9 Comments / , RECIPES, SNACKS / By Sian
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Toto is a coconut spice cake that is popular throughout the Caribbean. On some islands it is simply called Coconut Cake. Toto is a dense cake that is rather plain and not much to look at but the combination of coconut and spices makes for a delicious confection that is sure to delight any coconut lover. Add a little (¼ C. or so) dark rum for added flavor.
This recipe happened quite unintentionally a few years ago. I had some grated coconut lingering in the fridge and a new brand of vanilla to try. Add to that the fact that my now former boss had just gifted me with some antique Pyrex baking dishes. I needed an excuse to use the Pyrex so the coconut and the new vanilla were just the thing. The vanilla wasn’t really my choice, I’m a brand snob when it comes to some things, but it was all I had. So after whipping up my coconut cake or Toto as we Jamaicans call it and waiting for it to bake, I could hardly contain myself. I vaguely recall something about putting it outside in the middle of a Pennsylvania winter to speed up the cooling process.
As soon as I could I bit into the first slice I was immediately transported back to memories of my younger days in Jamaica. The vanilla, a concentrate made by Island Spice had such a rich aroma and gave the cake such authentic flavor my cousin and I ate the whole thing in 1 sitting
This recipe happened quite unintentionally a few years ago. I had some grated coconut lingering in the fridge and a new brand of vanilla to try. Add to that the fact that my now former boss had just gifted me with some antique Pyrex baking dishes. I needed an excuse to use the Pyrex so the coconut and the new vanilla were just the thing. The vanilla wasn’t really my choice, I’m a brand snob when it comes to some things, but it was all I had. So after whipping up my coconut cake or Toto as we Jamaicans call it and waiting for it to bake, I could hardly contain myself. I vaguely recall something about putting it outside in the middle of a Pennsylvania winter to speed up the cooling process. As soon as I could I bit into the first slice I was immediately transported back to memories of my younger days in Jamaica. Well. that toto turned out so good I had to write the recipe down before I forgot
The vanilla, a concentrate made by Island Spice had such a rich aroma and gave the cake such authentic flavor my cousin and I ate the whole thing in 1 sitting
Toto – Coconut Cake Recipe
Sian
4.62 from 13 votes
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Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins
Servings 8
Calories 584 kcal
Ingredients
- 1 C brown sugar
- 2 C flour
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon* substitute 1 tsp SweetSpice for cinnamon and nutmeg
- ½ tsp nutmeg*
- 3 C grated coconut or dry coconut flakes**
- ¼ lb butter softened
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1½ C coconut milk *substitute whole milk
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°
Place dry ingredients in a bowl and mix well to combine. mix until butter until it is fully absorbed and the mixture is sandy. Slowly stir in the vanilla and milk. Continue mixing for 2 to 3 minutes until batter is evenly mixed. Pour mixture into a glass rectangular 8” x 12” or round 9” baking pan. Bake in center of oven at 375° for about 35 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center to check for doneness. If toothpick is not clean return cake to the oven. Check every 5 minutes for doneness. Once the cake is fully baked, remove from the oven and place it on a cooling rack to cool. Store in a cool dark area at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 7 days.
Notes
* substitute 1 tsp Sweet Spice Dessert Accent in place of Cinnamon and nutmeg
** If using store bought coconut. Blend the coconut to make the texture finer. It will give your cake a much better texture and flavor.
9 thoughts on “Toto – Coconut Spice Cake Recipe”
August 27, 2020 at 11:42 am
thanks that was a blessing finding your website i have been looking for a web and you have justy inspired me thank you how do i send in some money to you
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October 31, 2020 at 7:55 pm
I love this Recipe.The product is very good.
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Beverley
January 30, 2021 at 10:32 pm
I made this cake and it was perfect. Just what I was looking for in a toto. A little bit sweeter than I like so next time I will use a little less sugar. Texture was very good. Thanks
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ChefSian
January 31, 2021 at 11:42 am
Thank you Beverly. I am so glad you liked it.
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Iona Newman-Jobity
July 2, 2021 at 3:59 pm
Great recipe. I tried it and loved everything about it. I could not stop eating it. Thanks for sharing it.
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Cecile
April 10, 2021 at 6:09 pm
Omg thank you it was good i am so happy.
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Patrice Anderson
April 17, 2021 at 12:21 pm
I have made tot using this recipe three times, and each time I bake the toto, it gets better and better. Thank you for sharing your recipe.
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ChefSian
April 17, 2021 at 11:01 pm
Thank you so much for the feedback Patrice. Comments like yours motivate me to keep cooking. Bon appetit
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Kyanna
September 20, 2023 at 1:09 am
Excellent cake! I love that its authentically vegan! Its so dense, it fills you up quite fast
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