Brazilian Cocada – Caramelized Coconut Candy Bites
Cocada is a beloved Brazilian street candy made with freshly grated coconut simmered in a golden sugar syrup and finished with sweetened condensed milk. Each bite is chewy, sweet, and deeply coconutty — a simple treat that brings the warmth of Brazilian kitchens straight to your table.
🛒 Ingredients
12 servings
- 400 g (14 oz) freshly grated coconut, coarsely shredded
- 2 ½ cups (500 g) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups (375 ml) water
- ¼ cup (60 ml) sweetened condensed milk
- Neutral oil, for greasing
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Directions
- 1
Lightly grease a large baking sheet or non-stick surface with oil. Set aside.
- 2
Combine water and sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over high heat. Cook without stirring until the syrup reaches the soft-thread stage (about 112 °C / 234 °F).
- 3
Add the shredded coconut to the hot syrup and stir well to combine.
- 4
Pour in the condensed milk and keep stirring over medium-high heat until the mixture pulls away cleanly from the bottom and sides of the pan.
- 5
Remove from heat. Drop heaping spoonfuls onto the greased sheet, shaping them into small mounds.
- 6
Allow to cool for 10–15 minutes until slightly firm, then lift each piece off with a thin spatula.
- 7
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
💡 Chef's Tip
No candy thermometer? Drop a little syrup into a glass of cold water — it should form a thin, flexible thread. For extra depth, stir in a pinch of sea salt with the coconut.
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