Brigadeiro Recipe - Brazilian Fudge Balls (2024)

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This brigadeiro recipe is so easy to make and so worth knowing! All you need are just 3 simple ingredients and this Brazilian candy goodness will be ready in no time to satisfy all your sweet cravings!

More brigadeiro recipes to try: Brigadeiro Cake Recipe / Brazilian Chocolate Cake with Brigadeiro Frosting / Brazilian Hot Chocolate

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What is brigadeiro

Oi Gente!!

Brigadeiro (bree-gah-day-ro) is one of the most classic Brazilian desserts. So classic and so Brazilian, it’s safe to say it’s part of the Brazilian DNA. True facts!

These little chocolate caramels are possibly THE most known, most popular and most loved Brazilian party treat. Ask any Brazilian and they’ll confirm… Brigadeiros are like a Brazilian chocolaty treasure, so sweet and so gooey, it’s impossible not to love.

This simple dessert is made with just a handful of ingredients, mainly condensed milk and chocolate powder – you know, the kind you add to milk like Nesquik, or Nescau, widely used in Brazil. You can definitely make brigadeiro with cocoa powder too, but there’s a slightly different process and recipe for it, especially when we want to roll it into little balls. I’ll get to that on another post.

More Brazilian sweets to try: Beijinho de Coco – Brazilian Coconut Balls Recipe

Ways to enjoy a delicious brigadeiro

Sometimes it’s left as a caramel-like ‘sauce’ that we just eat with a spoon, dip fruits in (hello brigadeiro dipped strawberries!!), make brigadeiro cake (with brigadeiro as a cake filling, or drizzled all over the top – OR BOTH!)…

And, of course, sometimes we roll it into these cute little bite size balls, that we cover in sprinkles. These little brigadeiro balls are essentially like Brazilian bonbons, and some people also call them Brazilian chocolate truffles, or Brazilian fudge balls.

Add sprinkles

We traditionally use chocolate sprinkles, but the beauty of these little festive treats is that you can dress them any which way you want – just add different color sprinkles, and candy cups to match!

They look super cute in pink, white, red for Valentines Day. Or red, white, green for Christmas. Pastel nonpareils for Easter. Your favorite team’s colors. Rainbow sprinkles for fun birthday… seriously, the possibilities are endless!

And if you put them in a pretty box, they make a perfect little gift too.

Brazilian Kitchen Abroad is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Brigadeiro ingredients

These are the 3 ingredients you’ll need for this easy brigadeiro recipe:

  • Sweet condensed milk
  • Chocolate powder – you know, the kind you add to milk like Nesquik, or Nescau, widely used in Brazil.
  • Sprinkles – brigadeiro without sprinkles should be considered a crime!

This sweet treat is so easy to make, I’ve been making it since I was a kid.

The recipe is extremely simple, but there are a few little tricks you need to know to ensure your brigadeiro balls come out perfect every time. Check out the deets below!

How to make brigadeiro

  1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan

    And cook over medium heat.

  2. Stir and scrape, stir and scrape, stir and scrape!!

    Repeat after me… stir and scrape!!

    This is likely the most important advice I can give you. Stirring and scraping during the cooking process, will ensure the brigadeiro doesn’t burn AND that no lumps form. The brigadeiro is ready when you scrape the bottom of the pan and it takes 2-3 seconds for all that gooey mixture to come back to its place, or when the mixture reaches 205F-208F. You can use a candy thermometer, or just a regular food thermometer to check.

    Brigadeiro Recipe - Brazilian Fudge Balls (5)

  3. Let it cool

    Pour the hot brigadeiro in a plate and let it cool until it’s cool to touch. At that point, you can cover the dish with kitchen wrap to refrigerate and roll later, or you can roll now.

  4. Roll into balls

    Lightly butter your hands, and scoop 1/2 Tbsp to Tbsp size portions and roll little balls – like this!
    Brigadeiro Recipe - Brazilian Fudge Balls (6)

  5. Cover in sprinkles!!

    Ta-da!! You’re so close. Just roll the little balls in your sprinkles or nonpareil colors of choice and pronto, you are done! You can serve them on a dish, or put them in small little candy cups like the ones below.

    Brigadeiro Recipe - Brazilian Fudge Balls (7)

If brigadeiros weren’t already part of your life, prepare yourself. These little 3-ingredient fudgy chocolaty goodness are about to become your new favorite party sweet, like ever!

Seriously, your birthday parties, dinner parties, or any other party you can imagine will never be the same. And that’s a wonderful thing!

Try it, and let me know how you like them!

Bom Apetite!

Beijinhos

xoxox

More brigadeiro recipes you’ll love:

  • Brazilian Chocolate Cake with Brigadeiro Frosting
  • Brazilian Hot Chocolate

Other Brazilian Desserts:

  • Brazilian Carrot Cake
  • Brazilian Tapioca Pudding
  • Pavê – Brazilian No Bake Chocolate Pie

Brigadeiro Recipe - Brazilian Fudge Balls (8)

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4.95 from 53 votes

BRIGADEIRO RECIPE | BRAZILIAN FUDGE BALLS

Brigadeiro is one of the most classic Brazilian desserts and party treat. This simple recipe is ready in no time and will satisfy all your sweet cravings!

