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    Home > Brazilian Recipes

    Published: Apr 28, 2014 · Modified: Apr 29, 2021 by Denise Browning · "This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission." · 46 Comments

    Cocada de Leite Condensado (Brazilian Coconut Bars)

    Gluten Free

    Jump to Recipe ↓

    Five-ingredient, quick, naturally gluten-free Brazilian Coconut Bars or Cocada de Leite Condensado is the recipe of the day!

    It has been a long time since I had the pleasure of munching on my favorite Brazilian dessert bars– but finally, I will have to wait no longer…  

    For those who may not know, cocada is a tropical treat typical to Northeastern Brazil -- although also found in Angola, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, and Chile.

    This dessert is no stranger to this blog. As I explained in one of my previous posts about cocada cremosa, cocada can present three different types of  textures: cocada de corte (the traditional texture– either a slightly chewy or crisp dessert bar), cocada de forno (baked in the oven),  and cocada cremosa, de copo or mole (which has a pudding-like, creamy texture).

    We have already presented a recipe for cocada cremosa (banana-coconut pudding) as well as for cocada de forno (baked coconut-sweet potato custard) last year. This time, however, our recipe is for cocada de corte. This particular recipe of cocada de corte makes use of condensed milk, coconut, and sugar. This is a contemporary cocada recipe, since the traditional recipe calls for water instead of condensed milk. Because these cocadas de leite condensado are very sweet, they are sliced into small portions.

    Cocada de Leite Condensado (Brazilian Coconut Bars)

    I remember vividly that I used to prefer nibbling on cocadas instead of cookies while watching TV. Also, it was always such a thrill to purchase cocadas from the street vendors at the Alto da Sé in Olinda.

    Alto da Sé, Olinda, Brazil

    View of Olinda, Pernambuco, Brazil

    "Um tabuleiro de cocada" (large cocada tray carried by street vendors) can be an attraction all its own. In general, it comes lined with cocadas of different flavors and of course, colors. From cocada preta (burnt coconut bars) to those made from assorted fruits such as passion fruit, banana, and guava, it has been  always hard to choose just one. Brazilians' fascination for cocada can be only compared to Americans' obsession with cookies. 🙂

    I hope you do enjoy our coconut bars as much as I did... My eyes always light up when I see one -- like a child when she catches sight of her favorite candy!

    JOIN THE CONVERSATION

    What is your favorite sweet bar?

    uma pilha de cocada de leite condensado em um taboleiro
    Print SAVE Saved Recipe! Pin
    5 from 10 votes

    Brazilian Coconut Bars (Cocada)

    Quick, tropical, gluten-free coconut bars that despite their small-size can satisfy even the most die-hard sweet tooth!
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 20 minutes
    Servings 16
    Author Denise Browning

    Ingredients

    • 1 can can of sweetened condensed milk 14 oz or 396 g
    • 1¼ cups unsweetened coconut flakes
    • 2 cups granulated sugar
    • ½ tablespoon softened unsalted butter plus more for greasing
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

    Instructions

    • Grease well with butter both the bottom and sides of a 8 x 8-inch baking pan. Set aside.
    • In a medium saucepan, combine condensed milk, coconut, and sugar. Cook over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes (large burner) or more (small burner), stirring constantly, until mixture has thickened enough to detached from the bottom and sides of of the pan.
      Ingredients for cocada de leite condensado or Brazilian coconut bars being mixed with a wooden spoon in a bowl
    • Remove from the heat, immediately stir in ½ Tablespoon of butter, and then the vanilla.
    • Pour hot mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading well with a large spoon or spatula until leveled uniformly. Let cool slightly on a rack and cut into squares while mixture has not completely solidified. Let them cool down before handling.
      Brazilian coconut bars or cocada de leite condensado cut into squares in a pan

    Recipe Notes

    Storage: These coconut bars should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 8 days. Do not freeze or refrigerate!

    ** Nutrition labels on easyanddelish.com are for educational purposes only. This info is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate, since the nutrition content of recipes can vary based on ingredient brand or source, portion sizes, recipe changes/variations, and other factors. We suggest making your own calculations using your preferred calculator, based on which ingredients you use, or consulting with a registered dietitian to determine nutritional values more precisely.

    Please note that health-focused and diet information provided on easyanddelish.com is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to initiating any significant change in your diet or exercise regimen, or for any other issue necessitating medical advice.

    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Comment and rate the recipe. Also follow us on Pinterest at @easyanddelish for more delish recipes.

    Cocada de Leite Condensado (Brazilian Coconut Bars)

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    Filed Under: 5 Ingredients or Less, Brazilian Recipes, Easy And Delish, Easy Gluten-Free Recipes, Easy Snacks, Quick & Easy Recipes Tagged With: Coconut

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Deb says

      April 28, 2014 at 2:55 pm

      What a luscious treat! The recipe is similar to "Vanilla Fudge" my mom would make on special occasions. Such sweet memories!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        April 28, 2014 at 5:46 pm

        I am happy that a similar treat bring you great memories, Deb! Thanks a lot for sharing it with me...

