Cashew and Coconut Brigadeiro Truffles
A Brazilian dessert twist on classic brigadeiros, blending rich condensed milk with toasted cashews and coconut for chewy, nutty truffles. This brazilian-inspired desserts ready in about 25 minutes layers (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, unsalted butter, finely chopped roasted cashews 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 120 calories and feeds 12, 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
- 1/2 cup plus extra for rolling unsweetened shredded coconut
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup finely chopped roasted cashews
- a pinch salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium nonstick saucepan, combine 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon for 12-15 minutes until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan.
- Step 2: Remove from heat and stir in 1/3 cup finely chopped roasted cashews. Transfer the mixture to a greased plate and let cool to room temperature, about 1 hour.
- Step 3: Once cooled, grease your hands with butter and roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in additional shredded coconut to coat evenly.
- Step 4: Place the brigadeiros in mini paper cups and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let them firm up.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cashew and Coconut Brigadeiro Truffles take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Cashew and 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 Cashew and 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 Cashew and Coconut Brigadeiro Truffles for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). 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 Cashew and 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.
