Caribbean Holiday Desserts: 7 Sweet Recipes

Tembleque / Puerto Rican Coconut Pudding

Whether you’re from the Caribbean and want to have a taste of home this holiday season, or you simply have a love of tropical foods and want to include them in your holiday menu, these delicious Caribbean holiday desserts are sure to satisfy. This list of carefully selected traditional recipes includes cakes, puddings, dessert bread, and even ice cream. When it’s time to eat, just remember to save some room for dessert 😉

1. Tembleque (Puerto Rican Coconut Pudding)

Tembleque is a sweet and mild coconut dessert from Puerto Rico resembling pudding or gelatin. The name literally translates to “jiggle” and when you try it you’ll see why! This delicious dessert only requires a handful of ingredients and about 5 minutes of active cooking time. Try this authentic tembleque recipe.

2. Grenadian Nutmeg Ice Cream

Flavorful and delightfully aromatic nutmeg is showcased in velvety nutmeg ice cream from the “spice isle”, Grenada. For the best flavor, use freshly ground nutmeg. Try this simple nutmeg ice cream recipe, no ice cream machine required.

Grenadian Nutmeg Ice Cream

3. Cake de Ron (Cuban Rum Cake)

Cuba’s version of rum cake, cake de ron, is different from other rum cakes commonly made throughout the Caribbean. You won’t find any rum-soaked fruits in this super moist Bundt cake, but with lemon zest, banana liquor, and of course plenty of nice dark rum, the flavors are complex and delicious. Try this traditional cake de ron recipe.

Cake de Ron / Cuban Rum Cake

4. Jamaican Black Cake (Christmas Fruit Cake)

Jamaican black cake, or christmas pudding, is a spiced cake made with a combination of raisins, cherries, prunes, and other fruits. This classic holiday dessert has endless variations, and surely no two households make it exactly the same way. Most recipes call for soaking the dried fruits in wine and/or rum for up to a year before baking. Try this classic Jamaican black cake recipe.

Black Cake / Christmas Fruit Cake / Jamaican Christmas Pudding (Courtesy @jehancancook | Instagram)