Cocada

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 50 minutes (includes setting)

• Servings: 12 pieces

• Country of Origin: Brazil

Description

Cocada is a popular street-food coconut candy found across Brazil, especially in the state of Bahia. Made with grated coconut, sugar, and milk, it hardens into chewy, sweet confections.

Presentation

Serve cooled Cocada pieces on parchment paper or wooden boards as an afternoon sweet snack or coffee pairing.

Ingredients

• 3 cups unsweetened coarsely shredded fresh coconut

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/2 can (7 oz) sweetened condensed milk

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

Directions

• Combine granulated sugar and water in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.

• Stop stirring and bring syrup to a boil for 5 minutes until it reaches a clear, light thread stage.

• Stir in shredded coconut, condensed milk, and butter.

• Lower heat to medium-low and cook, stirring frequently, for 12 to 15 minutes until the liquid reduces and the mixture pulls away from the pan bottom.

• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

• Scoop tablespoon-sized dollops onto parchment paper while hot and press slightly to flatten into discs.

• Let cool completely at room temperature for 30 minutes to harden before serving.

Optional Variations

• Cocada Preta: Use dark brown sugar or caramelized sugar to produce a rich, amber-colored coconut candy.

• Cocada de Maracujá: Replace water with concentrated passion fruit juice for a tangy tropical contrast.

Cooking Tips

• Stir constantly towards the end of cooking to prevent sugar from scorching on the saucepan bottom.

• Use fresh shredded coconut rather than fine desiccated coconut for superior texture.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 190 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 26 g

• Protein: 2 g

• Fat: 9 g

• Saturated Fat: 8 g

• Sodium: 25 mg