Celestial Brigadeiro Bliss

Celestial Brigadeiro Bliss

This recipe for a vegetarian-friendly version of the classic Brazilian dessert, brigadeiros, combines the rich chocolatey taste with a tangy passion fruit drizzle. Easy to make and even easier to indulge in, this treat is perfect for any gathering or special occasion.

Time: Prep 10 mins | Cook 8-10 mins | Total 1 hr 10 mins
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Brazilian, Vegetarian

Allergens

Milk, Eggs (in condensed milk)

Ingredients

  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup butter, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3
  • 4 passion fruits
  • Chopped nuts for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan, approximately 8 10 minutes.
  2. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before transferring the chocolatey concoction to a bowl. Allow it to cool completely.
  3. Using an ice cream scoop or two spoons, shape the brigadeiro into small, round balls and place them on parchment paper. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
  4. Cut open the passion fruits and strain their juice through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl. Drizzle the juicy delight over each chilled brigadeiro, allowing it to flow gracefully down its sides like stardust.
  5. If desired, garnish with a sprinkling of chopped nuts for added texture.

Chef’s Insight

The perfect balance of sweet and tangy, this brigadeiro captures the essence of Brazilian desserts while offering a refreshing twist with passion fruit.

Notes

The passion fruit drizzle adds a delightful tanginess, but you can also serve these brigadeiros plain or with a dusting of cocoa powder.

Cultural or Historical Background

Brigadeiros are a beloved Brazilian treat that originated in São Paulo during the 1940s when Elízabeth de Mattos, a young woman from a well-to-do family, started selling them to raise funds for her wedding. The name brigadeiro is thought to come from Brigadier, an army rank associated with high social status at the time.