Cocada (Brazilian Coconut Candy)

• Prep time: 10 mins

• Cook time: 20 mins

• Total time: 30 mins

• Servings: 12 pieces

• Country of Origin: Brazil

Description

• A popular street food treat throughout Coastal Brazil, especially Bahia, sold in large trays by traditional Bahiana cooks.

• Made from shredded coconut cooked with sugar, water, and condensed milk until caramelized and chewy.

Presentation

• Served in rough spooned dollops allowed to set into rustic individual patties.

• Displayed on parchment paper or wooden boards.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh coarse grated coconut

• 1.5 cups granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup water

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

• 1 tsp butter

Directions

• Combine sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat; bring to a boil without stirring until a soft syrup forms (5 mins).

• Stir in coarse grated coconut and continue cooking for 10 minutes until liquid reduces.

• Add sweetened condensed milk and butter, stirring constantly until mixture thickens and pulls away from the bottom.

• Remove from heat and immediately scoop tablespoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet or parchment paper.

• Let cool completely at room temperature for 1 hour until hardened on the outside and soft inside.

Optional Variations

• Cocada Preta: Use dark brown sugar or molasses to create dark, deeply caramelized coconut candy.

• Cocada de Maracujá: Add 1/4 cup passion fruit pulp during the coconut cooking phase.

Cooking Tips

• Fresh coarse coconut shreds offer far better bite and texture than dry pre-packaged coconut flakes.

• Work quickly when scooping onto parchment, as the sugar syrup sets rapidly once removed from heat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 180 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 28 g

• Protein: 2 g

• Fat: 8 g

• Saturated Fat: 7 g

• Sodium: 30 mg

• Fiber: 1.5 g

• Sugar: 26 g