Jamaican Bulla Cake

Indulge in the rich, spiced flavors of Jamaican Bulla Cake, a traditional Caribbean treat that's perfect for any time of the day. This easy-to-make recipe combines warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg with the deep, robust sweetness of molasses for a perfectly balanced, flavorful bite. Featuring a soft yet slightly dense texture, these handheld cakes are ideal for pairing with tangy cheese or a pat of butter, making them a versatile snack or dessert. With a quick prep time of just 15 minutes and a bake time of 25 minutes, this recipe yields eight delicious portions that capture the essence of authentic Jamaican baking. Whether you're reliving island memories or discovering this gem for the first time, Jamaican Bulla Cakes are a delightful way to explore the tastes of the tropics.

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 cup brown sugar
• 5 tablespoons molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
• 1 cup water

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mix thoroughly to combine.

Step 3

Add the brown sugar to the dry ingredients and stir to distribute evenly.

Step 4

In a separate bowl, mix the molasses, vanilla extract, melted butter, and water until combined.

Step 5

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients gradually, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula. Combine until a dough forms—slightly sticky but manageable.

Step 6

Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Using your hands, shape each portion into a flat, round circle about 4 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick. Place each round on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space in between.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are firm and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8

Remove the Bulla Cakes from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9

Serve as is, or enjoy with slices of cheese or a spread of butter.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	843.5 grams (843.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2227

Total Fat 38.80g	50%
Saturated Fat 22.50g	113%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g
Cholesterol 93mg	31%
Sodium 3413mg	148%
Total Carbohydrate 430.30g	156%
Dietary Fiber 11.80g	42%
Total Sugars 146.70g
Protein 37.90g	76%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 370mg	28%
Iron 22mg	124%
Potassium 1990mg	42%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 15.7%

Protein: 6.8%

Carbs: 77.5%