Brigadeiro is a traditional Brazilian sweet that is incredibly popular at birthday parties and celebrations. It’s a type of chocolate fudge ball made with just a few simple ingredients: sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, and chocolate sprinkles.
White variety of brigadeiro, often referred to as “brigadeiro branco” is just as simple and delicious. Instead of cocoa powder, you can use white chocolate or just sweetened condensed milk for a pure white version. Sometimes, coconut is added for flavor. Here’s a basic recipe for both:
Traditional Brazilian Brigadeiro Sweets
Brigadeiro is a classic Brazilian dessert, known for its rich chocolate flavor and smooth, fudge-like texture.
Ingredients
Chocolate Brigadeiros:
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- Chocolate sprinkles for rolling
White Brigadeiros:
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 oz white chocolate chopped
- Desiccated coconut or white chocolate sprinkles for rolling
Instructions
Chocolate Brigadeiros:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to pull away from the sides of the pan and you can see the bottom when you stir (about 10-15 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool until it's cool enough to handle.
- Grease your hands with butter and roll the mixture into small balls (about the size of a walnut).
- Roll each ball in chocolate sprinkles until fully coated.
- Serve: Place the brigadeiros in small paper cups and let them set.
White Brigadeiro (Brigadeiro Branco)
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk and butter. If using white chocolate, add it now.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool until it’s cool enough to handle.
- Grease your hands with butter and roll the mixture into small balls (about the size of a walnut).
- Roll each ball in desiccated coconut or white chocolate sprinkles until fully coated.
- Serve: Place the brigadeiros in small paper cups and let them set.
Tips and Variations:
- Coconut Beijinho: For a coconut version (beijinho), mix 1/2 cup of desiccated coconut into the mixture during cooking. Roll the cooled balls in more coconut.
- Flavor Variations: You can add a drop of vanilla extract or a bit of grated lime zest to the mixture for additional flavor.
- Decorations: Use colorful sprinkles, finely chopped nuts, or even crushed freeze-dried fruit to coat the brigadeiros for different tastes and appearances.
Enjoy making these delightful white brigadeiros! They make a wonderful addition to any dessert table.
Nutrition
Calories: 13kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 0.1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.04gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.3gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 0.3mgPotassium: 7mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 28IUVitamin C: 0.001mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 0.1mg