Indulge in a delightful symphony of sweet and tart with these exquisite Raspberry Brigadeiros – a vibrant, fruity twist on Brazil’s beloved classic confection. These fudgy, bite-sized treats are not only incredibly simple to prepare but also store beautifully, making them the perfect make-ahead dessert for any occasion. Each brigadeiro bursts with an intense, natural raspberry flavor, offering a refreshing departure from the traditional chocolate while retaining that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture that has captivated dessert lovers worldwide.
This recipe is proudly sponsored by Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk, a pantry staple that makes achieving perfect brigadeiros effortless. All opinions are my own, and I am grateful for your support of the brands that help keep The Cozy Plum thriving.
What Exactly is a Brigadeiro? A Taste of Brazil’s Sweet History
At its heart, a brigadeiro is a small, round Brazilian confection, renowned for its wonderfully sticky and fudgy texture. Often likened to a truffle, this decadent sweet is a cornerstone of Brazilian celebrations and everyday indulgence. While traditionally made with chocolate, the versatility of the brigadeiro base allows for an endless array of flavor innovations. From coconut (Beijinho) to passion fruit, and now, with our vibrant raspberry creation, the possibilities are truly limitless.
My first encounter with a brigadeiro was during my college years while visiting a dear friend in sunny Miami. It was a culinary revelation – a rich, chewy, and intensely flavorful bite that instantly became unforgettable. What surprised me later, as I delved deeper into the world of baking, was how remarkably simple these seemingly sophisticated treats are to make right in your own kitchen! This discovery sparked a passion for exploring different brigadeiro flavors, leading me to this irresistible raspberry rendition.
The fascinating history of brigadeiros dates back to 1940s Brazil. In a time of post-war rationing, ingredients like fresh milk and sugar were scarce, elevating sweetened condensed milk to a household essential. During Brazil’s first election where women were granted the right to vote, a popular presidential candidate named Brigadier Eduardo Gomes gained significant support. To fund his campaign, women began selling these delightful sweets, which were affectionately named “brigadeiros” in his honor. The treats quickly gained popularity, transcending their political origins to become a cherished national dessert. You can delve deeper into the rich history of the brigadeiro to appreciate its cultural significance even more.
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The Versatile Brazilian Brigadeiro Base
The foundational recipe for a classic chocolate brigadeiro is surprisingly straightforward, relying on just a few key ingredients:
- 1 (14 oz) can of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
- Approximately ¼ cup of cocoa powder
The magic behind transforming these simple ingredients into a luscious, sticky, and chewy fudge lies in the cooking process. By gently heating the mixture on the stovetop and stirring continuously, the sweetened condensed milk slowly thickens. The sugars within the milk begin to caramelize, creating that signature fudgy consistency that is the hallmark of a perfect brigadeiro. Once cooked to perfection, the mixture is cooled completely in the refrigerator, allowing it to firm up. It’s then meticulously rolled into small, uniform balls, which are subsequently coated in a variety of delightful toppings such as sprinkles, additional cocoa powder, shredded coconut, or even finely chopped nuts. The result is an irresistible treat, ready to be savored.
Introducing the Refreshing Raspberry Brigadeiro: A Burst of Fruity Flavor
For this specific recipe, we’re taking the beloved brigadeiro to new heights with a bright and tangy raspberry twist. Instead of cocoa powder, we incorporate finely pulverized freeze-dried raspberry powder, infusing the fudge with an authentic and concentrated berry essence. The result is a vibrant, flavorful confection that is simply too good to resist!
Essential Tools & Ingredients for Raspberry Brigadeiros:
Crafting these delectable raspberry brigadeiros requires just a few basic kitchen tools and high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Coffee Grinder, Blender, or Food Processor: This is crucial for transforming freeze-dried raspberries into a fine, flavorful powder. A coffee grinder often yields the finest texture, which is ideal for a smooth brigadeiro.
- Small Fine Mesh Sieve (Optional but Recommended): For sifting out any lingering raspberry seeds after pulverizing, ensuring an ultra-smooth texture for your brigadeiros.
