Brazilian Cheese and Coconut Brigadeiros
Sweet and chewy bite-sized Brazilian treats made with condensed milk, cream cheese, and toasted coconut, perfect for dessert. This brazilian-inspired desserts ready in about 22 minutes layers (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, cream cheese, softened, 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 110 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.
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, plus extra for rolling
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- a pinch salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium non-stick saucepan, combine 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk, 2 ounces softened cream cheese, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, and a pinch of salt.
- Step 2: Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, for 10-12 minutes until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut evenly into the mixture and remove from heat.
- Step 4: Transfer the mixture to a greased plate and let cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
- Step 5: Using buttered hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and then roll each ball in extra shredded coconut to coat.
- Step 6: Place brigadeiros on a lined tray and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to set.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Brazilian Cheese and Coconut Brigadeiros take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 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 Cheese and Coconut Brigadeiros?
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 Cheese and Coconut Brigadeiros?
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 Cheese and Coconut Brigadeiros 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 Cheese and Coconut Brigadeiros?
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.
