Savory and Sweet: Beijinho De Coco Recipe
Welcome to my kitchen, where today we will be making a mouth-watering Brazilian delicacy: Beijinho De Coco or Brazilian Coconut balls. I am excited to share this recipe with you as it is one of the most loved desserts in Brazil and for a good reason. These sweet, fudgy coconut balls are the perfect treat that can satisfy any sweet craving.
The name “Beijinho” means “little kiss” in Portuguese, and trust me, they taste like little sweet kisses that melt in your mouth. This recipe is straightforward and uses only four ingredients. The combination of coconut and condensed milk creates a fantastic flavor that you can’t resist.
The best part about these little sweets is that they require minimal effort and are ready in less than 30 minutes. Whipping up a batch of Beijinhos de Coco at home will bring the authentic taste of Brazil straight into your kitchen.
So let’s get started with the ingredient list!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of sweet treats? If so, let me introduce you to the Beijinho de Coco, aka Brazilian Coconut Balls! Trust me; these little bites of heaven will satisfy all your sweet cravings in the most delicious way.
What’s not to love about Beijinho de Coco? With only four ingredients, this recipe is straightforward and easy to make. All you need is sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, butter, and a little bit of patience. You’ll have these sweet treats ready in less than 30 minutes!
But what makes Beijinho de Coco so special is its texture – it’s fudgy and moist on the inside and slightly crunchy on the outside. The combination of sweetened condensed milk and shredded coconut creates a rich flavor that will melt in your mouth.
In addition to being easy to make and super delicious, Beijinho de Coco is also very versatile. You can decorate them with whole cloves or roll them in coconut flakes to add extra texture and flavor. You can also use them as a sweet topping for cakes or cupcakes, or simply enjoy them as a little snack between meals.
So, whether you’re a fan of coconut or just looking for a simple yet satisfying dessert recipe, Beijinho de Coco is an excellent choice. Give it a try, and I’m sure this recipe will become one of your favorites!
Ingredient List
Below is a list of all the ingredients you will need to make these delicious Beijinho De Coco (Brazilian Coconut Balls):
Main Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cups shredded coconut
Additional Ingredients for Variation
- 1/4 cup sweetened flaked coconut
- 2 tablespoons fudgy coconut balls made with 4 ingredients or less
- 1/2 cup dried coconut, like unsweetened kind
Extra Decorative for Serving
- Whole cloves for decorating
Make sure to get all the ingredients ready and measured before starting with the recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s dive into the actual making of these delightful Brazilian coconut balls. Follow these steps and you’ll have a batch of sweet treats in less than 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Beijinho De Coco:
- 1 (14oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cups dried coconut, like unsweetened kind
- Decorating: whole cloves
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter, and shredded coconut.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula. Keep stirring until the mixture starts to thicken and pull away from the sides of the pan – this should take about 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Using your hands greased with butter, shape small balls (about 1 inch) out of the mixture.
- Decorate each ball with a whole clove on top.
- Serve at room temperature.
It’s that simple! These beijinhos de coco are perfect for holidays, parties or as little sweets for everyday enjoyment. So why not surprise your friends and family with some homemade Brazilian coconut kisses?
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about cooking is the ability to put your own spin on just about any recipe. This holds true for Beijinho De Coco, or Brazilian Coconut Balls, as well. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try to make this recipe uniquely your own.
For starters, if you’re looking to switch things up a bit when it comes to the shredded coconut element of this recipe, you may want to experiment with different kinds of coconut. While sweetened flaked coconut is generally used for this recipe, you could also use shredded or desiccated unsweetened coconut instead for a bit of a healthier twist.
If you’re looking to make these treats even more decadent, why not try adding some chocolate? You could try adding mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate chunks directly into the mixture itself. Alternatively, consider dipping the finished balls into melted chocolate and letting them cool until hardened for an extra layer of indulgence.
For those looking for a vegan version of the recipe, try replacing the butter with a non-dairy option such as vegan butter or coconut oil and using vegan sweetened condensed milk.
Finally, if you’re feeling especially adventurous and want to really take things up a notch, try decorating the finished balls with small slices of fruit or nuts like almonds, cashews, or hazelnuts. Additionally, you could insert whole cloves as garnish for an elegant presentation.
No matter which substitutions or variations you choose to pursue, be sure to stay true to your culinary instincts and don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors and textures. The result will be a dish that’s uniquely yours and absolutely delicious every time!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing Beijinho De Coco, you have plenty of options to choose from. This dessert is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger spread.
When serving Beijinho De Coco, the traditional way is to roll them into small balls and place them in decorative paper cups. You can also decorate them with sprinkles or shredded coconut for a fun twist.
What makes Beijinho De Coco so special is how well they pair with other desserts. They are often served with brigadeiros, another Brazilian sweet treat made with chocolate and condensed milk. The combination of the fudgy chocolate flavor from brigadeiros and the sweet coconut flavor from Beijinho De Coco is simply irresistible.
Another fantastic option for pairing Beijinho De Coco is to serve it with fresh fruit, such as strawberries, kiwi, or mango. The fruit’s tanginess perfectly complements the sweet and creamy taste of the coconut balls. It’s definitely worth trying!
If you want to get creative, you can even use Beijinho De Coco as a topping for cakes or cupcakes. Simply crumble them up into smaller pieces and sprinkle them over your desserts for added texture and flavor.
No matter how you decide to serve and pair Beijinho De Coco, this dessert will undoubtedly be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you have prepared the Beijinho De Coco, you can store it in an airtight container for up to five days in the refrigerator. If you want to make it ahead, you can prepare the coconut truffles and freeze them for up to six months. Just make sure they are stored in an airtight container or freezer bag.
To reheat your Beijinho De Coco, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving. Alternatively, heat it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on high power, making sure not to overheat it as this can result in a dry and chewy texture.
As for decorating options, the Beijinho De Coco can be topped with shredded coconut or whole cloves for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
Whether you are planning to make this dessert ahead of time or serve it fresh from the pan, taking proper care of your Beijinho De Coco will help preserve its fudgy texture and delicious coconut flavor!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you know how to prepare Beijinho De Coco, it’s time to master some tips to ensure perfect results every time.
Firstly, when preparing the mixture, make sure that all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help the butter and sweetened condensed milk blend smoothly, avoiding lumps in your mixture.
Secondly, use good quality shredded coconut to make your Beijinho De Coco. Fresh is always better, but if you don’t have access to fresh shredded coconut, use sweetened flaked or dried coconut. Just make sure to use unsweetened kind if you prefer a less sweet option.
Thirdly, be careful not to overcook the mixture. Keep on low heat while stirring constantly until it forms a soft ball that doesn’t stick to your spoon. Overcooked mixture will result in hard and dry coconut balls that won’t give you that fudgy texture we’re looking for.
Fourthly, allow the mixture to cool before handling it. Working with warm mixture can make it hard to shape into balls and can cause the balls to fall apart.
Fifthly, try experimenting with different decorating options to add an extra touch of creativity to your Beijinho De Coco. Some popular decorating options include whole cloves or shredded coconut sprinkles.
Lastly, and most importantly, have fun! Cooking is an art and everyone’s interpretation of a recipe is unique. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments and experiment with different flavors until you find the perfect taste for you!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Beijinho De Coco recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves sweet and indulgent treats. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this Brazilian Coconut Balls recipe is perfect for those who want to make a delicious dessert with minimal effort. The combination of butter, sweetened condensed milk, and shredded coconut results in fudgy coconut balls that are irresistible.
This recipe is not just delicious, but it also showcases the unique flavors of Brazil. As someone who specializes in both Brazilian and American cuisine, I can assure you that this treat is one of the best representations of Brazilian sweets. The Beijinho de Coco will surely set your taste buds on an adventure that transports you all the way to the coast of Brazil.
Furthermore, this recipe can easily be customized to your preferences. From variations in coconut flakes to using unsweetened or sweetened flaked coconut as per your taste, there’s so much room for experimentation. You can also serve them as Brazilian Coconut Truffles or Beijinhos de Coco by shaping them into bite-sized balls.
I highly recommend making this recipe ahead of time so that you can serve it fresh, but if you want to store or reheat any leftovers later on, follow my storage tips for the perfect outcome every time. To ensure perfect results every time, don’t forget to follow my tips and frequently asked questions guide.
In short, make sure to add this recipe to your list of favorites; your family and friends will thank you! I hope these instructions will help you recreate the deliciousness of these homemade Beijinho De Coco (Brazilian Coconut Balls) whenever you crave them- whether it’s for a party or just an indulgent snack at home.
Beijinho De Coco (Brazilian Coconut Balls) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup dried coconut (I like to use the unsweetened kind)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Put all the ingredients in a heavy saucepan over medium heat and mix constantly with a wooden spoon (about 15 minutes).
- When mixture begins to thicken and begin to loosen from the bottom of the pan when you scrap it with the wooden spoon you know the mixture has completed the cooking cycle.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a greased plate and cool for 15 minutes. Grease your hand very well and roll into 1 inch balls. Drop balls into a plate full of sugar and completely cover the ball.
- These balls are usually served on miniature paper liners.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Dora
Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.