Dulce de Coco y Piña [Coconut & Pineapple Puerto Rican Candy]

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey adds natural sweetness while brown sugar is often less expensive.

vanilla extract

🥗Healthier: vanilla bean

💰Cheaper: vanilla flavoring

Vanilla bean offers a more natural flavor, while vanilla flavoring is often cheaper.

coconut

🥗Healthier: unsweetened shredded coconut

💰Cheaper: desiccated coconut

Unsweetened shredded coconut is healthier, while desiccated coconut is often less expensive.

pineapple

🥗Healthier: fresh pineapple

💰Cheaper: canned pineapple

Fresh pineapple is healthier, while canned is usually more affordable.

Prepare 2.5 cups of tea by boiling water with a handful of cloves, a couple sticks of cinnamon, fresh ginger cut into wedges, and optional star anise. Boil for a few minutes.

Optionally add a few drops of vanilla extract to the tea and let it boil for about 5 minutes before turning it off.

Preheat a pot on medium-high heat for a couple of minutes.

Add 2 cups of prepared tea (or water) and 3 cups of sugar to the pot.

Stir in 4 cups of flaked coconut and 2 cups of drained pineapple.

Mix the ingredients together and cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

After about 15 minutes, the mixture should start to caramelize. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until it looks caramelized.

Prepare a pan by lining it with parchment paper and spraying it with non-stick spray or butter.

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and shape it as desired.

Let it cool for about 3 hours at room temperature until it hardens, then cut into pieces.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens