Bala Baiana

Dessert

Bala Baiana

Prep Time: 30 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins

Serves: 6

These bala baiana are such a fun treat — sweet, chewy coconut bites coated in a crisp amber sugar shell. They’re simple to make and so good when you want something a little different.

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Ingredients

Serves 6
  • For the Coconut Filling

  • 1 tbsp salted butter
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 2/3 cup sweetened coconut flakes
  • For the Sugar Coating

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tbsp vinegar

Instructions

  1. Make the coconut filling
    In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sweetened condensed milk and coconut flakes, then stir for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture thickens and starts pulling away from the sides of the pan.
  2. Chill the mixture
    Transfer the mixture to a separate bowl and place it in the fridge until cooled.
  3. Shape into balls
    Once chilled, grease your hands lightly and take about 1 tbsp of the mixture at a time. Roll into bite-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined tray.
  4. Make the sugar syrup
    In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and vinegar. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, until it turns amber in color.
  5. Coat the balls
    Insert a toothpick into each ball, dip it into the amber sugar syrup, then place it back onto the parchment-lined tray.
  6. Let them set
    Allow the sugar coating to cool and harden completely before serving.

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