Brigadeiro is a beloved Brazilian dessert known for its exquisite combination of chocolatey richness and creamy texture. This delightful sweet treat is a staple at celebrations and gatherings across Brazil. The name “brigadeiro” is derived from the Brazilian Portuguese word for “brigadier,” and this confection was named after Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes, a prominent figure in Brazilian politics. Originally created in the mid-20th century, brigadeiro quickly became an iconic part of Brazilian culture. It’s no wonder that this easy-to-make yet decadent treat has won the hearts of many around the world.
| Country | Brazil |
| Degree of Difficulty | Easy |
| Type of Food | Dessert |
| Cooking Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 30-40 minutes |
| Serving Size | 20 brigadeiros |
Ingredients:
- 2 (14 ounces) cans of sweetened condensed milk
- 4 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- Chocolate sprinkles for coating
Instructions:
- In a non-stick pan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter.
- Cook the mixture over low to medium heat, stirring constantly. The mixture will thicken and pull away from the sides of the pan. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
- Once the mixture reaches a fudge-like consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Grease your hands with butter to prevent sticking and shape the mixture into small, bite-sized balls.
- Roll the brigadeiros in chocolate sprinkles, coating them evenly.
- Place the brigadeiros in small paper cups for an authentic touch or on a parchment paper-lined tray.
- Let them cool completely before serving.
Nutritional Information: (Approximately per brigadeiro)
| Calories | 80 kcal |
| Fat | 3g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 13g |
Optional Additions or Substitutions:
- You can add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavor.
- Substitute cocoa powder with chocolate chips for a twist on the classic recipe.
Tips or Variations:
- If the mixture becomes too sticky to handle, you can refrigerate it briefly to firm it up.
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder.
Other Countries Where They Also Make This Recipe:
- While brigadeiro is a Brazilian classic, similar confections are made in many countries. These sweets are known by various names, such as truffles, bonbons, or fudge.
Allergen Checklist:
- Contains dairy (sweetened condensed milk) and may contain nuts or other allergens depending on the specific recipe.
- Brigadeiro typically contains dairy and is not suitable for vegans. However, you can explore vegan alternatives using coconut milk or condensed milk substitutes for a dairy-free version.
