Delicious Brigadeiro Recipe: Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Hey there, let me ask you something. Do you have a sweet tooth? If so, brace yourself because you are about to discover a dessert that will knock your socks off! Introducing the classic Brazilian dessert, Brigadeiros. These mouth-watering fudge balls are like nothing you’ve ever tasted before. They are a chocolate lover’s paradise and when coated with toppings such as coconut, pistachio or oreo crumbs they become the ultimate indulgence.

As a chef specializing in Brazilian cuisine and American classics, I can tell you that this Brigadeiro recipe is an absolute must-have for anyone who wants to try their hand at Brazilian sweets. Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it also only requires a few ingredients that can be found in almost every grocery store. Trust me when I say that adding this recipe to your dessert repertoire will turn you into an instant rockstar in the kitchen.

So what are you waiting for? Get your sweet tooth ready because this brigadeiro recipe will take it for a wild ride!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Brigadeiro
Brigadeiro

Are you looking for a dessert that is both easy to make and absolutely irresistible? Look no further than the Brazilian classic: Brigadeiro. This fudgy chocolate treat is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

One of the things that makes Brigadeiros so appealing is their versatility. The traditional recipe calls for just four ingredients – sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, and a pinch of salt. But don’t be afraid to get creative and mix in different flavors and toppings like coconut, strawberry, pistachio, or even Oreo cookies!

Not only are Brigadeiros simple to make – just combine the ingredients in a pot and stir until thick – they also require no baking or fancy equipment. All you need is a spoon and some parchment paper to shape them into cute little balls.

And let’s not forget their delicious taste! The combination of sweetened condensed milk and cocoa powder creates a rich, fudgy flavor that will have you coming back for more. Plus, their small size makes them perfect for snacking or serving as a party dessert.

Overall, the Brazilian Brigadeiro recipe is the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for something to satisfy your cravings, this recipe is sure to become one of your go-to favorites!

Ingredient List

 A chocolate lover's dream come true
A chocolate lover’s dream come true

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients 1
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

Ingredients 2
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Optional Ingredients

  • Vanilla essence or extract
  • Coconut flakes for coating

The ingredient list for making delicious brigadeiros is short and requires staples commonly found in most kitchens. The first set of listed ingredients will be needed to make the base recipe, while the second set are meant for rolling the chocolate balls into cocoa powder or other coatings for decorative purposes. As an optional ingredient, vanilla extract can be added to enhance the depth of flavor or to create flavored variations like coconut, strawberry, bolo de rolo, pistachio, oreo, churro, creme brulee, coffee, passion fruit, banana, ube flavors among others. If intending to use coconut flakes to coat the chocolate balls brigadeiros (Brazilian fudge balls), instead of cocoa powder place it in a small bowl before starting making this delicious dessert.

The Recipe How-To

 The most popular dessert in Brazil
The most popular dessert in Brazil

Now that you know why this Brigadeiro recipe is a must-try, it’s time to get cooking! Don’t worry if you’ve never made Brazilian fudge balls before; it’s an easy and fun process.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients together.

  • 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Make sure you have everything before we start!

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, pour in the sweetened condensed milk and stir until fully combined.
  2. Now add the cocoa powder to the saucepan and stir continuously for about 10 minutes (or until the mixture becomes thick and starts to pull away from the edges of the saucepan).
  3. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool down to room temperature.
  4. Once cooled, grease your hands with butter or margarine and shape the mixture into small balls or truffles.
  5. Roll in chocolate powder, coconut flakes or any topping of your choice.

And there you have it, tasty Brigadeiros!

Tips and Tricks

  • Don’t leave the mixture unattended while simmering on medium heat;
  • Brigadeiros need to be stirred constantly or they will stick to the pan;
  • You can use margarine instead of butter;
  • If you want a more classic taste, use Brazilian chocolate powder instead of unsweetened cocoa powder;
  • For more variations, try toppings such as strawberry, pistachio, banana, or even oreo crumble!

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delicious treats as part of a dessert plate selection at your next dinner party, or as a sweet snack for your family and friends. Brigadeiros pairs well with coffee, English breakfast tea, passion fruit juice or even a glass of champagne.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Brigadeiros can be made ahead of time and should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

FAQ

What is brigadeiro made of?
Brigadeiro is made from sweetened condensed milk, butter or margarine, and cocoa powder.

Do brigadeiros need to be refrigerated?
Yes, brigadeiros need to be refrigerated and will last up to 5 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve followed this easy brigadeiro recipe, it’s time to indulge in some classic Brazilian fudge balls. In this article we’ve provided tips and tricks for the best result, including make-ahead instructions and serving suggestions. So roll up

Substitutions and Variations

 Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth
Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth

The great thing about this Brigadeiro recipe is that there are so many ways to customize it and make it your own. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

1. Chocolate: For a classic flavor, use unsweetened cocoa powder in this recipe. You can also try using chocolate chips, milk chocolate powder or dark chocolate powder.

2. Butter: Instead of using unsalted butter, you can use margarine or another plant-based butter to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

3. Milk: Sweetened condensed milk is a must for Brigadeiros but try replacing half of the sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk to get a tropical twist for your dessert.

4. Flavors: Brigadeiros are fantastic because of their versatility in terms of flavors. For example, instead of cocoa powder add strawberry essence for a fruity variation or replace a tablespoon of cocoa powder for ground pistachio if you like nutty textures.Simply substitute the essence for your flavour.

5. Rolled: The traditional way to eat brigadeiros is by rolling them in chocolate powder, but you can also roll them on grated coconut, chopped nuts or sprinkles for a pop of colour and excitement.

6. Make sandwiched brigadeiros and swap Nutella with Peanut Butter Spread between two balls for an oh-so-indulgent twist .

The possibilities with these yummy treats are endless! Don’t be shy about trying something new as every variation is guaranteed to be indulgingly tasty

Serving and Pairing

 A bite-sized treat that packs a punch of flavor
A bite-sized treat that packs a punch of flavor

Now that you have mastered the brigadeiro recipe, it’s time to explore some exciting serving ideas. Whether you are looking forward to having a post-dinner dessert or a tasty treat for a special occasion, brigadeiros are an excellent choice.

One of my favorite ways to serve brigadeiros is by mixing and matching different flavors. You can create a beautiful dessert bar with an array of brigadeiros such as the classic chocolate, coconut, strawberry, pistachio, Oreo or even peanut butter. These little delights are perfect for those who love exploring new flavors! You could also serve them in colorful mini-cups with edible decorations like chocolate chips, sprinkles or shredded coconut.

For a more elegant presentation, try placing your brigadeiros on a fancy platter with fresh fruits and whipped cream on the side. The sweetness of brigadeiro pairs incredibly well with seasonal berries like raspberry or passion fruit. This combo makes for a refreshing and light dessert experience.

If you’re feeling adventurous in the kitchen, how about trying some Brazilian desserts such as Bolo de Brigadeiro (chocolate cake layered with chocolate ganache), cheesecake topped with Brigadeiro sauce or brigadeiro truffles?

To make it even more exciting, why don’t you try adding a spoon of ube (purple yam) or torta (caramelized sweet condensed milk) while making your traditional brigadeiro recipe? It’s amazing how these flavors can elevate the humble brigadeiro experience into something quite remarkable.

In conclusion, there’s no right or wrong way of serving or pairing brigadeiros – it all depends on your imagination! These little balls are so versatile that you can customize them to match any style and taste preference. Enjoy every bite of these heavenly treats and share them with your family and friends. Trust me; these sweets will be remembered long after they are gone.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 Quick and easy to make, even for beginners
Quick and easy to make, even for beginners

One of the best things about Brigadeiros is that they are easy to make ahead and store for future indulgence. After making these delicious Brazilian fudge balls, you can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

If you don’t plan on serving them right away, you can always store them in the fridge for up to a week or freezer for up to a month. However, storing them in the fridge may cause some hardening of the cocoa powder coating, but they will still taste just as delicious.

When you’re ready to serve or eat them again, there are a few ways to reheat Brigadeiros effectively. One option is to microwave them on medium heat for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, you could let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating. This allows the Brigadeiros to soften up just enough without completely melting. Another option is to serve them cold or directly from the fridge as it’s also a delightful experience.

So feel free to prepare your Brigadeiros ahead of time and savor their rich chocolate flavor whenever you please!

Tips for Perfect Results

 The perfect dessert for any occasion
The perfect dessert for any occasion

Let’s talk about how to make sure your brigadeiros are coming out perfectly every time.

First of all, make sure to use a non-stick pan, and use low heat throughout the process. The mixture can burn easily, and a burnt brigadeiro is never a good brigadeiro.

If you’re not sure when your mixture is ready, try the “brigadeiro test”. This test involves running a spoon through the mixture and seeing if it stays separated for a second or two. If so, then it’s ready!

It’s also essential to stir continuously, and use a silicone spatula. That will allow you to scrape the corners of the pan easily and ensure that everything is mixing well.

While cooking, keep checking the consistency of the mix – darker brigadeiros will result in harder fudge balls. Brigadeiros typically have a soft and tender texture that melts quickly in your mouth.

When you’re rolling your brigadeiros into balls, avoid touching them more than necessary. Your hands can create heat which will melt the chocolate coating on the outside.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with different coatings and flavors! Brigadeiros are super versatile, they go great with coconut flakes, sprinkles, nuts, or chocolate powder. Also, try adding in some fruits like strawberries, bananas or passion fruit to create gourmet variations of your favorite chocolate treat.

By following these tips, you should rest easy knowing that your brigadeiros will come out perfect every time.

FAQ

Now, let’s take a look at some of the most common Brigadeiro recipe FAQs. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner cook, it’s always helpful to have all your questions answered so you can execute this recipe perfectly. These FAQs will help you troubleshoot any issues that may come up during the cooking process and ensure that you make amazing Brazilian fudge balls every time. So without further ado, let’s dive into our FAQ section!

What is a brigadeiro made of?

The brigadeiro, originally made with eggs, has evolved into a simple yet delicious treat consisting of only condensed milk, butter, and cocoa powder. Once the mixture is rolled, it’s typically decorated with edible toppings such as colorful sprinkles.

What is the difference between a truffle and a brigadeiro?

When it comes to comparing brigadeiros and truffles, there are a few notable distinctions. For instance, the key variation lies in the main ingredients, with condensed milk being used to make brigadeiros, while truffles are crafted from chocolate ganache that incorporates cream. Additionally, brigadeiros tend to be smaller in size and possess a sticky texture, while truffles are typically softer thanks to their creamier composition.

What is brigadeiro called in English?

Brigadeiro, which translates to “brigadier” in English, is a popular Brazilian dessert with a fascinating backstory. Legend has it that this treat was invented during the 1940s as a tribute to Brazilian Brigadier Eduardo Gomes, who was rumored to be quite the handsome bachelor.

Does brigadeiro need to be refrigerated?

It is necessary to refrigerate Brigadeiros after preparing them. It’s recommended to chill them for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Bottom Line

If you’ve been looking for a dessert that’s both easy to make and absolutely delicious, look no further than Brigadeiros. This Brazilian fudge ball is an absolute delight for anyone with a sweet tooth, and it’s incredibly simple to make with only a few ingredients.

Whether you’re looking to satisfy your own craving for something delicious or impress your friends and family with your culinary skills, Brigadeiros are the perfect choice. With this recipe in hand, you’ll be able to whip up a batch in no time and enjoy them whenever you please.

So don’t wait any longer – try out this Brigadeiro recipe today and discover why so many people around the world have fallen in love with these tasty treats. Trust me, it will be worth it!

Brigadeiro

Brigadeiro Recipe

These are very simple, and you can make two flavours - coconut and chocolate. It's a bit like Brazilian fudge for those of you who haven't tried this. I like to roll the chocolate flavour in Oreo crumbs for a delicious treat.
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Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine Brazilian
Servings 10 balls
Calories 382.9 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 (400 g) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa (for chocolate flavour) or 1 tablespoon vanilla essence (for coconut flavour)
  • 1 tablespoon butter or 1 tablespoon margarine
  • 4 tablespoons desiccated coconut (for coconut flavour)
  • chocolate sprinkles
  • desiccated coconut, extra

Instructions
 

  • For chocolate flavour: Put condensed milk, butter and cocoa in a saucepan and cook on medium heat, stirring continually until mixture is thick and sticks to the spoon.
  • Grease a plate well and put the mixture on it. Refrigerate for 30 minute.
  • Take the plate out and butter your hands well. Taking a teaspoonful at a time with your hands, roll into a small ball and then roll in chocolate sprinkles.
  • For coconut flavour: Put condensed milk, coconut, vanilla essence and butter in saucepan. Proceed the same as chocolate flavour, only roll in dessicated coconut when done.

Add Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 75gCalories: 382.9kcalCarbohydrates: 58.8gProtein: 8.8gFat: 13.4gSaturated Fat: 8.6gCholesterol: 41.6mgSodium: 159.1mgFiber: 0.9gSugar: 56.4g
Keyword < 30 Mins, Beginner Cook, Candy, Coconut, Dessert, Easy, Fruit, High In..., Inexpensive, Lunch, Nuts, Sweet
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Dora

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.