Cocada Coconut Candy
Indulge in the rich, tropical sweetness of Cocada Coconut Candy, a traditional Latin American treat that’s as simple as it is irresistible. Made with shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and a touch of vanilla, these golden, chewy delights are cooked to perfection on the stovetop for a caramelized texture that melts in your mouth. With just 10 minutes of prep time and a handful of pantry staples, this homemade coconut candy comes together effortlessly—no baking required! Perfect for gifting, dessert platters, or a midday snack, Cocada is a celebration of coconut’s natural flavor. Plus, it stores beautifully, making it a convenient make-ahead option for any occasion. Whether you’re a fan of tropical flavors or simply craving a sweet, satisfying bite, this easy Cocada recipe is sure to transport your taste buds to paradise.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Shredded coconut (unsweetened or sweetened)
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 can Sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 cup Water
Instructions
Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
In a medium-sized heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium heat while stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Once the sugar has dissolved, add the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt to the saucepan.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the mixture, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heat-proof spatula. The mixture will thicken as it cooks. Be sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the pan to prevent the mixture from burning.
Cook for 20-25 minutes until the mixture is golden, sticky, and thickened. You will know it’s ready when it starts pulling away from the sides of the pan and holds its shape when scooped.
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop portions of the hot coconut candy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, forming small mounds. Work quickly as the mixture will harden as it cools.
Allow the Cocada coconut candies to cool completely on the baking sheet. They will firm up as they cool.
Once cooled, transfer the candies to an airtight container for storage. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2648 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 88.5 g | 113% | |
| Saturated Fat | 69.8 g | 349% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 135 mg | 45% | |
| Sodium | 1126 mg | 49% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 440.5 g | 160% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.0 g | 54% | |
| Total Sugars | 422.5 g | ||
| Protein | 37.4 g | 75% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 1174 mg | 90% | |
| Iron | 2.6 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 1962 mg | 42% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
