Brazilian Brigadeiro Fudge with Sweetened Condensed Milk and Cocoa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Classic Brazilian chocolate fudge made by slowly cooking sweetened condensed milk with cocoa powder and butter until thick and rich. This brazilian-inspired desserts ready in about 17 minutes layers (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, unsalted butter into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 20, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 12 min Serves 20 Brazilian cuisine 90 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium non-stick saucepan, combine 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, and 1/4 tsp salt.
  2. Step 2: Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula, for about 10-12 minutes until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan, becoming fudge-like in consistency.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat and butter a shallow dish with 1 tsp butter. Pour the brigadeiro mixture into the dish and spread evenly. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
  4. Step 4: Once set, grease your hands lightly with butter, scoop small portions of the brigadeiro mixture and roll into 1-inch balls.
  5. Step 5: Roll each ball in 1/2 cup chocolate sprinkles until fully coated.
  6. Step 6: Place brigadeiros in paper cups and serve chilled or at room temperature as a traditional Brazilian dessert.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Brazilian Brigadeiro Fudge with Sweetened Condensed Milk and Cocoa take to make?

Total time is about 17 minutes (5 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Brazilian Brigadeiro Fudge with Sweetened Condensed Milk and Cocoa?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Brazilian Brigadeiro Fudge with Sweetened Condensed Milk and Cocoa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Brazilian Brigadeiro Fudge with Sweetened Condensed Milk and Cocoa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 20 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 20). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Brazilian Brigadeiro Fudge with Sweetened Condensed Milk and Cocoa?

Brazilian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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