        Reply
    2. Chris @ The Café Sucré Farine says

      April 28, 2014 at 3:25 pm

      What a fun treat Denise! Scott is a huge coconut fan and would go crazy over these. I love that they're so simple to make with just 5 ingredients, pinned!!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        April 28, 2014 at 5:47 pm

        Hi, Chris! Yes, they are quite simple to make... A great treat to satisfy a die-hard sweet tooth like me! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Daniela says

      April 29, 2014 at 9:47 am

      My husband is almost fanatic about cocada and this new version is going to be
      a hit in our family.

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        April 29, 2014 at 10:22 am

        Daniela: I do hope your husband enjoy this cocada version made from condensed milk. This is one of the most popular in Brazil. Thanks a lot for stopping by.

        Reply
    4. Shashi @ RunninSrilankan says

      April 29, 2014 at 10:09 am

      YUM! Denise these "coconut bars" sound delicious - perfect with a hot cup of tea!
      When I was younger, my mom used to make a traditional Sri Lankan sweet called "milk toffee" - your coconut bars remind me of my mom's milk toffee in texture and color!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        April 29, 2014 at 10:24 am

        Hi, Shashi! I do hope you try this Brazilian version which is similar to your milk toffee. I have heard that many cultures have a similar version. Enjoy, my dear! Wishing you an awesome week!

        Reply
    5. Lady Lilith says

      April 29, 2014 at 11:38 am

      Looks great. Thanks for sharing the recipe.

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        April 29, 2014 at 3:52 pm

        Thanks a lot! Enjoy!

        Reply
    6. Abbe@This is How I Cook says

      April 29, 2014 at 12:39 pm

      This is a new one to me. But if you chose these over cookies, I will probably have to try these. Because it is hard for me to believe that anything is better than cookies! Except maybe these!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        April 29, 2014 at 3:56 pm

        Hey, Abbe! I have to confess that I have never been a big fan of cookies. I do enjoy a lot munching them once and a while although I am not crazy for them.

        But I've been always crazy for these bars. I do hope you try and enjoy them despite you think or not they are better than cookies. 🙂

        Reply
    7. Coffee and Crumpets says

      April 29, 2014 at 5:22 pm

      I live coconut anything so these look fantastic! They remind me of an Indian dessert bar that is very similar, with coconut. I also love condensed milk 😉

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        April 29, 2014 at 5:24 pm

        Enjoy, Nazneen!

        Reply
    8. Mi Vida en un Dulce says

      April 29, 2014 at 7:51 pm

      Looks very delicious

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        April 30, 2014 at 7:44 am

        Thanks, Nydia!

        Reply
    9. Liz says

      April 29, 2014 at 7:58 pm

      I can see how these could easily become a favorite treat! I'd never say no to a coconut bar!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        April 30, 2014 at 7:44 am

        Neither would I, Liz! 🙂

        Reply
    10. Little Cooking Tips says

      April 30, 2014 at 12:58 am

      5 stars
      A wonderful, simple no-fuss dessert with beautiful flavors and aroma! Yummy yummy yummy! Thank you Denise! Have a beautiful week!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        April 30, 2014 at 7:45 am

        Thank you, Panos and Mirella! Likewise.

        Reply
    11. Juliana says

      April 30, 2014 at 1:09 am

      Denise, can you believe that I have never made this bars? I remember buying them and enjoying every simple bite when living in Brasil...thanks for the recipe...hope you are enjoying your week my dear 😀

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        April 30, 2014 at 7:46 am

        Thank you, Juliana! I do hope you make them here in the US. They are easy peasy and quite satisfying. Have a great week as well!

        Reply
    12. Raymund says

      April 30, 2014 at 2:47 pm

      5 stars
      NIce one, Brazilians really know what sweet means. This looks awesome

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        April 30, 2014 at 7:23 pm

        Raymund: Thank you! We are crazy for sugar...Hehe!

        Reply
    13. John@Kitchen Riffs says

      April 30, 2014 at 5:46 pm

      I love coconut! So you know I'd love this. Terrific recipe -- thanks so much.

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        April 30, 2014 at 7:24 pm

        Thank you for stopping by and leave a comment.

        Reply
    14. Sugar et al says

      April 30, 2014 at 11:28 pm

      5 stars
      You know I love the fact that so many of your recipes use condensed milk. Now leftover condensed milk is never going to be a problem for me. All I need to do is visit your space. We have something similar in Indian sweets with coconut but that never looked as gorgeous as this one.

