How to Make the Perfect Brigadeiro
Brazilian · Easy · 85 min · 20 servings
Brigadeiro is Brazils most iconic chocolate truffle, made from just a handful of pantry staples and rolled in chocolate sprinkles. These fudgy little balls are the centerpiece of every Brazilian birthday party and celebration and are impossible to eat just one of.
Why this recipe works
This Brigadeiro recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 85 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 90 calories with 1g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 395 g sweetened condensed milk
- 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter plus extra for rolling
- 1 pinch salt
- 100 g chocolate sprinkles for coating
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Mixture
Combine the condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, salt, and vanilla extract in a medium non-stick saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir continuously with a spatula or wooden spoon to prevent scorching on the bottom of the pan. Keep stirring for 10 to 12 minutes until the mixture thickens significantly and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Step 2: Test for Doneness
To check if the brigadeiro mixture is ready, drag your spatula through the center of the pan. If it takes 3 to 5 seconds for the mixture to flow back together, it is ready. If it flows back instantly, continue cooking for another 2 minutes and test again.
Step 3: Cool the Mixture
Pour the cooked brigadeiro mixture onto a lightly buttered plate or baking dish. Spread it out into an even layer and allow it to cool completely at room temperature for at least 1 hour, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to speed up the process.
Step 4: Roll and Coat
Butter your hands lightly to prevent sticking. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the cooled mixture and roll each one between your palms into a smooth ball. Roll each ball in chocolate sprinkles until fully coated, then place in individual paper candy cups. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- chocolate sprinkles → crushed pistachios or shredded coconut for a different coating
- unsweetened cocoa powder → carob powder for a caffeine-free alternative
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Cooking the mixture over high heat which causes it to scorch and develop a bitter burnt flavor
- Not cooling the mixture long enough before rolling which makes it too sticky to shape into balls
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 90 calories, 1g protein, 13g carbs, 4g fat, 0g fiber.
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