Brazilian Coconut Brigadeiro Truffles

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sweet, fudgy coconut-flavored brigadeiro truffles rolled in toasted coconut, a beloved Brazilian dessert bite. This brazilian-inspired desserts ready in about 22 minutes layers (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, unsalted butter, heavy cream 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 16, 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: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 16 Brazilian cuisine 110 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast, stirring constantly for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a medium nonstick saucepan, combine 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Step 3: 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 pan sides and bottom.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in the toasted shredded coconut, mixing thoroughly.
  5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture to a greased dish and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
  6. Step 6: Using greased hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and coat each ball evenly with additional toasted shredded coconut.
  7. Step 7: Place the brigadeiro truffles on a parchment-lined tray and chill until ready to serve.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Brazilian Coconut Brigadeiro Truffles 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 Coconut Brigadeiro Truffles?

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 Coconut Brigadeiro Truffles?

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 Coconut Brigadeiro Truffles for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 16 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 16). 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 Coconut Brigadeiro Truffles?

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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