Cocada: Easy Coconut Bark
This recipe for 'Cocada: Easy Coconut Bark' is a straightforward dessert requiring just two main ingredients: sweetened shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk. The mixture is baked until deeply golden with delightfully crispy edges, then cooled and cut into bars. It's an effortless, sweet treat perfect for quick preparation and satisfying a sweet craving.
Equipment
- 1 13x9-inch Baking Dish For even baking and easy release of the bark.
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl To thoroughly combine the coconut and condensed milk.
- 1 Silicone Spatula Ideal for mixing and spreading the sticky coconut mixture evenly.
- 1 Chef's knife For clean and precise cutting of the bark into squares.
- 1 Nonstick Cooking Spray Essential for preventing the coconut bark from sticking to the baking dish.
Ingredients
Main
- Nonstick cooking spray for spraying baking dish
- 5 1/2 cups one 14-ounce bag sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Mix the coconut and condensed milk in a bowl until well combined. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Bake until the coconut is completely browned with dark and crispy edges, about 20 minutes.
- Cool slightly, then cut into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Achieving the perfect 'dark and crispy edges' is key for texture. Keep a close eye on the bark during the last few minutes of baking as its high sugar content can cause it to go from golden to burnt quickly. For enhanced flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of fine sea salt to the coconut mixture before baking. A sprinkle of finely chopped toasted nuts like pecans or almonds just before baking can also add a delightful crunch and nutty aroma. Allowing the cocada to cool adequately, preferably on a wire rack, before cutting is crucial for clean, defined squares; if cut too warm, it can crumble. Store cooled cocada in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain freshness.