Bala Baiana is a unique and interesting candy with a sweet taste and chewy texture. If you are curious about the taste, you can now easily make it from home or buy it at the store. If you prefer to make it yourself, we will share the recipe here for all of you.
Bala Baiana candy has a sweet taste with a chewy texture, which makes many people addicted after trying it for the first time. So, here we will share the recipe, with the hope that everyone can enjoy the deliciousness of this homemade candy.
We are sure that with its taste, you will be happy to try the recipe at home. A recipe that makes many people happy, especially children. The chewiness and taste are really something to look forward to. Once you eat one, you will definitely ask for more and more. Ok, ready to write down the recipe, all right! Before all that, let’s see a little about Bala Baiana, what this candy is?
What is Bala Baiana?
What is Bala Baiana or Bala Baiana candy? This is a Brazilian sweet made from sweetened condensed milk, caramel, sugar, and coconut. The texture is chewy and many people like the texture, so it is famous as it is today.
Its name is “Bala Baiana” which means Bahian candy. This name refers to the area where this candy is made, namely the Bahia region, Brazil.
How To Make Bala Baiana Candy
Ingredients:
- One can of sweetened condensed milk
- One tablespoon of butter or margarine
- 100 grams of grated coconut
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup of water
- White vinegar 2 tablespoons
Instructions on How to Make Bala Baiana
Step 1:
Start making it by preparing the mixture, in a pan; combine margarine, sweetened condensed milk, and grated coconut. Then cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture comes away from the sides of the pan. When finished, spread it out on a plate, and let it cool in the refrigerator.
Step 2:
Once the mixture is cold in the refrigerator, now grease your hands with a little margarine and form small balls.
Step 3:
Now make the caramel. Using a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, and vinegar. Stir well and heat the fire and cook briefly until thickened. When cooking, avoid stirring, but pay attention so that it doesn’t burn.
Step 4:
When the color has turned brown, do the test. Put a little caramel in a glass of cold water. If you hear a “cracking” sound, then this indicates it is ready. Another way to do the test is to take a small amount with your finger, squeeze it and if there is nothing liquid or cracked, then it is ready.
Step 5:
Now dip all the balls into the caramel using a fork. Cover all the balls with caramel. Evenly, do this for all the balls you have made.
Let this candy cool and harden before serving.
Serving Suggestions
1. Dessert Platter Delight:
Arrange Bala Baiana neatly on a dessert plate along with other sweet foods such as chocolate pastries, or refreshing fruit slices for dessert.
2. Coffee or Tea Pairing:
Serve this candy with a cup of hot coffee or tea. A sweet warm drink combined with Bala Baiana candy will provide a comfortable, soothing, and impressive treat.
3. Party Favors:
Add this candy as part of your party favors. You can put it in a small box or tiny bag that you will share with your party visitors.
4. Ice Cream Toppings:
There are also those who make it as a topping on ice cream. You can sprinkle Bala Baiana that you cut into pieces over a scoop of ice cream for a delicious topping. The chewy texture adds a delicious taste, especially accompanied by its softness.
5. Gift Baskets:
Make a homemade gift basket and you can combine it with this candy and chocolate, as well as other goodies. This will be a great gift for your friends or loved ones in your family.
6. Holiday Treats:
During the holidays, you can combine Bala Baiana candy, whether it is for Eid al-Fitr or other celebrations. This is a great addition as a sweet and fun dessert.
How to Store Bala Baiana Candy
The way to store it is to put this candy in an airtight container first before storing it properly at room temperature. Store at dry, cool room temperature, away from heat sources including sunlight or any heat sources. Proper storage will allow Bala Baiana to last up to a week. Please enjoy it at any time.
Don’t store Bala Baiana in the refrigerator because it can cause it to stick and harden.
Conclusion
Bala Baiana is a Brazilian candy that has a sweet taste and chewy texture. It is made from ingredients such as sweetened condensed milk, sugar, caramel, grated coconut, and others. This is a great treat for the family or to take on vacation.
It’s great enjoyed as a dessert or along with other desserts. Delicious served with a cup of coffee or a cup of warm tea.
Check Out The Bala Baiana Recipe Below
Ingredients
- One can of sweetened condensed milk
- One tablespoon of butter or margarine
- 100 grams of grated coconut
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup of water
- White vinegar 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture in a pan by mixing ingredients such as margarine, grated coconut, and sweetened condensed milk. Cook over medium heat and stir continuously until the mixture moves away from the edge of the pan. When finished, set aside on a plate, and chill in the refrigerator.
- When it is cold, now grease your hands with butter and make the dough into small balls.
- Now it's time to make the caramel, in a medium skillet; combine the sugar, water, and vinegar. Stir well and bring to a boil at medium temperature. Simmer until thickened, and avoid stirring while cooking, but keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn.
- When the color changes to a light caramel color, do a test by placing a small amount of caramel in cold water. If the sound is "cracking", then it is ready. You can also squeeze it with your fingers. If it forms a firm ball without melting, it means it is cooked.
- Working quickly, dip each ball that has been made/shaped into small balls using a fork. Do everything with the same procedure until all the balls are used up.
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FAQs about Bala Baiana Candy
Can you use desiccated coconut instead of grated coconut?
Yes, you can replace dried coconut with grated coconut, but you should know that dried coconut has a finer texture, so the resulting candy has a slightly different consistency.
How long does Bala Baiana take to cook caramel to reach the right consistency?
The time needed to reach the right level of thickness for caramel varies, but usually takes between 15 and 20 minutes. So, watch it carefully, and do the test.
Can I store it at room temperature?
Yes, bala baiana must be stored at room temperature in an airtight container. Don’t store it in the refrigerator because it can cause the candy to stick and harden.
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar for caramel?
Yes, you can experiment by using brown sugar so that the taste profile is a little different. But keep in mind that this can affect the color of the candy and its taste.
How Long Does Bala Baiana Stay Fresh?
If stored properly, it can last up to one week at room temperature. However, for the best texture, it is recommended that you eat it the first day you make it.
