Cocadas de Piña (Pineapple and Coconut Candy)

Cocadas are a traditional and popular dessert in Colombia. There are different variations of this treat, however, the main ingredient is always shredded coconut (coco), while other ingredients are dependent on region and the cook.

Cocadas are usually sold on the streets and beaches around the country. They are very easy to make and keep fresh up to two weeks in the fridge stored in cookie tins. These Cocadas de Piña (Pineapple and Coconut Candy) are very popular in the coastal regions of Colombia.

In addition to this Cocadas recipe below, here are some of the other variations that I previously posted on the site: Cocadas de Arequipe, Cocadas de Lechera, Cocadas Blancas and Chancacas.

Ingredients:

(About 6 cocadas)

1 and 1/2 cups of shredded coconut, fresh or store bought
1 and 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
2 cups of fresh pineapple juice

Directions:

Place the pineapple juice and sugar in a pot. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to low.

Let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes or until thickened. Stir often with a wooden spoon to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Add the shredded coconut and mix well. Stir the mixture over low heat for about 10 minutes more.

Drop 6 amounts of the mixture onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper or spray with oil, spacing them 2 inches apart.

Let cool completely. Store them in an airtight container for up to two weeks.