
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 6For 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
- 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. - Chill the mixture
Transfer the mixture to a separate bowl and place it in the fridge until cooled. - 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. - 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. - 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. - Let them set
Allow the sugar coating to cool and harden completely before serving.

