By Taila Jeller, content creator
Brigadeiro – The Sweet That is the Love of Brazilians
If there is one dessert that sparks instant love in every Brazilian, it’s brigadeiro! Creamy, sweet, and delicious, it is present in all celebrations and special moments of our lives. From birthday parties to those days when we need a little extra love, brigadeiro always does its job of bringing us happiness. And the most amazing part is that, even far from Brazil, I can find all the ingredients needed to prepare this sweet that warms my heart!
The History of Brigadeiro
Brigadeiro has an interesting and flavorful history. It was created in the 1940s, shortly after World War II, when there was a shortage of some ingredients. The original recipe is simple: condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter, mixed and cooked until it reaches the perfect point.
But why the name? The sweet was named after Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes, a Brazilian politician and military man who was popular at the time. During his presidential campaign, his supporters created this treat to raise funds and promote him, affectionately calling it “brigadeiro.”
Over the years, brigadeiro evolved from a simple rolled sweet covered with sprinkles to a true masterpiece. Today, we find spoon versions, as fillings and toppings for cakes, and even gourmet flavors: pistachio, Nutella, peanut brittle, coconut, and many others. It’s amazing to see how such a simple sweet has evolved so much!
Brigadeiro – The Sweet That is the Love of Brazilians
How Brigadeiro Became a Brazilian Icon
If there is a sweet that represents Brazil worldwide, it’s brigadeiro. It symbolizes affection, unity, and, of course, that Brazilian way of doing everything with great flavor. It’s so beloved that it’s present at children’s birthday parties, luxurious weddings, and also in small everyday moments, like during “PMS” or while binge-watching a series.
When I moved to the United States, I brought this tradition with me. To my surprise, brigadeiro can also be found in some stores here, like Trader Joe’s. However, unfortunately, the label brings a little confusion by saying that the sweet is Portuguese. While both countries have wonderful sweets, brigadeiro is 100% Brazilian – and it’s important to share the true story behind this national icon!
Brigadeiro – The Sweet That is the Love of Brazilians
How to Make Brigadeiro: Recipes for Every Taste
Traditional (Homemade) Style
The classic recipe is the most loved:
Ingredients:
- 1 can of condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- Chocolate sprinkles for rolling
Preparation:
Over low heat, add the condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter. Stir constantly until the mixture detaches from the bottom of the pan. Once cooled, roll into small balls and coat in sprinkles. Done! A true delight.
Gourmet Brigadeiro
For a more sophisticated version, swap the cocoa powder for 70% cocoa dark chocolate or add special ingredients like Nutella, pistachio, or shredded coconut. Decorate with unique sprinkles or chocolate shavings. It’s a real charm!
Preparation Tips
- Low heat: To ensure the brigadeiro doesn’t clump, keep the heat low and stir constantly.
- Butter: Although it’s possible to make brigadeiro without butter, it adds a special flavor and gives the mixture a beautiful shine.
- Rolling: Apply butter on your hands to make rolling easier.
- Filling and topping: If you want to use brigadeiro as a cake filling or topping, remove it from the heat before it starts to detach from the pan.
This is the point when the brigadeiro reaches the right consistency.
To know if the brigadeiro is ready, you can tilt the pan. If the mixture fully detaches from the bottom, it’s done. Another way is to run a spoon along the bottom of the pan, and if the brigadeiro takes time to come together again, it means it has reached the ideal consistency.
Brigadeiro – The Sweet That is the Love of Brazilians
To cover with sprinkles, place them on a shallow plate and then roll the brigadeiro balls in the sprinkles until they are completely covered.
Preparation Time
Approximately 15 minutes.
Yield
The portions vary depending on the size of the brigadeiro balls you make.
Brigadeiro – Flavor variations
Flavor Variations
- Churros brigadeiro (with dulce de leche)
- Coffee brigadeiro
- Pistachio brigadeiro
- Matcha brigadeiro
Curious about how to make these variations? Leave a comment and I’ll share the recipes with you!
These variations are perfect for surprising and pleasing all palates. Each one brings a unique and special flavor, making brigadeiro even more incredible.
How to Serve Brigadeiro
Brigadeiro is a versatile treat that fits many occasions:
- Birthday parties – it’s the star of the candy table!
- Weddings – in elegant versions like little cups or boxes.
- Cake and cupcake fillings.
- To eat straight from the pan during PMS or while watching a good movie.
Wedding brigadeiro
Birthday brigadeiro
Brigadeiro to eat with a spoon
Brigadeiro cake
No matter the occasion, brigadeiro will always be the perfect choice!
Brigadeiro in the United States
One thing that makes me happy is seeing how Brazilians have taken brigadeiro all over the world, especially to the United States. Many people have started small businesses selling homemade brigadeiros – from parties and events to special orders. It’s amazing to see how such a simple sweet has turned into an opportunity for entrepreneurship and a way to share a little bit of our culture here.
If you want to make brigadeiro, I assure you the ingredients are easy to find in American stores: condensed milk, butter, and cocoa powder are always on the shelves. Making brigadeiro at home is a delicious way to satisfy your cravings for Brazil!
Trader Joe’s Brigadeiro
Read this success story of a Brazilian who achieved success by selling brigadeiro in California.
Brigadeiro is more than just a sweet – it’s part of our history, culture, and fond memories. Even far from Brazil, preparing brigadeiro is a way for me to reconnect with my roots and share a little bit of our flavor with the world.
And you, have you made brigadeiro today?