- Saucepan: A sturdy, non-stick saucepan is best for cooking the brigadeiro mixture evenly without sticking.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For constant stirring during the cooking process to prevent scorching.
- Greased Plate or Shallow Bowl: To pour and cool the cooked fudge mixture.
- Tablespoon Measure: Essential for scooping uniform portions of the fudge, ensuring consistency in your brigadeiros.
- Neutral Oil or Butter: To lightly grease your hands, preventing the sticky fudge from adhering during the rolling process.
- Miniature Cupcake Liners: These adorable liners not only serve as a presentation enhancement but also make the brigadeiros easier to handle and serve. You can find them here.
- Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk: One 14 oz can is the foundation of our fudgy treat. Its rich, creamy sweetness is irreplaceable.
- Unsalted Butter: Just 1 tablespoon is needed to add richness and prevent sticking. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness.
- Freeze-Dried Raspberries: You’ll need an entire bag of these intensely flavored berries to create the powder. I typically use the brand linked here, and they can often be found at specialty grocery stores or Whole Foods.
- Red or Pink Food Coloring (Optional): A few drops can enhance the visual appeal, giving your brigadeiros a vibrant, appetizing raspberry hue.
- Toppings: Extra freeze-dried raspberry powder, colorful sprinkles, shredded coconut, or finely chopped nuts for rolling.
Crafting Your Perfect Raspberry Brigadeiros: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these raspberry brigadeiros is a rewarding process that yields incredible results. Follow these steps for fudgy perfection:
1. Prepare the Raspberry Powder:
Begin by pulverizing the freeze-dried raspberries. Place the entire bag of freeze-dried raspberries into your coffee grinder, blender, or food processor. Process until a fine powder forms. For the smoothest possible brigadeiros, I highly recommend sifting this powder through a fine mesh sieve to remove any remaining seeds. While optional, this step significantly improves the texture.
2. Cook the Brigadeiro Base:
Combine the Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk, the tablespoon of unsalted butter, and the freshly prepared freeze-dried raspberry powder in a medium saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture continuously to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, maintaining constant stirring.
3. Achieve the Perfect Consistency:
Once the mixture begins to boil, reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue stirring constantly for approximately 5 to 7 minutes. This sustained stirring is vital to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning. You’ll notice the mixture thickening considerably as it cooks. To test if it’s “done,” tilt the saucepan: the mixture should slowly pull away from the bottom in one cohesive mass, leaving the bottom of the pan clean. This indicates the ideal fudgy consistency has been reached.
4. Enhance the Color (Optional):
During the last minute or two of cooking and stirring, if you desire a more vibrant pink or red color that truly pops, you can add a few drops of red or pink food coloring. Without it, the natural color tends to be a more subtle mauve or dull pink, which is lovely but sometimes less visually striking than a bolder raspberry hue.
5. Cool the Fudge Mixture:
Lightly grease a plate or a shallow bowl with neutral oil or a thin layer of butter. Carefully pour the hot fudge mixture onto the prepared surface, spreading it slightly to facilitate even cooling. Place the plate or bowl in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or until the fudge is completely firm and cool to the touch. Proper cooling is essential for the brigadeiros to hold their shape.
6. Roll and Coat Your Brigadeiros:
Once the fudge has thoroughly cooled and firmed up, lightly grease your hands with a neutral oil or butter. Also, grease your tablespoon measure. Scoop out a roughly tablespoon-sized portion of the fudge. The exact size is flexible; it simply determines how many brigadeiros you’ll get from the batch. Roll the scooped fudge between your greased palms until it forms a smooth, perfectly round ball.
Next, roll the smooth fudge ball into your chosen topping. Popular options include additional freeze-dried raspberry powder for an extra flavor punch, colorful sprinkles for a festive look, shredded coconut for texture, or finely chopped nuts for a sophisticated crunch. My personal favorite is rolling them in more raspberry powder, as it intensifies that delightful berry flavor. Finally, place each coated brigadeiro into a miniature cupcake liner, ready for serving or storage.
