweetness of the rock cake perfectly.
3. Top with a Scoop of Coconut Ice Cream: For a dessert twist, I sometimes serve my rock cakes warm with a scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream. The contrast of hot and cold is irresistible.
4. Drizzle with Sweetened Condensed Milk: When I want something a little extra, I drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the top. It adds creamy richness and looks beautiful on the plate.
5. Add a Side of Tropical Fruit: I love pairing rock cakes with fresh slices of mango, pineapple, or papaya. The fruity freshness complements the warm, spiced cake and makes it feel like a mini tropical getaway.
Tips And Techniques
Absolutely! Here are 5 helpful tips and techniques I always use when making my Jamaican Rock Cake Recipe to get the perfect texture and flavor every time:
1. Rub the Butter into the Flour Properly: I always use my fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs. This gives the cakes their signature crumbly texture.
2. Don’t Overmix the Dough: I mix just until everything comes together. Overmixing makes the cakes dense instead of light and crumbly, which I always try to avoid.
3. Soak the Raisins First: Soaking the raisins in warm water—or even a little rum—makes them plump and juicy. This adds bursts of flavor and prevents them from drying out during baking.
4. Use Cold Ingredients:I always keep my butter and milk cold before mixing. It helps the dough hold its shape and creates that perfect rustic “rocky” texture when baked.
5. Let Them Cool on a Rack: After baking, I transfer the cakes to a wire rack. This keeps the bottoms from getting soggy and allows them to firm up nicely as they cool.
Essential Health Benefits
The essential health benefits of Jamaican Rock Cake Recipe come from their naturally nourishing ingredients.
Raisins offer iron and antioxidants that support immune health and energy levels. Coconut adds healthy fats that help improve brain function and heart health.
Nutmeg, often used in the recipe, contains anti-inflammatory properties and aids digestion. Even the eggs provide protein and essential vitamins like B12.
While it’s a treat, I love that this recipe includes ingredients that do more than just taste good—they contribute to overall wellness when enjoyed in moderation.
What Is Rock Cake Made Of?
A traditional rock cake is made from simple baking staples like flour, sugar, baking powder, and margarine or butter. I always include raisins and coconut for that classic Jamaican flavor.
A beaten egg and a splash of milk or water bring it all together into a rough, thick dough that’s spooned onto a tray and baked until golden.
What Does Jamaican Rock Cake Taste Like?
Jamaican Rock Cake Recipe has a crumbly, slightly crisp texture on the outside with a soft, moist center.
I love the way the sweet coconut, warm nutmeg, and juicy raisins come together. It’s comforting, lightly spiced, and not too sweet—just right for a snack or with a cup of tea.
Why Are My Rock Cakes So Dry?
Dry rock cakes usually mean the dough was overmixed or didn’t have enough liquid.
I always check the texture before baking—it should be thick but still moist enough to hold together. Using cold butter and not overbaking also helps keep them soft inside.
What’s The Difference Between A Rock Cake And A Scone?
Rock cakes are rougher, more rustic, and slightly denser than scones.
I don’t shape them with a cutter—they’re dropped onto the tray like little “rocks.” Scones are more uniform and often flakier, while rock cakes feel more homemade and textured.
How To Freeze Jamaican Rock Cake Recipe?
Freezing rock cakes is easy. I let them cool completely, then wrap each one in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
When I’m ready to eat, I just reheat them in the oven or let them thaw at room temperature. They taste just as good days—or even weeks—later.
Conclusion
Making this Jamaican Rock Cake Recipe always brings a smile to my face. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. I love how each bite blends sweetness with a hint of spice and the rich taste of coconut.
Whether I bake it for a quiet morning or share it with loved ones, it never disappoints. Something comforting and easy to make, this is the perfect treat.
Give it a try—you’ll see just how special a humble rock cake can be. And once you do, I promise it won’t be the last time you bake it.
Hi, I’m Delina, a housewife, mother of two living in the suburbs of Vancouver, Canada. I’m a professional recipe developer and food photographer behind thefoodscraft.com. Although I was trained in biological technology for lab work, my heart is in the kitchen. Growing up, family dinners were a nightly tradition, and as a single mom of two, I was determined to keep that alive. With limited ingredients, I discovered the magic of transforming basic items into cozy family meals, which inspires all my recipes. In 2017, I started thefoodscraft.com, sharing budget-friendly recipes and tips.