This recipe for Dulce de coco (coconut sweets) calls for few ingredients, is easy to prepare, and results in a delectable dessert with tropical flavors that you can not resist. Learn how to make one of grandmother's greatest hits, and enjoy the Caribbean's loveliest coconut candy.
By - Reviewed: . Original: Jan 3, 2012
Why we ❤️ it
Sometimes, the simplest things are the best. This is the case of Dominican Dulce de coco, one of our most popular desserts, and one of the most sought-after recipes in our blog. With a creamy texture, satisfying crunch, and delectable coconut flavor, this little colmado candy staple is loved all over the Dominican Republic.
Coconut is one of my favorite ingredients, and frankly, left to my own devices, I would put coconut in more things than is reasonable.
Dulce de coco versions
There are several versions of Dulce de coco, the most popular being "coco seco" (dry grated coconut) and "de coco tierno" (fresh coconut). Each has its fans.
Just to follow our tradition of throwing name confusion into any matter food and cooking, there's a type of dulce de coco that can also be found as Coquito (not to be confused with Puerto Rican Coquito!) and as Cocada (Dominican macaroons) - even if Cocada is also how many of us known as Coco horneado or Dulce de coco horneado.
Dulce de coco (coconut and milk fudge).
How to make Dulce de Coco Seco
For this the coconut "meat" is used when the husk has dried, much of the water has evaporated, and the coconut has a firm texture. This is the presentation that we show you here, and it produces a thick texture. This is made with grated or shredded coconut flesh.
How to make Dulce de Coco Tierno
For this version, the coconut should still be new and tender, and the coconut meat is soft and juicy. The coconut is challenging to grate when it is tender, so in that case, the coconut is chopped or sliced into tiny pieces. The result is a softer and juicier dessert, although the coconut flavor is less intense.
Top tips
- How to crack and prepare the coconut: Crack the coconut (my favorite method is wrapping it in an old towel and cracking it with a hammer). Remove the flesh (careful with sharp edges) using an old table knife or spoon.
- How to peel the coconut: Remove the dark peel using a potato peel. Wash and pat dry.
- How to grate the coconut: Grate in the food processor or by hand; the consistency (fine or coarse) will depend on your taste.
- You can prepare Dulce de coco dominicano with new coconut or dry coconut. Each has a different taste, and each has its fans.
- Some people like the coconut grated finely, some coarsely. I prefer a combination of both.
- If you cannot procure a coconut, you can use dry packaged shredded coconut, although the taste won't be the same. Add two cups of coconut milk to the evaporated or whole milk to enhance the coconut flavor. You will need to cook it a bit longer to reduce the extra liquid.
About this recipe
Dulce de coco is like a Dulce de leche but with coconut, so the ingredients and preparation are quite similar. The final consistency is a matter of preference; you can let the liquid reduce to the one you prefer. For this recipe, I went with my family's preferred one.
What's your favorite type of Dulce de coco, and did your family make it differently? Let me know in the comments below.
Video
Recipe
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Dulce de coco [Video+Recipe] Coconut Sweet
Ingredients
- 1 fresh coconut, cleaned and grated (see notes above)
- 4 cup evaporated milk, or 6 cups of full milk
- ½ cup sugar (white, granulated)
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, (optional)
Instructions
1. Mix ingredients
Mix the all the ingredients in a pot or saucepan.
2. Cook
- Bring to a boil over very low heat. Stir regularly to avoid sticking, and keep an eye on it to prevent it from overboiling.When it reaches pudding-like consistency remove from the heat (it may take up to 40 minutes).
3. Chill and serve
- Once cooled, place in an airtight container and chill or store in the refrigerator.Serve chilled.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is calculated automatically based on ingredients listed. Please consult your doctor if you need precise nutrition information.
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More coconut recipes
We have many great coconut recipes, but coconut dessert recipes are our favorite. Don't miss Memelos - our Dulce de coco-filled pops, Coconetes - the Dominican coconut cookies, Paletas de coco - an easy coconut popsicle recipe, Jalao - a Dominican coconut and honey candy, Coco horneado - our baked coconut dessert, and more.
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