Pol toffee is Sri Lankan coconut toffee: grated coconut cooked with sugar until it clumps, flavoured with cardamom or vanilla, usually tinted pink, pressed into a tray and cut into squares. Pol is the Sinhala word for coconut.

How do you know when coconut toffee is ready?

It is ready when the mixture stops sticking to the sides of the pan and follows the spoon as one heavy clump, after about 20 minutes on a medium-low heat. A little dropped into cold water should form a soft but firm ball.

Can I make pol toffee with desiccated coconut?

Yes. Use 200 g of unsweetened desiccated coconut with about 175 ml of water in place of 250 g fresh coconut and 3 tbsp water, and cook it the same way.

Why is my coconut toffee not setting?

It was taken off the heat too early. Keep stirring until it gathers into one clump that leaves the sides of the pan, then press it into the tray straight away.

Is Sri Lankan coconut toffee vegan?

The recipe here is, as it uses only coconut, sugar, water, spices and coconut oil. Many versions add butter, milk powder or condensed milk, so check before assuming a bought one is vegan.

How long does coconut toffee last?

About 1 week in an airtight container at room temperature, once completely cool. Humid weather softens it faster.

Coconut Toffee — Lakpura®

Ingredients

Baking spray
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup water
2 cups unsweetened desiccated coconut (also called finely grated)
Pinch ground cardamom
Drop pink food coloring, optional

Method

Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper overlapping the sides (for easy lifting).

n a heavy bottomed 3-quart saucepan over medium heat, mix the sugar and the water over medium heat. Cook until the mixture reaches the soft ball consistency, or a temperature of 235 degrees F on a candy thermometer. Stir in the coconut, cardamom and add food coloring, if using. (The toffee should be a pale, gentle pink.)

Quickly spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan, firmly pressing it into the corners. Allow it to cool and harden (takes a number of hours!). Cut or break into delicate squares or pieces and enjoy!

Buy Lakpura® Coconut (Pol) Toffee