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Coconut Dulce de Leche Cocadas

These beauties are my coconut dulce de leche cocadas and they are outrageously delicious. Cocadas are a traditional coconut candy or confectionery typically found in Latin America, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela as well as other areas in South America. If you are a coconut lover like I am, these are a must-make.

Similar to a coconut macaroon, cocadas have a chewy, yet soft texture. There are lots of variations out there from, brightly colored to golden brown with almonds or macadamia nuts.  But in this recipe, I use dulce de leche to add even more richness as well as a creamy caramel flavoring that’s memorable.

Fun fact for you. Etymologically, the word “cocada” comes from the word “coconut” with the addition of the Spanish suffix “ada”, which means “a hit” or “a strike”. The suffix “ada” indicates to strike with a sharp object, such as in cracking a coconut open.

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Cocadas are believed to be of Spanish origin, likely because, coconut, sugar, and milk are all products that were brought by the Spanish in the countries they colonized. After the Spanish Civil War, and a shortage of pine nuts (an ingredient heavily used in many recipes at the time), coconut began being used as a common substitute in many recipes. Some believe it was around this time, that cocadas were invented.

cocadas

Cocadas Around The World

cocadas

Like coconut, caramel is also a weakness for me, so its addition to this recipe seems rather fitting. I like to dip my cocadas in melted chocolate which balances the caramel and builds flavor complexity. This one-bowl recipe whips up in a minute and bakes off in just 30 minutes making them a great quick sweet treat, should you be needing one. I first served these beauties years ago at my husband’s Mexican-themed 40th birthday party and they disappeared almost instantly. Trust me, if you make them, you’ll understand why.

About the Author

Andrea Potischman

I am a professionally trained NYC chef turned CA mom and food blogger. I post about real food, with doable ingredient lists that are family friendly.

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