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    Home » Recipes » Desserts

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    Jalao (Honey and Coconut Balls)

    En Español Recipe ↆ

    Jalao– a type of Dominican candy– chewy balls made with freshly-grated coconut, ginger, and enough honey that's for the right amount of sweetness, the ultimate indulgence for any occasion. So, what are you waiting for? Make these mouthwatering treats – you'll love them!

    Dominican jalao candy balls
    Jalao (honey and coconut balls).

    JUMP TO: show ↓
    1. Why we ❤️ it
    2. What is jalao?
    3. Variations
    4. Top tips
    5. About this recipe
    6. Video
    7. Recipe
    8. FAQs

    Why we ❤️ it

    When you savor one of these lovely sweet treats, honey, ginger, and coconut flavors dance together perfectly, creating a taste explosion that'll make your taste buds dance happily. I love the chewy texture and perfect combination of freshly grated or shredded coconut and caramelized honey.

    Honestly, these honey and coconut balls are so moreish you might find yourself fighting overindulgence. But hey, no shaming!

    What is jalao?

    Jalao is a simply Dominican dessert made of coconut and honey. Other ingredients can be added depending on the region.

    Jalao (Coconut and Honey Candy) is a humble dessert that still languishes as colmado fare. Although a childhood favorite with its fresh taste and chewy texture, it is never served to guests. A shame because this is a fantastic candy, or at least coconut lovers think so.

    Dominican jalao candy balls.
    Jalao dulce dominicano balls.

    Jalao balls (Dominican coconut candy).

    Variations

    This recipe has a few variations nationwide. The biggest ones are whether ginger or molasses are added.

    Neither is strictly necessary and seems more of a Southern Dominican Republic version. In my region (Northwest), molasses are not used. This makes sense because sugar cane molasses are not produced in this area of the country.

    Top tips

    • The color of your jalaos will depend on the color of the honey you use. Some people add molasses. Some don't. I prefer it without, but if the honey is too pale, a bit of molasses will give it the right dark chocolate color.
    • They're typically just brown coconut balls, but I love the look of a bit of snow-white grated coconut sprinkled on top. You can skip that.

    About this recipe

    I have always wondered why some of our dishes have been relegated to obscurity. Perhaps the humble provenance of those dishes, something we have written about, keeps them away from the refined table.

    Maybe it's time the revolution reached the cupboards.

    Buen provecho!

    Tia Clara

    Video

    Recipe

    This awesome free recipe contains Amazon affiliate links, we receive a small commission from any purchase you make at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

    Jalado de coco balls
    Keep screen on while cooking

    Jalao [Recipe + Video] Honey and Coconut Balls

    By: Clara Gonzalez
    Learn how to make jalao Dominicano, a honey and coconut candy ball that is easy to make, and a marvelous little treat.
    5 from 3 votes
    Save for Later Send by Email Print Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 5 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine Dominican
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 551 kcal

    Ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, to grease the tray and hands
    • 2 cup freshly-grated coconut flakes, divided
    • 2 cup honey, of dark color, or add a teaspoon of molasses to the honey (optional)
    • 1 tablespoon of finely grated ginger

    Instructions
     

    Cooking the candy

    • Grease the tray with oil.
      Mix in honey, coconut flakes, and ginger. Pour into a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Once it starts boiling stir vigorously until the honey has turned a very dark caramel color (about 5 minutes).
      Pour the mixture on the greased tray. Cool to room temperature.

    Making balls

    • Making coconut balls.
      Cover your hands with a bit of oil and put enough of the coconut mixture on your palm to roll into balls about 1.5 in [4 cm] in diameter.
      Rest on the greased tray.

    Serving

    • Served coconut balls.
      Serve at room temperature. For a bit of contrast, you can sprinkle with coconut flakes.
      It keeps in an airtight container for a couple of days or in the fridge for a week, but always serve at room temperature because when cold, they get very hard.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 551kcalCarbohydrates: 100gProtein: 2gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 15mgPotassium: 213mgFiber: 5gSugar: 95gVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 1mg

    Nutritional information is calculated automatically based on ingredients listed. Please consult your doctor if you need precise nutrition information.

    READERS SEARCHED FOR coconut truffles, dominican jalao candy, jalao de coco, jalao dulce dominicano
    More recipes with: coconut, honey

    FAQs

    Should I use sweetened or unsweetened coconut?

    For this coconut ball recipe, you need freshly-grated, unsweetened coconut.

    Published Feb 9, 2011, revised Mar 4, 2023

    More Dominican Desserts Recipe You'll Love!

    • Dulce de Leche Dominicano (Dulce de Leche Candy)
    • Coffee Flan Recipe (Flan de Café)
    • Chocolate Flan Recipe (Flan de Chocolate)
    • Quesillo de Coco (Coconut Flan Recipe)
    Edited: Mar 4, 2023 | Publish: Mar 4, 2023

    ¡Hola! I am Tía Clara, your host. Thanks for visiting.
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