Delicious and Easy-to-Make Coconut Cocadas Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups of shredded coconut
1 cup of granulated sugar
1/2 cup of condensed milk
1/2 cup of evaporated milk
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Steps and instructions

Combine the shredded coconut, granulated sugar, condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Lower the heat to medium-low and continue stirring the mixture for about 15-20 minutes or until it thickens.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Using a tablespoon or a small ice cream scoop, form small mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the cocadas for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow the cocadas to cool down completely before removing them from the baking sheet.

Tools for making

Saucepan - Used to cook and mix the ingredients over the stove.
Baking sheet - Used to bake the cocadas in the oven.
Parchment paper - Placed on the baking sheet to prevent the cocadas from sticking.
Tablespoon or small ice cream scoop - Used to portion and shape the cocada mixture onto the baking sheet.

Recipe variations

Add a handful of chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans to the cocada mixture for added crunch.
Mix in some dried fruit like raisins or chopped dried cranberries to give the cocadas a fruity twist.
Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg into the mixture for a warm and aromatic flavor.
Replace the vanilla extract with other extracts like almond or coconut for a different flavor profile.
Add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top of the baked cocadas for a chocolatey twist.
For a tropical twist, incorporate diced pineapple or mango into the cocada mixture.
Make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free oats or almond flour instead of shredded coconut.
For a vegan option, substitute the condensed milk and evaporated milk with coconut milk or almond milk.
Add a tablespoon of rum or rum extract to give the cocadas a hint of boozy flavor.

Recipe overview

Indulge in the sweet taste of Cocadas, a popular Latin American dessert that highlights the tropical flavor of coconut. This simple and easy recipe calls for basic pantry ingredients and delivers delectable treats that you won't easily forget. Cocadas are coconut candies or cookies that trace their origins back to Spain and are popular throughout Latin America. They are typically baked until golden brown, resulting in a delightful contrast of a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior. This recipe will guide you step by step on how to make these coconut treats. Expect to combine shredded coconut with a blend of condensed and evaporated milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, and bake until perfection. If you're a fan of coconut or looking for a quick and easy dessert to spice up your menu, this Cocadas recipe is definitely worth trying. Enjoy the process and savor every bite of these lovely golden drops of sweetness!

Common questions

Can I use sweetened shredded coconut instead of unsweetened? Yes, you can use sweetened shredded coconut, but you may need to adjust the amount of sugar used in the recipe.
Can I substitute the condensed milk with something else? The condensed milk adds a creamy texture and sweetness to the recipe, so it is not recommended to substitute it. However, you can try using coconut cream or coconut milk as alternatives.
How do I store the cocadas? You can store the cocadas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer them to be more chewy, you can store them in the refrigerator.
Can I add other ingredients like nuts or chocolate? Certainly! You can customize the recipe by adding chopped nuts like almonds or pecans, or even mix in some chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.
What if I don't have parchment paper? If you don't have parchment paper, you can use a silicone baking mat or lightly grease the baking sheet with cooking spray or butter.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to combine the ingredients.
Saucepan - Used to cook the coconut mixture on the stovetop.
Wooden Spoon - Handy for stirring and mixing the ingredients.
Baking Sheet - A flat sheet used to place the cocadas for baking.
Parchment Paper - Used to line the baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Tablespoon or Small Ice Cream Scoop - To portion and shape the cocada mixture onto the baking sheet.

Origin stories

Cocadas hail from the vibrant cultures of Latin America, most notably from Colombia and Mexico. These delectable coconut candies are a staple indulgence during religious festivals such as Easter and Christmas. Legend has it that Cocadas were originally created by African slaves who worked in the sugar plantations of the coastal regions. They supposedly used the leftover coconuts and sugar to make these delicious treats. The word 'cocada' itself is derived from 'coco', which means coconut in Spanish. Today, cocadas are enjoyed not only in their countries of origin, but across the globe, with each region adding its own unique spin to the recipe.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.