Tourment d'amour is more than just a cake, it's an essential part of the culture of Les Saintes in Guadeloupe. Its creation is surrounded by legends that recount the daily lives of sailors' wives. Native to this tropical paradise, it is filled with coconut, an emblematic ingredient of the region. Two main stories explain the origin of its name:
- The first claims that it came to the mind of a woman tormented by the absence of her husband, who was going out to sea to fish.
- The other story says that the woman invented the cake, traditionally made with coconut jam, to satisfy her husband who had arrived from fishing after enduring much torment away from her.
And it was in 1925 that the recipe for this typical cake with coconut or guava jam spread widely throughout the Guadeloupe archipelago. In May 2013, Tourment d'Amour became a registered trademark with the INPI (Institut National de la Protection Industrielle).



Every year, during the August 15 patron saint's day, the Tourment d'Amour is at the heart of folklore events in Terre-de-Haut, where a competition is held to find the biggest Tourment d'Amour. This cake is not just a delicacy, but a symbol of love and comfort. To prepare a Tourment d'Amour is to perpetuate a culinary heritage steeped in passion and history. Its preparation is a gourmet pleasure that every culinary enthusiast will appreciate. This cake, rich in history and exotic flavors, features several key elements (crispy shortbread crust topped with a coconut/ guava/ pineapple/ banana custard) that combine harmoniously to create an unforgettable culinary experience.



For travelers curious to discover the local culture, tourment d'amour is an essential gourmet souvenir of your stay in Les Saintes. Let's imagine ourselves for a moment, strolling by the pier in the bright sunshine, where saleswomen proudly offer their packages of tourments d'amour. Their smiles and anecdotes add a human dimension to this iconic dessert. Each bite combines softness and crunch, while the sweetness of the coconut pleasantly charms the taste buds. It has almost become the emblem of Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-bas cuisine, since it's impossible to visit them without leaving with a torment of love!