Gizzada (Jamaican Coconut Tart)

Indulge in the sweet, nutty flavors of Jamaica with Gizzada, a traditional coconut tart featuring a crisp pastry shell filled with spiced, caramelized coconut. Perfect as a snack, dessert, or treat with afternoon tea, Gizzadas offer a delightful bite of Caribbean heritage.

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 4–5 tablespoons cold water

For the Coconut Filling:

• 2 cups grated coconut (fresh or desiccated)
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pastry

   In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.

2. Make the Coconut Filling

   In a saucepan, combine grated coconut, brown sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens. Add vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt, stirring to combine. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3. Assemble the Gizzadas

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into circles slightly larger than your tart molds. Press the dough circles into tart molds or muffin tins, forming small shells. Spoon the coconut filling into each pastry shell, pressing lightly to fill evenly.

4. Bake

   Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before removing from molds.

5. Serve

   Enjoy Gizzadas warm or at room temperature as a sweet treat or dessert. Pair with tea or coffee for an authentic Jamaican experience.

Serving

Gizzadas capture the essence of Jamaican baking with their crisp, buttery pastry and rich, spiced coconut filling - a true taste of the Caribbean in every bite.