Gizzadas: A Sweet Journey into Jamaican Culture
- nutmegnostalgia
- Sep 13
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 29

Welcome back to the Nutmeg Nostalgia LLC blog! Today, we’re diving into the wonderfully sweet world of Gizzadas, also known as pinch-me-rounds. These delightful pastries are a staple in Jamaican cuisine, embodying the island’s rich culinary heritage and love for flavor.

What Are Gizzadas?
Gizzadas are small, round tarts featuring a crisp pastry shell with a charmingly pinched crust, filled with a sweet and spiced coconut mixture. This beloved treat has roots in both Jamaican and Portuguese cultures, drawing inspiration from the Portuguese queijada. The combination of textures and flavors makes Gizzadas a must try for anyone looking to indulge in a bit of Caribbean goodness.
The Magic of Gizzada Ingredients
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make Gizzadas so special:
• Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: The star of the filling, providing a chewy texture and natural coconut goodness.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a hint of caramel flavor to the coconut mixture.
• Nutmeg & Ceylon Cinnamon: These spices bring warmth and complexity, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Ginger: A touch of zing that balances the sweetness and adds a nice kick.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Elevates the flavor with its aromatic sweetness.
• Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the overall taste.
• Coconut Milk: Adds creaminess to the filling while intensifying the coconut flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base for the crisp pastry shell.
• Unsalted Butter: Contributes to flakiness and richness in the pastry.
• Water: Helps bring the pastry dough together.
• Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that complements the brown sugar for added flavor. Added with a bit of coconut milk, it also is the perfect pastry wash for the flaky crust.
Nutritional Facts
Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values per Gizzada (based on a recipe that yields about 8 pastries):
• Calories: 387
• Total Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 32mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 78g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 52g
• Protein: 4g
Conclusion
Gizzadas are not only a delicious treat but also a celebration of Jamaica’s culinary heritage. Whether enjoyed at a family gathering or made at home, these pastries bring a taste of the Caribbean to your table. Place an order to try one of Nutmeg Nostalgia LLC's Coconut Gizzadas.
Stay on the look out for our Coconut Gizzada recipe in a coming recipe book. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a try! We’d love to see your Gizzada creations, so don’t forget to share your baking adventures with us at Nutmeg Nostalgia. Happy baking!
Comments