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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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.
Serving size | (830.7g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 2648.3 |
Total Fat 88.5g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 69.8g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g | |
Cholesterol 135.0mg | 0% |
Sodium 1126.4mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 440.5g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 15g | 0% |
Total Sugars 422.5g | |
Protein 37.4g | 0% |
Vitamin D 31.8IU | 0% |
Calcium 1173.7mg | 0% |
Iron 2.6mg | 0% |
Potassium 1961.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories