Bala baiana. This decadent Brazilian sweet treat combines divine creamy coconut with golden caramel creating crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth delight in every bite. With a soft coconut filling inside and shiny, glass-like caramel shell outside, these are a great way to create delicious dessert when you are in a hurry. Perfect anytime treat!
In fact, I constantly learn something new almost every day, and I’ve quite a few favorite dinner and dessert ideas dedicated to make life easy. When it comes to sweet treats, easy yet decadent recipes unlocks the secret to amazing homemade desserts. Obviously, it starts with the right ingredients, and fortunately, there are countless ways to create quick and tasty treats with the humble pantry staples like sugar and coconut.
Amongst all the decadent recipes out there, these Brazilian coconut sweet treats stand out for their incredibly simple ingredients as well as contrasting texture and taste. While the caramel syrup forms the base of the stunning shiny exterior, the melt-in-your-mouth sweet coconut filling imparts a contrasting texture. Certainly, a must-have in your easy dessert menu.
Key Ingredients In Bala Baiana
- Condensed milk - Combines with coconut to make the sweet coconut filling.
- Coconut - Desiccated coconut for the smooth texture.
- Sugar - Granulated or caster sugar form the base of the caramel.
- White vinegar - Prevent crystallization of sugar mixture.
How To Make Bala Baiana
Coconut filling - The filling is a combination of condensed milk and desiccated coconut with a touch of butter. You will need to heat these ingredients in a pan over medium heat. They will eventually form a thick mixture which can be rolled out into small balls.
Caramel shell - The bonbons have a crunchy, shiny shell made with caramel. It’s a very basic caramel made with sugar and water. When the mixture turns golden, you get decadent caramel. To make the baianas, you will need to coat the coconut balls with caramel - so crunchy outside but soft inside.
Ingredients
Coconut filling:
- ▢ 400 g (1 can) sweetened condensed milk
- ▢ 50 g unsalted butter
- ▢ 2 cups desiccated coconut
Caramel shell:
- ▢ 1 cup granulated (caster) sugar
- ▢ ¾ cup water
- ▢ 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Instructions
Make coconut filling:
- Place condensed milk, butter and desiccated coconut in a frying pan over low-medium heat.
- Cook, stirring, for about 6-8 minutes or until the mixture leaves the sides of the pan.
- Remove from heat. Set aside to cool.
- Roll approximately 20 balls out of the mixture.
- Chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
Make caramel:
- Place sugar, water and vinegar in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Do not stir.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, the mixture will start to bubble.
- When sugar is caramelized and gets a light brown color (about 3-4 minutes), remove the pan from heat.
Make coconut bonbons:
- Dip the coconut balls in caramel and arrange on a baking tray.
- Set aside until set.
Video
Nutrition
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Check out more easy sweet treats:
- Easy Apple Turnovers
- Upside Down Apple Pie With Puff Pastry
Ingredients
Coconut filling:
- ▢ 400 g (1 can) sweetened condensed milk
- ▢ 50 g unsalted butter
- ▢ 2 cups desiccated coconut
Caramel shell:
- ▢ 1 cup granulated (caster) sugar
- ▢ ¾ cup water
- ▢ 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Instructions
Make coconut filling:
- Place condensed milk, butter and desiccated coconut in a frying pan over low-medium heat.
- Cook, stirring, for about 6-8 minutes or until the mixture leaves the sides of the pan.
- Remove from heat. Set aside to cool.
- Roll approximately 20 balls out of the mixture.
- Chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
Make caramel:
- Place sugar, water and vinegar in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Do not stir.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, the mixture will start to bubble.
- When sugar is caramelized and gets a light brown color (about 3-4 minutes), remove the pan from heat.
Make coconut bonbons:
- Dip the coconut balls in caramel and arrange on a baking tray.
- Set aside until set.
