How to Make Cocada con Leche Condensada
1. Prepare the Pan
Line a small baking tray or plate with parchment paper and lightly grease it. Cocada cools and firms up as it sets.
2. Combine the Ingredients
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add:
Sweetened condensed milk
Whole milk
Butter
Sugar
Shredded coconut
Salt
Stir everything together until the mixture begins to warm and loosen.
3. Cook Until Thick and Glossy
Continue stirring as the mixture gently cooks.
Over 8–12 minutes, it will:
Thicken
Darken slightly
Pull away from the sides of the pot
You’re looking for a texture similar to thick, sticky dough.
4. Add Flavor
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla (and cinnamon, if using).
5. Shape the Cocadas
You have two presentation options:
Traditional mounds: Use a spoon to drop small heaps onto your parchment-lined tray.
Bars or squares: Spread the mixture into a flat layer and cut after cooling.
Either way, let them cool for 20–30 minutes until firm enough to hold their shape.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Cocada can be enjoyed warm, room temperature, or chilled. They last several days and travel well—making them perfect for gatherings or edible gifts.
Tips to Make Your Cocadas Perfect
Prefer them softer? Add a splash more milk.
Prefer them chewier? Cook a few minutes longer.
Too sweet? Reduce or omit the extra sugar.
Want more flavor? Add lime zest, rum extract, or a drizzle of dulce de leche on top.
A Sweet Tradition Worth Sharing
Cocada con Leche Condensada is more than a recipe—it's a connection to generations of home cooks who turned simple ingredients into something special. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or discovering cocada for the first time, this treat delivers comfort, sweetness, and a taste of Latin American tradition in every bite.
