Caramel Brigadeiro Fudge with Sweetened Condensed Milk

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

Classic Brazilian dessert balls made by cooking sweetened condensed milk and cocoa powder into a rich caramel fudge, rolled in chocolate sprinkles for a decadent treat. This brazilian-inspired desserts ready in about 17 minutes layers (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, tablespoons 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 nonstick saucepan over medium-low heat, combine 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  2. Step 2: Stir constantly with a wooden spoon for 10-12 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy, pulling away from the sides of the pan like thick fudge.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the mixture to a greased plate or bowl and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm enough to handle.
  4. Step 4: Using buttered hands, roll the cooled fudge into 1-inch balls and then coat each ball in 1 cup chocolate sprinkles, pressing gently to adhere.
  5. Step 5: Place brigadeiros in paper liners and serve chilled or at room temperature as a sweet bite-sized treat.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Caramel Brigadeiro Fudge with Sweetened Condensed Milk 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 Caramel Brigadeiro Fudge with Sweetened Condensed Milk?

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 Caramel Brigadeiro Fudge with Sweetened Condensed Milk?

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 Caramel Brigadeiro Fudge with Sweetened Condensed Milk 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 Caramel Brigadeiro Fudge with Sweetened Condensed Milk?

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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