Tips for Brigadeiro Perfection
- Don’t Rush the Cooling: Ensure the fudge mixture is completely cooled and firm before attempting to roll it. If it’s too warm, it will be sticky and difficult to shape.
- Grease Your Hands Well: This is key to preventing the fudge from sticking to your hands during rolling. Re-grease as needed.
- Consistent Stirring: During cooking, constant stirring is not just a recommendation; it’s a necessity to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, lump-free mixture.
- Experiment with Toppings: While raspberry powder is fantastic, don’t hesitate to try other complementary toppings like white chocolate shavings, finely chopped pistachios, or even a blend of sugar and citric acid for an extra tart kick.
- Storage is Key: Proper storage ensures your brigadeiros remain fresh and delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions About Raspberry Brigadeiros
Yes, brigadeiros benefit from refrigeration, especially to maintain their firm, fudgy texture. They can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days, but for extended freshness and optimal texture, keep them in the fridge for up to two weeks. For even longer storage, brigadeiros can be frozen for up to two months in an airtight container. If freezing, remember to allow them to thaw slowly in the refrigerator before enjoying for the best results.
Absolutely, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and can easily be doubled, tripled, or even quadrupled to accommodate larger gatherings or simply to stock up! Given how well these fudgy delights freeze, making a larger batch is a smart move. You can store the extra brigadeiros in the freezer, ensuring you always have a delightful emergency treat on hand whenever a sweet craving strikes or unexpected guests arrive.
While fresh raspberries are delicious, they contain a lot of water, which can prevent the brigadeiro mixture from thickening properly and achieving the desired fudgy consistency. Freeze-dried raspberries are ideal because they provide intense flavor without adding excess moisture, making them perfect for this recipe.
If your mixture is too sticky, it likely hasn’t cooled enough, or it wasn’t cooked quite long enough to reach the correct consistency. Return it to the fridge for another 30-60 minutes to firm up. If it’s still too soft after thorough cooling, you can gently heat it again on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly for a few more minutes until it pulls cleanly from the bottom of the pan when tilted. Ensure your hands are well-greased with oil or butter before rolling.
Craving More Quick & Delicious Bakes?
If you loved the simplicity and deliciousness of these Raspberry Brigadeiros, you’re in for a treat with these other easy-to-make recipes:
- Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Bites: No-bake, irresistible, and packed with peanut butter flavor.
- Classic Banana Nut Muffins: A comforting breakfast or snack, moist and full of nutty goodness.
- Decadent Dark Chocolate Pots de Creme: Elegant yet simple, these rich chocolate custards are a true indulgence.
📖 Recipe
Raspberry Brigadeiros
Callan Wenner
Pin Recipe
Equipment
- Food processor, blender, or coffee grinder
- Small fine mesh sieve
- Miniature cupcake liners
Ingredients
- 1 (14oz) can Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1 T unsalted butter
- ¼ cup freeze dried raspberries pulverized
- Red or pink food coloring optional
- Freeze dried raspberries, sprinkles, coconut flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Pulverize the freeze dried raspberries into powder and sift out the seeds through a fine mesh strainer for a smoother texture.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk, butter, and raspberry powder to a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring continuously.
- Turn the heat to medium-low and stir constantly for about five minutes. The mixture is “done” when you tilt the pan and it comes cleanly off the bottom in one mass.
- Pour the mixture onto a greased plate or shallow bowl, then chill in the fridge for about one hour until firm.
- Scoop the mixture in roughly 1 tablespoon-sized balls and roll them smoothly between greased hands.
- Roll the fudge balls in your desired topping (raspberry powder, sprinkles, flaked coconut, chopped nuts, etc.) and place them into miniature cupcake liners.
Notes
Store the brigadeiros in an airtight container in the fridge for two weeks or in the freezer for about two months. Transfer frozen fudge to the fridge to thaw before enjoying.
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 3mg
Sodium: 1mg
Potassium: 66mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
Vitamin A: 29IU
Vitamin C: 60mg
Calcium: 2mg
Iron: 1mg
The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
Let us know how it was!