Jamaican Callaloo Plantain Bread

JERK TAVERNJuly 21, 2026

If you’re looking for a creative way to use ripe plantains, this Jamaican Callaloo Plantain Bread is a must-try. Inspired by classic banana bread, this loaf combines the natural sweetness of overripe plantains with finely chopped callaloo for a soft, moist quick bread that’s both comforting and unique.

The ripe plantains create a rich, caramel-like sweetness, while the callaloo adds beautiful flecks of green, extra moisture, and nutrients without overpowering the flavor. Every slice is perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, making it ideal for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a simple dessert.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Caribbean recipes or just looking for something new to bake, this plantain bread is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Moist and tender with every bite
A delicious way to use overripe plantains
Packed with nutritious callaloo
Easy one-bowl quick bread
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
Freezer-friendly
A fun Caribbean twist on traditional banana bread

What Is Plantain Bread?

Plantain bread is similar to banana bread but is made with very ripe plantains instead of bananas. As plantains ripen and their peels turn almost completely black, they become naturally sweeter and develop a rich, caramel-like flavor that’s perfect for baking.

Adding callaloo creates a unique Caribbean-inspired loaf that’s both flavorful and nourishing.

Plantain Bread Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

Very ripe plantains – The star ingredient. They provide natural sweetness, moisture, and a rich caramel-like flavor. The riper the plantains (with mostly black peels), the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
Callaloo – Adds moisture, nutrients, and beautiful green flecks throughout the loaf. Its mild earthy flavor complements the sweet plantains without overpowering them.
All-purpose flour – Provides the structure of the bread, creating a soft yet sturdy crumb that holds everything together.
Baking soda – Helps the bread rise by reacting with the acidity in the yogurt, resulting in a tender, moist texture.
Baking powder – Gives the loaf an extra boost, ensuring it bakes up light and fluffy despite the density of the plantains.
Salt – Enhances the sweetness of the plantains and balances the flavors throughout the bread.
Ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and a cozy spice that pairs beautifully with the sweet plantains.
Ground nutmeg – Brings a classic Caribbean baking flavor and aromatic depth to every bite.
Brown sugar – Sweetens the bread while adding moisture and a subtle molasses richness.
Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and contributes to a soft, tender crumb.
Eggs – Bind the ingredients together, provide structure, and help the bread rise while keeping it moist.
Melted butter – Adds richness, buttery flavor, and helps keep the loaf soft and tender.
Vanilla extract – Enhances the natural sweetness of the plantains and rounds out the flavors.
Walnuts (optional) – Add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that complements the soft, moist bread.

How to Make Jamaican Callaloo Plantain Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

Blanch the callaloo in hot water, then allow it to cool completely. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible before finely blending with condensed milk or coconut milk.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a large bowl, mash the ripe plantains until mostly smooth. Whisk in the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the chopped callaloo and any optional mix-ins.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for the Best Plantain Bread

Use very ripe black plantains for maximum sweetness.
Remove as much moisture from the callaloo as possible to prevent a gummy loaf.
Mix the batter just until combined.
Let the bread cool before slicing.
Toast slices and spread with butter for an extra treat.

Variations

Chocolate Chips– fold in ½ cup dark chocolate chips for a sweeter dessert loaf.
Coconut– shredded coconut pairs beautifully with the plantains.
Nuts- pecans or walnuts add a delicious crunch.
Make It Dairy-Free– use coconut yogurt and melted coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.

What to Serve with Plantain Bread

This bread is delicious served with:

Butter
Cream cheese
Honey
Guava jam
Mango jam
Fresh fruit
Coffee
Jamaican hot chocolate
Herbal tea

Storage

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps for 1 week.
Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use yellow plantains?

For the sweetest, most flavorful bread, use plantains with peels that are mostly black. Yellow plantains are still too starchy for this recipe.

Does the bread taste like callaloo?

Not strongly. The callaloo adds moisture, color, and nutrition while allowing the sweet plantain flavor to shine.

Can I use frozen callaloo?

Yes. Thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess liquid before adding it to the batter.

Can I make muffins instead?

Absolutely. Divide the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.

“When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Matthew 9:12-13 NKJV

Wisdom

We all have a great sickness on this earth. It is called sin. All of us have sin in us, every last human being that has been born. Sin is when you break or disobey Gods law.

He is the creator of the universe and He has set rules for living in this world that He created. But we all, from birth, disobey Him. We don’t seek Him, we just do what we want like we are the ones who created this world. But we all know that’s not the truth. There is only one truth.

That Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and He came to declare the truth about God and what is to come. The kingdom of heaven. Only thing is sin is not welcome there. But there is a cure for sin. Believing in the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

Repenting for our sins, asking for forgiveness and then following Him and keeping His commandments. God so loved the world, that he gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and He did walk this earth.

He did not come here to destroy us, but to save us. He loves us so much that He died for us so we could be forgiven for all of our sins. He is merciful, and He sacrificed Himself for us. True love for His creation. Trust in Jesus, repent, and be baptized for the remission of sins; become filled with His Holy Spirit so that you may inherit eternal life with Jesus in His kingdom.