Brazil is famous for its colorful festivals, lively culture, and its rich cuisine. While savory dishes like feijoada (black bean stew) and pão de queijo (cheese bread) are popular, the country's desserts have a special place in Brazilian cuisine.
1. Brigadeiro – Brazil’s Iconic Chocolate Truffle
This is Brazil’s most beloved sweet treat. Brigadeiro is a rich chocolate truffle made with just a few ingredients: sweetened condensed milk, butter, and cocoa powder. It’s then rolled in chocolate sprinkles, creating a soft, fudgy center with a slight crunch on the outside.
Ingredients:
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (approximately 395 gm)
- 14 gm Cadbury cocoa powder
- 14 gm unsalted butter
- Chocolate sprinkles for coating (amount as desired)
Instructions:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, Cadbury cocoa powder, and butter.
- Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan (about 10 minutes).
- Allow the mixture to cool, then grease your hands with butter and roll the mixture into small balls.
- Roll the balls in chocolate sprinkles and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
If you truly enjoy devouring chocolate truffle, you can also explore another chocolate truffle recipe on our website.
2. Beijinho – Sweet Coconut Kisses
If you’re a coconut fan, beijinho will be your new favorite. Translating to “little kisses,” beijinho is a sweet coconut confection often found next to brigadeiros at parties and gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (approximately 395 gm)
- 14 gm unsalted butter
- 100 gm shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- Cloves for decoration (amount as desired)
- Granulated sugar for rolling (amount as desired)
Instructions:
- Combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter, and shredded coconut in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan (about 10 minutes).
- Let the mixture cool before rolling it into small balls.
- Roll each ball in sugar and top with a clove for decoration.
For all coconut lovers, you can explore other recipes on our website too.
3. Quindim – A Silky Coconut Custard
Quindim is a popular coconut custard dessert known for its beautiful golden-yellow color and glossy surface. This dessert is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it perfect for dinner parties or celebrations.
Ingredients:
- 6 egg yolks
- 1 whole egg
- 200 gm sugar
- 100 gm shredded coconut
- 14 gm unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin or individual ramekins with butter and sugar.
- In a bowl, mix the egg yolks, whole egg, sugar, shredded coconut, and softened butter until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared tin or ramekins.
- Bake in a water bath (place the tin or ramekins in a larger dish filled with hot water) for about 30 minutes, or until the custard is set and the tops are golden.
- Let the quindim cool before unmolding and serving.
4. Bolo de Rolo – A Rolled Cake Masterpiece
Bolo de rolo is a rolled cake that has originated from the northeastern state of Pernambuco. The cake is made of thin layers of sponge cake filled with guava paste, which is then tightly rolled to create a beautiful spiral.
Ingredients:
- 200 gm sugar
- 120 gm all-purpose flour
- 4 eggs
- 14 gm unsalted butter
- Guava paste, softened with a bit of water to make it spreadable
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Gradually add the flour and continue mixing until smooth.
- Spread a thin layer of batter onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 7-10 minutes, or until just set.
- Once cooled slightly, spread a thin layer of softened guava paste on top and roll the cake tightly. Slice into rounds to reveal the beautiful spiral layers.
Conclusion
From the creamy quindim to the rich brigadeiro, these Brazilian Desserts offer a taste of Brazil's rich food culture. Simple to make and packed with flavor, these recipes will bring a bit of Brazil’s tropical sweetness to your home.