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cooling Time: 2 hours hours

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 16 brigadeiros

Author: Aline Shaw

Ingredients

  • 1x 14oz can of sweet condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup chocolate powder, such as Nescau or Nesquik
  • 1 Tbsp margarine or butter (plus more for hands)
  • Sprinkles

Instructions

  • Add the condensed milk, the butter, and the chocolate powder to a medium saucepan and stir.

  • Cook over medium heat, for approximately 10 minutes, stirring repeatedly and scraping the sides and the bottom of the pan with a spatula to avoid burning.

  • The brigadeiro is ready when you scrape the bottom of the pan, and the brigadeiro takes 2-3 seconds to come back to its place, or when the mixture reaches 205F-208F – You can use a candy thermometer, or just a regular food thermometer to check.

  • Pour the hot brigadeiro into a dish or a plate, and let it cool – about 2 hours.

  • Meanwhile, pour sprinkles in a deep plate or bowl.

  • When the brigadeiro is cooled, butter your hands, and scoop 1/2 Tbsp to Tbsp portions and roll little balls.

  • Roll the little balls in the sprinkles.

  • Keep them in a cool place or in the refrigerator until serving time.

Bom Apetite!!

    Did you make this recipe? Show me how it turned out! Snap a photo and share with me on Instagram tagging @aline_shaw!

    Video

    Brigadeiro Recipe - Brazilian Fudge Balls (2024)

    FAQs

    Do brigadeiros need to be refrigerated? ›

    How can I storage them? The best way to storage your Mary's Brigadeiro Chocolate is at room temperature in a cool and dry place between 17 and 20 degrees between 5 and 7 days for freshness. If you can't keep them in a cold place, storage them in the fridge for up to 12 days.

    What does brigadeiro mean in english? ›

    noun. brigadier [noun] in the army, the commander of a brigade. (Translation of brigadeiro from the PASSWORD Portuguese–English Dictionary © 2014 K Dictionaries Ltd)

    What if brigadeiro is too soft? ›

    Don't be discouraged if you don't get the consistency right the first time. If it is undercooked and too soft, serve it in little cups with spoons and toppings. If it is overcooked and chewy, you can also roll them and eat as well. Even failed brigadeiro is good!

    Why is my brigadeiro lumpy? ›

    *If you notice the brigadeiro becoming too bubbly and lumpy, turn off the heat. Stir vigorously for about two minutes, then resume cooking over low heat.

    Why do Brazilians eat brigadeiros? ›

    A Brazilian Confection. Stoica explains their popularity saying that Brazilians love brigadeiros because they're sweet, beautiful, and easy to eat wherever you are. She goes on to explain, “They're also an essential addition to any celebration or party.

    What's the difference between chocolate truffles and brigadeiros? ›

    Brigadeiros are different from chocolate truffles in that they do not contain actual chocolate. These confections are instead made by heating sweetened condensed milk together with cocoa powder, and usually adding butter. Once the mixture thickens, it is then rolled into a ball and coated with a variety of toppings.

    What is the national dessert of Brazil? ›

    The true Bolo de Rolo consists of the cake or dough that is rolled with a layer of melted guava. What is the national dessert of Brazil? The typical Brazilian dessert, originating from the Pernambuco state is considered as the national dessert of this country by Brazilian law.

    What is a fun fact about brigadeiros? ›

    In 1946, it's alleged that women made and sold brigadeiros at rallies for the Brazilian politician and Air Force Brigadier, Eduardo Gomes, who was running for President. Unfortunately he didn't win the Presidency, but his famous and favorite chocolate balls became an integral part of Brazil's sweet history!

    Is brigadeiro Portuguese or Brazilian? ›

    The brigadeiro (Portuguese pronunciation: [bɾiɡaˈdejɾu]) is a traditional Brazilian dessert.

    What is a Brazilian truffle called? ›

    Brigadeiro (pronounced bree-gah-DAY-roh) is a classic fudgy Brazilian truffle. They're made with condensed milk and cocoa powder, and you will find them at almost any Brazilian party. Unlike regular truffles, they don't have a hard shell. Instead, they're softer and much, much fudgier!

    Does brigadeiro go bad? ›

    Storage: Reserve your brigadeiros in a plastic container covered with a tight lid at room temperature for 3 days or up to 1 month in the refrigerator. Make sure to eat them at room temperature. The brigadeiros won't go bad after 3 days, but they start crystalizing and tasting like sugar after that.

    Are brigadeiros sticky? ›

    My mom described them as “a softer version of caramels,” but I would say brigadeiro are more like a chocolate truffle, only silkier. They have a sticky sweet consistency; they're chewy without sticking to your teeth, and one is usually rich enough to satisfy the palate.

    When should I eat brigadeiro? ›

    Brigadeiros are often served at birthday parties and weddings or simply made at home and spooned directly out of the pot. You'd be hard pressed to find a celebration in Brazil without brigadeiros! They're synonymous with being happy and having fun!

    What is the difference between a truffle and a brigadeiro? ›

    Brigadeiros are different from chocolate truffles in that they do not contain actual chocolate. These confections are instead made by heating sweetened condensed milk together with cocoa powder, and usually adding butter. Once the mixture thickens, it is then rolled into a ball and coated with a variety of toppings.

    What is a fact about brigadeiro? ›

    The brigadeiro (Portuguese pronunciation: [bɾiɡaˈdejɾu]) is a traditional Brazilian dessert. The origin of the dessert is uncertain, but the most common theory is that it was created by a confectioner from Rio de Janeiro, Heloisa Nabuco de Oliveira, to promote the presidential candidacy of Eduardo Gomes.

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