Cocada

Name: Cocada
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients: 400g shredded coconut (fresh or dried); 300g sugar; 200ml water; 1 can condensed milk (optional for cremosa version); Pinch of salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cocada (koh-KAH-dah)

Coconut Sweet

⏱ Prep Time 30 min

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 192 kcal

Chewy, caramelized coconut candy made from shredded coconut cooked in sugar syrup until golden and fudgy, sold in glossy slabs on every Brazilian beach and street corner.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 2.0g

Carbs 28.0g

Fat 8.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian gluten-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ coconut

Equipment Needed

heavy-bottomed pan marble slab or greased tray wooden spoon

Presentation Guide

Vessel: wax paper or decorative box

Garnishes: toasted coconut flakes

Accompaniments: coffee, fresh fruit

Ingredients

400g shredded coconut (fresh or dried)
300g sugar
200ml water
1 can condensed milk (optional for cremosa version)
Pinch of salt
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1
Combine sugar and water in a heavy-bottomed pan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
2
Add shredded coconut and stir continuously as the mixture cooks. For cremosa version, add condensed milk.
3
Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, becomes golden, and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
4
Add vanilla extract and salt, stir to combine.
5
Pour onto a lightly greased marble slab or baking tray. Spread to about 2cm thickness.
6
Let cool slightly, then cut into squares or diamonds while still warm.
7
Allow to cool completely until firm. Store in an airtight container.

💡

Did You Know?

Cocada is said to have been created by enslaved African women who adapted West African coconut sweets using Brazilian sugarcane — it is now sold by baianas on virtually every Brazilian beach.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

heavy-bottomed pan
marble slab or greased tray
wooden spoon

Garnishing

toasted coconut flakes

Accompaniments

coffee, fresh fruit

The Story Behind Cocada

Cocada is one of Brazil's most ancient sweets, with roots in both African and Portuguese confectionery traditions. The abundance of coconut palms along Brazil's coast and the vast sugarcane plantations created the perfect conditions for this candy to flourish. Cocada represents the sweetest intersection of African and Portuguese culinary heritage in Brazil.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed anytime sweet, beach snack, dessert 📜 Origins: Afro-Brazilian, colonial era

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