Dec 14, 2012

Brigadeiros (Brazilian Fudge Balls)

You can find many versions of brigadieros, but chocolate is the traditional flavor for these dense, chewy fudge balls rolled in sprinkles, a treasured treat in Brazil. This recipe first appeared in the 2012 SAVEUR 100, with the article Brigadeiros.

Credit: Todd Coleman

MAKES ABOUT 2 DOZEN

INGREDIENTS

4 tbsp. unsalted butter
2 tbsp. heavy cream
2 (14 oz.) cans sweetened condensed milk
3 oz. semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
1 cup chocolate sprinkles

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Bring butter, cream, and milk to a boil in a 4-qt. saucepan over medium heat. Add chocolate and cocoa powder, and reduce heat to low; cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is the consistency of dense, fudgy batter, about 16 minutes. Transfer to a bowl; let cool. Chill until set, at least 4 hours.

2. Using a tablespoon, portion out fudge and roll into balls. Roll each ball in chocolate sprinkles until evenly coated. Chill until ready to serve.

This article was first published in Saveur in Issue #144

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Ratings & Reviews (6)

by MODANATHY on 2012-01-28

ZERO STARS!!
I don't know who came up with this recipe, but this is absolutely ridiculous, it is far from the original version.
As a proud brazilian who lives in America, I've introduced this delicious brazilian treat to all my friends and family, and I never had to "adapt" the ingredients to make it taste just like the original one. It is an insult to the delicious authentic Brigadeiro recipe. You can make it in different flavors (i.e. strawberry, coconut, white chocolate) but always keeping the same "base" (no adding of heavy cream or mix of unsweetened and semi sweet cocoa powder).
The ingredients are only 4 simples things: butter, sweet condensed milk, regular cocoa powder (nesquik works perfectly) and chocolate sprinkles.
It is the easiest treat to make, and every single brazilian knows how to make a good one.
It is very popular in kids birthday parties (rolled up into little balls) or at home spooning it straight out of the bowl.

by CHICABOMBOM on 2012-01-30

The base for the Brigadeiros is condensed milk, without heavy cream, but you can easily adapt the recipe and create new flavors. What is also really traditional in Brazil, is the Beijinho, which is a Brigadeiro version made with coconut.

We have introduced to the American market, other Brigadeiros flavors with Chica Bom Bom, our business established in DC. Among others, we make the Peanut Butter and Nutella flavor.
Check it out:
www.facebook.com/BrigadeirosDC
www.chicabombom.com

by SYLVIACAPRIA on 2012-12-14

In Brazil, we don't use heavy cream, just sweet condensed milk ,butter and cacau

by NATHALIEOUCHI on 2012-12-14

In Brazil we make this a little bit different, but I think variations are welcome. We don't need to be angry about this variations. I'll try this one, and maybe, it's gonna be better than the one I'm used to.

The tradicional one is just with this ingredients:

1 tbsp. unsalted butter
1 can sweetened condensed milk
3 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
1 cup chocolate sprinkles (after the balls are done)

by WIEB on 2012-12-26

These are wonderful. I made them for Christmas dinner, and everyone Loved them. I don't care if they are not totally traditional, they are a crowd pleaser and easy to make. I put them in the freezer to cool faster. Enjoy!

by rnelson on 2013-05-05

Yes, like Wieb, I actually made this as is and it is excellent. All recipes at Saveur are altered somewhat for North American kitchens (Thank God). I prefer this to virtually any fudge I've had!

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