Cashew and Coconut Brigadeiros with Toasted Coconut
Brazilian sweet truffles made with condensed milk and butter, infused with cashew nuts and coated in toasted shredded coconut. This brazilian-inspired desserts ready in about 27 minutes layers (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk, tablespoons unsalted butter, finely chopped cashew nuts 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 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 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup, finely chopped cashew nuts
- 1 cup, toasted shredded coconut
- a pinch salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium nonstick saucepan, combine 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon for about 10-12 minutes until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the pan sides.
- Step 2: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup finely chopped cashew nuts; mix until evenly incorporated.
- Step 3: Pour the mixture into a greased dish and let cool completely to room temperature, about 1 hour.
- Step 4: Once cooled, grease your hands lightly with butter and roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Step 5: Roll each ball in 1 cup toasted shredded coconut until fully coated.
- Step 6: Place brigadeiros in paper cups and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to set.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cashew and Coconut Brigadeiros with Toasted Coconut take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 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 Cashew and Coconut Brigadeiros with Toasted Coconut?
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 Brigadeiros with Toasted Coconut?
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 Brigadeiros with Toasted Coconut 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 Cashew and Coconut Brigadeiros with Toasted Coconut?
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.