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Salted Caramel Brigadeiros coated in chocolate sprinkles.
Delicious Brazilian fudge balls coated with chocolate and caramel

Salted Caramel Brigadeiros (Brazilian Fudge Balls)

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Cakes and Desserts
Brigadeiro is Brazil's national bonbon, named after Brigadier Eduardo Gomes in the 1940s. Originally born of wartime scarcity—using condensed milk and cocoa instead of fresh milk and sugar—this caramel version amps up the Maillard reaction (browning of milk sugars and proteins). We reinforce the caramel notes formed during cooking with extra caramel syrup, creating a chewy, fudge-like texture.
🕒 Prep Time 10 mins
🍳 Cook Time 15 mins
⌛ Total Time 1 hr 25 mins
🍽️ Servings 12 servings
🔥 Calories 125 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Brazilian

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Heavy-bottomed saucepan (to prevent burning)
  • Silicone spatula
  • Flat plate for cooling

Allergen Information

⚠️ Milk

Instructions

1 ✓

Place the condensed milk, butter, cocoa powder, and salt in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Whisk until smooth before turning on the heat.

Tip: Salt acts as a flavor enhancer, suppressing bitterness and highlighting sweetness.
2 ✓

Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a spatula (scrape the bottom and sides!).

Tip: Constant stirring prevents the thick, sugary mixture from scorching. As it heats, water evaporates and the mixture thickens (reduction).
3 ✓

After about 10-12 minutes, when the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a thick dough-like ball, remove from heat.

Tip: This is the 'ponto de brigadeiro'. Overcook it and you get hard caramel; undercook it and you get sticky cream.
4 ✓

Quickly stir in the caramel syrup (careful, it may steam!), then pour onto a buttered plate. Let cool completely (about 1 hour).

Tip: Spreading it on a plate increases the surface area for faster cooling.
5 ✓

Grease your palms lightly with butter, pinch off walnut-sized pieces of the cold mixture, and roll into balls. Roll them in the chocolate sprinkles.

Tip: Butter creates a non-stick layer on your hands, allowing you to roll smooth balls.

Recipe FAQ

How do I know the mixture is ready?
Do the 'Moses test': drag your spatula through the center of the pan. If the mixture parts and slowly flows back (like the Red Sea), it's ready.
Why did it crystallize?
You either cooked it too long or didn't stir enough, causing sugar to crystallize on the sides.

Ingredients

  • 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz)
  • 2 tbsp Butter (plus extra for greasing hands)
  • 2 tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 3 tbsp Thick Caramel Sauce/Syrup
  • 1 cup Chocolate Sprinkles (for rolling)
  • 1 pinch Salt