Lillimala Recipe

Indulge in the sweet magic of Lillimalas, beloved traditional Cape Malay candies! These vibrant, soft, and chewy treats are made with fresh coconut, boasting a delightful texture and a naturally sweet flavor. Easily customized with bright green or pink food coloring, these candies are a delightful explosion of color and taste. Perfect for a special occasion or a sweet treat anytime, this recipe makes individual portions in charming cupcake liners, making them perfect for gifting or enjoying. A taste of South Africa awaits!

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Calories 1824.6 kcal
Protein 8g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Lillimala 32

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Lillimala

Cook Smarter with Sous, Your Kitchen Companion

Missing an ingredient for this Lillimala? Need a perfect wine pairing or a healthy side dish idea? Don't guess—ask Sous! Your AI-powered sous-chef is ready to help you swap ingredients, adjust serving sizes, and discover flavor tips in seconds.

How to Make Lillimala

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of water, 1 cup of shredded coconut, 1/4 cup of glucose syrup (or light corn syrup), and a pinch of salt.
  2. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
  3. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage (235-240°F on a candy thermometer). This will take approximately 10-15 minutes. The mixture should be thick and slightly stringy when you lift the spoon.
  4. Remove from heat and immediately stir in 2-3 drops of food coloring (green or pink, or your favorite color!) until the desired color is achieved.
  5. Quickly spoon the mixture into small cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full.
  6. Allow the Lillimalas to cool and set completely at room temperature for at least 2-3 hours, or until firm.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

17 g

Sugar

1327g

Fat

250g

Carbs

112g