Brigadeiro Recipe – A Delicious Brazilian Fudge Ball Served on the West Palm Beach Food Tour

Surprise your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day by making this easy 3-ingredient Brigadeiro recipe. Brigadeiros are delicious fudge balls that are immensely popular in Brazil, and a must-have at birthday parties, weddings, anniversaries or any celebration. Who can resist a chocolaty, caramely, bite-sized truffle? Not I.

On the West Palm Beach Food Tour we serve Brigadeiros at Jardin Restaurant…it’s a taste of chef Stephanie’s Latin American heritage that she shares with guests. If you enjoy dinner at Jardin, rather than the mundane red and white peppermint arriving with your check, you’ll be treated to a Brigadeiro. Unfortunately, after eating one, you’ll want more. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

History of The Brigadeiro
1945 was the first year women could vote in Brazil, and there was a Brigadeiro (Portuguese for Brigadier) by the name of Eduardo Gomes running for President. His campaign slogan was, “vote for the Brigadier who is good-looking and single.” Gomes’ good looks made him extremely popular with women, and they sold fudge balls to raise money for his campaign. Unfortunately, Gomes lost the election, but the fudge ball was renamed the Brigadiero which is not a bad way to be remembered.

After all this talk about Brigadeiros, you’re probably craving chocolate! No worries, this Brigadeiro Recipe is quick and easy.

Brigadeiro Recipe

Note: This is not Jardin’s Brigadeiro recipe. Stephanie’s is a treasured family recipe because it’s the first thing her mother taught her to make.

Ingredients:

• 1, 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• assorted toppings: sprinkles, coconut, finely chopped nuts, grated bittersweet chocolate bar

Directions:

1. In a medium, nonstick saucepan, whisk together sweetened condensed milk and cocoa powder until combined.
2. Add butter.
3. Cook over medium-low heat stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. This process took me about 15 minutes although I saw some recipes claiming that it takes 5 minutes and others saying it takes 20 minutes. Obviously, the time depends on your stove, so how do you know when it’s done? When you scrape your spoon along the bottom of the pan and the fudge mixture stays spread apart…it’s ready! The picture below is what you want the fudge mixture to look like before removing it from the heat.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Let the mixture cool to room temperature. I cheated and sped up the process by putting the pan in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.
6. Grease your hands with butter, roll into 1-inch balls and then roll in the topping of your choice. I buttered my fingers before I rolled each ball.
7. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Brigadeiro Recipe Photos & Tips

Warning: Brigadeiros are extremely addictive and will satisfy the most intense chocolate craving. Enjoy!