A traditional Jamaican dish — Toto Cake is the island’s humble coconut cake, dense and moist with grated coconut, brown sugar and a cloud of nutmeg. It began as a tea-time snack baked in coal pots, and every Jamaican grandmother has her own version. Cut it into squares or bake it as individual cakes — it disappears fast either way.
Toto Cake
A traditional Jamaican dish — Toto Cake is the island’s humble coconut cake, dense and moist with grated coconut, brown sugar and a cloud of nutmeg.

Step by stepInstructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan.
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg together in a bowl.
- In another bowl, beat the brown sugar, melted butter, egg, coconut milk and vanilla until smooth.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, then fold in the grated coconut.
- Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until golden and a skewer comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
💡 Chef tips & storage
Toto is meant to be dense and moist, not airy — do not overmix the batter. Toast the coconut lightly before folding it in for a deeper, nuttier flavor.

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