Brigadeiros (Chocolate Fudge Balls)
Brigadeiros are a beloved Brazilian sweet that has found a permanent home in Portuguese pastry shops and family kitchens. Once reserved mainly for birthdays and celebrations, they have become an everyday treat enjoyed by children and adults alike. They make the perfect ending to a meal with an expresso cup!
Wonderfully simple to make, brigadeiros require no specialist equipment or complicated sugar work, unlike many traditional confections. Like many desserts based on condensed milk, they originated in the post-war period of the mid-20th century, when fresh milk was not always readily available and tinned alternatives became a household staple.
Each brigadeiro is undeniably rich and sweet, making it difficult to stop at just one. Despite their indulgence, a tray of 14 rarely lasts more than a day at our table!
Serves 14 balls
Ingredients
1 can (c.400 gr) of uncooked condensed milk
1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons of icing sugar (or caster sugar)
One drop of oil
Chocolate sprinkles (about half a small jar)
Equipment
Medium saucepan
Wooden spoon
Large dish or tray to cool the mixture
Knife and spoon
Optional: small, pleated paper cupcake liners
Method
1. Place all the ingredients, except the oil and the sprinkles, in the saucepan. Cook over a medium heat (5 out of 9 in an induction or electric hob), stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture comes to a boil. Continue stirring until the mixture pulls away cleanly from the bottom of the pan, about 10 minutes (middle photo below).
2. Lightly grease a dish or tray with a drop of oil. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and allow it to cool completely. For best results, refrigerate for about 2 hours.
3. Using your lightly oiled hands, shape the mixture into balls approximately 2cm in diameter with the help of the spoon or knife. Roll the balls in the chocolate sprinkles until evenly coated. Place each one inside the cupcake liners, if using, or a serving plate.
4. Refrigerate until ready to serve. As the fudge balls are very sweet, they go well with an expresso coffee.
Tips:
If you do not have chocolate sprinkles, the balls can also be rolled in cocoa powder or drinking chocolate powder.
There are countless flavour variations. A particular favourite is to add a tablespoon of espresso powder to the mixture, giving the brigadeiros a richer, mocha-like flavour that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
