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Tablet Kokoye (Haitian Coconut Candy)

Haitian · Dessert · Medium

Tablet Kokoye (Haitian Coconut Candy)

Total
1 hr 20 min
Prep
45 min
Serves
12
Calories
155
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Coconut shreds bind into chewy, ginger-scented clusters as sugar syrup cooks down, making a small street sweet from Haiti.

The syrup in Tablet Kokoye (Haitian Coconut Candy) holds together generous shreds of coconut without hiding their chew. Ginger, cinnamon, and citrus zest give this Haiti sweet a warm fragrance that develops as the pan slowly thickens.

Use unsweetened coconut so the sugar level stays predictable. A thermometer makes the endpoint easier to judge; once the syrup is ready, work promptly because the clusters become harder to shape as they cool.

SweetRichZestyMake AheadStreet FoodVeganVegetarianGluten-freeDairy-freeNut-freeEgg-free

Method

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Combine the coconut, sugar, water, ginger, cinnamon, lemon zest, and salt in a heavy saucepan.

  2. Bring to a steady simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Cook for , stirring regularly, until most of the water has evaporated and the shreds look glossy.

  3. Continue cooking over medium-low heat for about , stirring constantly, until the syrup reaches 240°F (115°C) and the mixture pulls into a sticky mound when stirred.

  4. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Drop 24 small mounds onto the parchment using two spoons, then cool for until the clusters hold their shape. Serve two per person.

Forkue tips

  • Fresh grated coconut can replace dried shreds, but its extra moisture may extend the cooking time; use the syrup temperature and texture as the endpoint.

Storing and reheating

Store cooled candies between sheets of parchment in an airtight container for 5 days at cool room temperature. In humid weather, refrigerate for 2 weeks and let them soften briefly before eating.

Kitchen gear

Heavy saucepanTop picks on AmazonCandy thermometerTop picks on AmazonBaking sheetTop picks on Amazon
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Nutrition per serving, estimated

155Calories
1gProtein
19gCarbs
9gFat

Image: AI-generated picture of the finished dish, made by Forkue. Yours will look like home cooking.

Tablet Kokoye (Haitian Coconut Candy): FAQ

Why did my coconut candy stay loose?

The syrup did not cook far enough to bind the shreds. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook to the stated temperature before shaping again.

Can I use sweetened shredded coconut?

Unsweetened coconut gives more control over the syrup. Sweetened shreds bring extra sugar and moisture, so they cannot be swapped without changing the balance.

How do I store and reheat Tablet Kokoye (Haitian Coconut Candy)?

Store cooled candies between sheets of parchment in an airtight container for 5 days at cool room temperature. In humid weather, refrigerate for 2 weeks and let them soften briefly before eating.

How long does Tablet Kokoye (Haitian Coconut Candy) take?

About 1 hr 20 min in total: 45 min prep and 35 min cooking.

What do I need to make Tablet Kokoye (Haitian Coconut Candy)?

The key ingredients are shredded coconut, ginger, cinnamon, lemon zest and vanilla extract, plus pantry basics.

Any tips for Tablet Kokoye (Haitian Coconut Candy)?

Fresh grated coconut can replace dried shreds, but its extra moisture may extend the cooking time; use the syrup temperature and texture as the endpoint.

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