Powder Bun Recipe

Powder Bun or ‘Powda Bun’… a Belizean treat! 

Mouth-Watering Belizean Powder Buns Recipe – A Taste of the Caribbean

‘Powda Buns’ takes me back to my childhood in Corozal, all the way back to standard 3. In Belize, schools are often underfunded and forced to come up with all kinds of schemes to stay afloat. My school would elect a class king and queen to lead fundraising I was elected one year, and my mom was having none of it. She decided that if I were to be class king I would raise the funds the old-fashioned way: hard work. This is where powder buns come into the picture. She made powder bun, I sold them. Luckily for me, I didn’t have to do much because powder buns sell themselves. The combination of spicy nutmeg, cinnamon, and a sugary crust is irresistible. I would sell them every day at recess for $0.50 BZE. I always sold out.

When it comes to Caribbean cuisine, few dishes are as beloved as the humble powder bun. A staple in Belizean kitchens, these buns are a deliciously sweet and fluffy treat that can be enjoyed any time of day.

If you’re looking to try your hand at making these tasty treats at home, look no further than our authentic Belizean Powder Buns recipe. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll have a batch of delicious buns ready in no time.

We’ll take you step-by-step through the process of making Belizean Powder Buns from scratch. From the ingredients you’ll need to tips for perfecting your technique, we’ve got you covered.

• Servings: Approximately 15 buns
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

Get your coconut ready!

We love coconuts!  If you are rusty on cracking coconuts, check out our how-to article here.

Belizean Powder Bun Recipe Ingredients

• 3 cups plain flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option)
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar (or a sugar substitute for a healthier option)
• 1 bar butter or margarine, chilled, chopped (use plant-based butter for a vegan option)
• ½ cup raisins (optional)
• 2 cups grated coconut (fresh or packaged grated unsweetened coconut)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 egg, lightly beaten (or a flax egg for a vegan option)
• ⅓ to ½ cup of evaporated milk (or a dairy-free alternative like almond or evaporated coconut milk)

How to make Belizean Powder Buns Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Add the chilled butter or margarine. Cut or rub into the flour mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs.
4. Stir in raisins. Make a well in the center.
5. Add milk, vanilla, grated coconut, and egg to the well, with a blending fork mix gently to form a thick batter. Adjust the consistency with additional milk if needed. Do not beat. The batter should be very thick. If the batter is too thick add more milk a tablespoon at a time to get to the right consistency like a cookie batter. The batter should not be runny.
6. Using a tablespoon scoop, drop the batter onto a greased baking sheet, spacing them an inch apart.
7. Sprinkle the tops with brown sugar for a caramelized finish.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Note: The amount of milk varies depending on whether you use fresh coconut or packaged coconut.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these aromatic buns with Belizean coffee or a refreshing glass of tropical fruit juice. They pair wonderfully with a light fruit salad for a complete Belizean breakfast experience.

Tips for Best Results

• For the freshest flavor, use freshly grated coconut.
• The consistency of the batter is key; it should be thick but not runny.
• Allow the buns to cool slightly on the baking sheet for a firmer texture.

Engage with Us

Did you try this recipe? Share your experience in the comments! We’d love to hear about any modifications you made or the memories it brought back for you.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 200 kcal per bun (approx.)

If you enjoyed Belizean Powder Buns you may also enjoy our recipe for Belizean Johnny Cakes.