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Coconut Drops

Traditional Jamaican coconut candy made by simmering chunks of fresh coconut with brown sugar, ginger, and spices until a thick, sticky syrup coats each piece. Dropped onto parchment and cooled, they harden into rustic, sweet-spicy confections.

55 minEasyServes 20180 cal/serving

JamaicanDessertStovetopVeganVegetarianGluten-FreeDairy-FreeNut-FreeEgg-FreeSoy-FreeLow-SodiumPork-Free

Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh coconut meat, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 2 cups dark brown sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground allspice (pimento)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. 1

    Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

  2. 2

    Combine 2 cups dark brown sugar and 1 cup water in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then bring to a boil.

  3. 3

    Add 4 cups cut into 1-inch chunks fresh coconut meat, 2 tsp grated fresh ginger, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp ground allspice (pimento). Stir well to combine.

  4. 4

    Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 30 to 35 minutes until the syrup has thickened considerably and the coconut has absorbed most of the liquid. The mixture will pull away from the sides of the pan when ready.

  5. 5

    Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp pure vanilla extract.

  6. 6

    Working quickly, drop heaped spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared parchment paper, spacing them a few inches apart. Allow to cool and harden completely at room temperature, at least 30 minutes, before serving.

Questions

Can I make Coconut Drops ahead?

Yes, it takes well to being made ahead. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and eat it within three days.

Can I halve or double Coconut Drops?

Yes. As written it serves 20. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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