Brazilian Coconut Bars (Cocada)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
16
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Course
Dessert
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Cuisine
Brazilian, gluten-free
Brazilian Coconut Bars (Cocada)
Description
This recipe for Cocada involves cooking sweetened condensed milk, coconut flakes, and granulated sugar over medium-low heat while stirring constantly. The mixture is cooked until thick enough to pull away from the pan’s sides, indicating the proper consistency for setting. After removing from heat, butter and pure vanilla extract are stirred in to add richness and flavor. The hot mixture is then poured into a butter-greased 8x8 inch pan and spread evenly.
Once slightly cooled but before fully solidifying, the mixture is cut into squares. This timing allows the bars to set with a chewy texture while still moist. The final product showcases a sweet, dense coconut flavor balanced by the caramel notes from the cooking process.
Cocada is traditionally served as a dessert or snack. It is best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to eight days. Refrigeration or freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture and flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14 oz or 396 g
- 1¼ cups coconut flakes unsweetened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ tablespoon unsalted butter plus more for greasing, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure
Instructions
- Grease well with butter both the bottom and sides of a 8 x 8-inch baking pan. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine condensed milk, coconut, and sugar. Cook over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes (large burner) or more (small burner), stirring constantly, until mixture has thickened enough to detached from the bottom and sides of of the pan.
- Remove from the heat, immediately stir in ½ Tablespoon of butter, and then the vanilla.
- Pour hot mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading well with a large spoon or spatula until leveled uniformly. Let cool slightly on a rack and cut into squares while mixture has not completely solidified. Let them cool down before handling.
Notes
- Store coconut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 8 days to preserve texture and flavor.
- Avoid freezing or refrigerating to maintain the bars' characteristic chewiness.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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