Trio Of Brigadeiros Recipe

This simple Trio of Brigadeiros recipe is made with a base of sweetened condensed milk and butter to create three amazing flavors: classic chocolate, coconut, and strawberry. This recipe creates perfectly chewy, sweet, and decadent bite-sized Brazilian truffles. They are a perfect no-bake project for a hot summer day and are the star of any party or celebration, making about 12 of each flavor for a total of 36 pieces.

Trio of Brigadeiros Ingredients

Base Ingredients (for each flavor batch):

• 1 can (14 oz / 395g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

Flavor Variations: 1. Classic Chocolate Brigadeiro:

• 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• Chocolate sprinkles, for rolling

2. Coconut Brigadeiro (Beijinho de Coco):

• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• Extra shredded coconut, for rolling

3. Strawberry Brigadeiro (Bicho de Pé):

• 3 tbsp strawberry gelatin powder (like Jell-O)
• Pink or rainbow sugar sprinkles, for rolling

How To Make a Trio of Brigadeiros

1. Make the classic chocolate batch: In a medium non-stick saucepan, combine one can of sweetened condensed milk, 1 tablespoon of butter, and the 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder.
2. Cook the mixture: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring constantly with a silicone spatula, scraping the bottom and sides of the pan. The mixture will thicken. Continue cooking for about 8-12 minutes, until the mixture is very thick and pulls away from the bottom of the pan when you tilt it.
3. Chill the mixture: Pour the hot chocolate mixture onto a lightly greased plate. Let it cool to room temperature, then place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up completely.
4. Repeat for other flavors: Clean the saucepan. Repeat steps 1-3 for the Coconut Brigadeiro, using condensed milk, butter, and shredded coconut. Repeat again for the Strawberry Brigadeiro, using condensed milk, butter, and strawberry gelatin powder. Chill each flavor on a separate greased plate.
5. Prepare for rolling: Set up your toppings in shallow bowls. Lightly grease your hands with butter to prevent sticking.
6. Roll the brigadeiros: Take about a tablespoon of one of the chilled mixtures and roll it between your palms to form a smooth 1-inch ball.
7. Coat the brigadeiros: Immediately roll the ball in its corresponding topping (chocolate sprinkles for chocolate, coconut for coconut, sugar sprinkles for strawberry) until it’s fully coated.
8. Serve: Place the finished brigadeiro in a mini paper or foil candy cup. Repeat with all the remaining mixtures.

Recipe tips

• Stir Constantly: Sweetened condensed milk can burn very easily. You must stir constantly, scraping the entire bottom and sides of the pan, to ensure the mixture cooks evenly and doesn’t scorch.
• Know When It’s Done: The most crucial step is cooking the mixture long enough. It’s ready when you can tilt the pan and the entire mixture slides down in one mass, pulling away cleanly from the bottom. If undercooked, it will be too sticky to roll.
• Grease Everything: This mixture is famously sticky. Lightly greasing the plates for chilling and your hands for rolling is essential for a clean and easy process.
• Chill Completely: Do not try to roll the brigadeiros while they are still warm. Chilling the mixture thoroughly makes it firm and much less sticky, which is the key to forming perfect, smooth balls.

What To Serve With a Trio of Brigadeiros

Brigadeiros are the heart of a Brazilian party table and are best served on their own to be appreciated. They are a perfect bite-sized sweet treat. Their rich sweetness pairs wonderfully with a strong cup of black coffee or a shot of espresso. At a party, they are typically arranged on a platter as part of a larger dessert spread alongside cake and other pastries.

How To Store Trio of Brigadeiros Leftovers

• Room Temperature: Brigadeiros are best stored in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their perfect chewy texture for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate: If your home is particularly warm, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to one week. Be aware that they will become firmer when chilled, so it’s best to let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

Trio of Brigadeiros Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 brigadeiro
• Calories: 85 kcal
• Total Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 10mg
• Sodium: 25mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 13g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugars: 12g
• Protein: 1.5g

Frequently Asked Questions

• My brigadeiro mixture is too soft to roll. What did I do wrong? This is the most common issue and it means the mixture was not cooked long enough. You can scrape the mixture back into the saucepan and cook it for a few more minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens properly and pulls away from the pan. Then, chill it again.
• Can I use fresh strawberries for the strawberry flavor? Using fresh fruit is not recommended as the water content will prevent the mixture from setting correctly. Strawberry gelatin powder or a strawberry-flavored drink mix powder provides the flavor and color without adding extra liquid.
• What kind of cocoa powder is best for the chocolate brigadeiros? A high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder will give you the best flavor. Dutch-process cocoa powder will result in a darker color and a smoother, less bitter chocolate taste.

Try More Recipes:

• Triple Chocolate Mini Muffins Recipe
• Triple Chocolate Tiramisu Recipe
• Triple Layered Confetti Cake Recipe