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        May 01, 2014 at 8:25 am

        Sonali: Thank you, my friend! I am glad that you enjoy condensed milk as much as I do... I am sure your Indian related treat is the bomb as Indian food is.

        Reply
    15. Amira says

      May 01, 2014 at 3:28 pm

      Can be stored for up to 8 days!!!! you must be kidding me Denise.... these will not even be stored for 8 hours in my coconut loving sweet tooth family. loved it loved it loved it really for sure will make it soon. Thanks dear, Brazilian kitchen is such a lovely heritage.

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        May 01, 2014 at 5:31 pm

        Thanks, Amira! At my house, it takes up to one day to devour all 16 bars. 🙂

        Reply
    16. Krissie - Pearls of Style says

      May 02, 2014 at 12:06 am

      I love anything coconut and these sound really lovely. It's nice to hear about them being steeped in your memory; those foods are always the best.

      Krissie x - http://pearlsofstyle.blogspot.com.au

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        May 02, 2014 at 7:16 am

        Thank you, Krissie! Yes, I do have great memories growing up in Brazil and also eating these bars.

        Reply
    17. Karen (Back Road Journal) says

      May 03, 2014 at 5:12 am

      Your little bars brought back memories of when I lived in Santo Domingo. The hotel where we were staying, would leave little bars that sound similar to yours each evening at turndown. They were very good.

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        May 03, 2014 at 8:35 am

        Hi, Karen! This is somewhat similar to caramel fudge bars that many Hispanic countries have (and also Brazil) although these ones take coconut flakes. I bet the Dominican bars were amazing!

        Reply
    18. cquek says

      May 03, 2014 at 10:14 am

      Maybe Ill skip my workout and hit the grocery store!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        May 03, 2014 at 10:57 am

        You won't regret it, cquek!

        Reply
    19. Judit & Corina @Wine Dine daily says

      May 04, 2014 at 9:20 pm

      5 stars
      Mmm such a wonderful and simple dessert, Denise! We also flirted with coconut in the last week and have some left over to make your 5 ingredient super delicious bars. Love the beautiful photos from your paradise 🙂
      Cheers,
      J+C

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        May 05, 2014 at 12:01 pm

        Thanks, ladies! I hope you can make these bars and enjoy...Coconut is one of my fave ingredients.

        Reply
    20. Debbie says

      May 30, 2015 at 7:40 pm

      When I was in Brazil, I had coconut pancake ( I don't know what they are called). Women sold them on the street They tasted like coconut and sugar. They were big flakes of coconut and flat like a pancake. I ate so many that my boyfriend hid them on me. We were in the north part of Brazil. The women sold all kinds of food on the street. Do you know what they were made out of. I also ate some kind of grilled sandwich. It might have been white cheese and banana, but that was in Rio. This was 35 years ago. When I came home I tried to make this stuff, but had no luck.

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        May 30, 2015 at 8:42 pm

        Hi, Debbie! Welcome to FBTY!
        I think the coconut pancakes you are talking about are tapioca crepes filled with coconut. 🙂 There is a recipe for tapioca crepes in my blog. Here is the link to make the "pancakes" or crepes: http://www.frombraziltoyou.org/brazilian-breakfast-and-tapioca-crepes-with-cheese/
        Instead of filling them with cheese like I did (there are tapioca crepes filled with different fillings --both savory and sweet), you fill them with a mixture of coconut flakes and either sweetened condensed milk or sweetened coconut milk. I say that because there are 2 types of coconut filling for our tapioca crepes. If the ones that you ate were wet, they are traditionally dumped in a mixture of coconut flakes and sweetened coconut milk. If they were dry but with a moist filling, it was coconut flakes with sweetened condensed milk.
        The grilled cheese with banana is called cartola. It is a typical dish from my home state, Pernambuco -- although is available in other states such as Rio. Here is the link for its recipe:
        https://www.easyanddelish.com/cartola-pernambuco/

        Please, let me know if you have any other questions. Have a great weekend!

        Reply
        • Debbie says

          June 08, 2015 at 6:02 pm

          Thank you so much. I can't wait to try them.

          Reply
          • Denise Browning says

            June 08, 2015 at 6:15 pm

            My pleasure, Debbie! If you have any additional questions, I'll be happy to answer them! Have a fun summer!

            Reply
            • Debbie says

              June 20, 2015 at 6:35 pm

              5 stars
              Just made the bars and these are it. So excited!!! They made them like flat round cookies and used large pieces of coconut.I was on an island off of Salvador. Banana sandwich next.Thanks sooo much.:)

            • Denise Browning says

              June 21, 2015 at 1:33 pm

              I am so glad that you enjoyed cocadas (Brazilian coconut bars/cookies), Debbie!
              When you first talked about coconut pancakes, I thought you were talking about tapioca crepes filled with coconut. 🙂 I am glad that you found the recipe that you needed here. Enjoy!!!

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