A plate with a round, golden-brown flatbread next to a small dish of butter. In the background, a basket holds more flatbreads lined with parchment paper.

St Lucian Fried Bakes Recipe

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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.

A basket of golden, round flatbreads on white paper, with butter and a blue pitcher in the background.

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!

A basket of golden brown St Lucian fried bakes on parchment paper, with one flatbread on a plate beside a dish of butter and a knife.

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.

Ingredients for this St Lucian fried bakes recipe are laid out on a marble surface, featuring plain white flour, butter, yeast, baking powder, sugar, and salt in separate containers.
  • 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!

A person skillfully blends flour in a clear glass bowl with a spoon, crafting the perfect St Lucian fried bakes recipe.

Mix all the ingredients.

Wearing a striped apron, the person carefully pours water into a bowl of flour, stirring with a spoon to create the perfect dough for a St Lucian fried bakes recipe.

Stir in lukewarm water.

Person kneading dough for a St Lucian fried bakes recipe in a glass bowl on a dark countertop.

Work into a dough, cover and let rise.

Hands shaping dough balls on a floured round plate, perfecting the art of a St Lucian fried bakes recipe. Three dough balls rest contentedly amid scattered flour. A striped apron is partially visible, hinting at the culinary tradition behind this simple yet beloved dish.

Form into rolls.

Hands kneading dough on a countertop, reminiscent of a St Lucian fried bakes recipe, with a bottle of olive oil and flour canister in the background.

Flatten the rolls.

A plate with several rolled-out dough disks, dusted with flour for a traditional St Lucian fried bakes recipe, rests on a dark countertop near a bowl and paper towels.

Ready to fry.

Four uncooked dough circles sit in a frying pan, ready to transform into the delightful St Lucian fried bakes recipe.

Place in a hot pan with oil.

Dough balls for a St Lucian fried bakes recipe are rising under a glass lid on the stovetop.

Cover and fry on both sides.

A basket of golden St Lucian fried bakes rests on parchment paper, accompanied by a dish of butter and a purple cloth.

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
A table displays a basket of flatbreads, a plate showcasing St Lucian fried bakes around a savory dipping sauce, and two cups of brown beverage, complemented by a green plant decoration.

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:

Green Figs and Saltfish

Cocoa Tea

Saltfish Accras

A woman in a black shirt and apron holds a basket of freshly baked pastries, showcasing her delectable interpretation of the St Lucian fried bakes recipe while standing outdoors.
A plate with a round, golden-brown flatbread next to a small dish of butter. In the background, a basket holds more flatbreads lined with parchment paper.

St Lucian Fried Bakes Recipe

Cindia Jn Baptiste
Saint Lucia Bakes are soft, slightly sweet and fluffy fried bread rolls, often served with fish or on their own as a snack.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 57 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine Caribbean
Servings 14 Bakes
Calories 118 kcal

Need Metric Measurements?

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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!

Notes

Makes 14 bakes.
Keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven for crispiness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bakeCalories: 118kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 5gFat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.004gSodium: 258mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gCalcium: 73mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @AnotherRumPunch or tag #anotherrumpunch

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