St Lucian Fried Bakes Recipe
St Lucian Fried Bakes are a beloved traditional breakfast food, especially popular served alongside saltfish. They are soft, slightly sweet and fluffy fried bread rolls that you must try.
Saint Lucia Bakes, often called “Floats”, are a staple in Saint Lucian cuisine and can be found at breakfast tables or as a snack throughout the day. They have a slightly crispy exterior, with a soft, fluffy interior and are incredibly versatile.
What Are Bakes?
Bakes (also known as Floats in some Caribbean islands) are a type of fried bread that is popular in Saint Lucia and other Caribbean countries. In some cases, the name “floats” comes from how these dough disks puff up and “float” on the surface of the oil when they are fried.T
They are made from a simple dough of flour, baking powder, water, and a touch of sugar, which is then shaped into small disks and deep-fried until golden brown and puffy.
Why You Will Love Them
You’ll love Saint Lucia Bakes for so many reasons! Here’s why they’re irresistible:
- Light and Fluffy: Their soft, pillowy texture makes every bite satisfying, with a crispy outer layer that contrasts perfectly with the airy inside.
- Versatile: Bakes can be paired with anything! Whether you enjoy them with savory saltfish, avocado, or something sweet like jam, they’re adaptable for breakfast, lunch, or a snack.
- Simple to Make: With just a few basic ingredients, bakes are easy to whip up, making them perfect for a quick homemade meal or snack.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, freshly fried bake, especially when paired with your favorite fillings. They’re a Caribbean classic that brings a taste of the islands right to your kitchen.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re making a batch for family or friends, they’re great for serving at gatherings, adding a fun, homemade touch to any meal.
Once you try them, their golden, delicious goodness will have you coming back for more!
Regional Variations
Different Caribbean islands have their own versions of bakes, such as:
- Johnnycakes in Barbados or the Bahamas, which are slightly more dense.
- Fry bakes in Trinidad and Tobago, which are very similar but may include some variations in ingredients.
Ingredients for St Lucian Fried Bakes Recipe
Just 6 simple pantry ingredients are all you need to make these tasty bakes for breakfast.
- Flour – All-purpose flour is versatile and works perfectly for these fried bread treats, creating a light and fluffy bake.
- Soft Butter – Adds a rich flavor and makes the dough tender.
- Yeast – Helps the dough to rise.
- Baking Powder – Helps create the characteristic fluffy texture by releasing carbon dioxide during frying.
- Sugar – Works with the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to the dough, balancing the flavors.
- Salt – Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness of the sugar.
How to Make St Lucian Fried Bakes Recipe
This is an easy Saint Lucian recipe you will want to make again and again!
Mix all the ingredients.
Stir in lukewarm water.
Work into a dough, cover and let rise.
Form into rolls.
Flatten the rolls.
Ready to fry.
Place in a hot pan with oil.
Cover and fry on both sides.
Serve warm and enjoy.
How To Serve Fried Bakes
Bakes are incredibly versatile. They can be eaten on their own, but they are often served with savory fillings like:
- Saltfish (salted cod, usually cooked with onions, peppers, and tomatoes)
- Accra Fishcakes
- Cheese
- Avocado
- Peanut butter or jams for a sweeter treat
Tips for Perfect Fried Bakes
- Temperature control is crucial for frying. If the oil is too hot, the bakes will brown too quickly on the outside while staying doughy on the inside. Too low, and they absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Kneading the dough well helps to develop the gluten, which gives the bakes their soft texture inside.
- You can adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less sugar to the dough, depending on your taste preferences.
More Saint Lucia food Recipes
Enjoy these other Saint Lucian recipes:
St Lucian Fried Bakes Recipe
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Ingredients
- 4 cups plain white flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon yeast
- 1 1/2 tablespoosn butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
Oil For Frying
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl add the flour and add the baking power. Sieve the mixture into another mixing bowl.
- Add the yeast, sugar, salt and butter. Mix all the ingredients well.
- Pour in the water and form a dough. Add the water a half cup at a time, adding more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Cover with a tea towel or damp cloth and let the dough to rise for at least 30 minutes.
- Once the dough has rested, divide it into small pieces and roll them into balls. Flatten each ball into a disk about 1/4 inch thick.
- In a deep frying pan, heat enough oil to deep fry the bakes. The oil should be hot but not smoking (around 175°C or 350°F).
- Place the dough disks in the pan and cover with a lid.
- Fry the dough disks in batches, about 5-6 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
- Remove the bakes from the oil and drain on a paper towel. Serve warm with saltfish, butter, or your favorite filling!