Coconut and Pineapple Brigadeiro Truffles

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

A tropical twist on the classic Brazilian brigadeiro, these truffles blend sweetened condensed milk with coconut and pineapple for a luscious bite-sized dessert. This brazilian-inspired desserts ready in about 25 minutes layers (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, unsweetened shredded coconut, pineapple juice 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 20 Brazilian cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium non-stick saucepan, combine 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, 3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, 2 tbsp pineapple juice, and 2 tbsp unsalted butter.
  2. Step 2: Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, for 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens and starts pulling away from the sides of the pan, resembling thick fudge.
  3. Step 3: Pour the mixture into a greased shallow dish and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
  4. Step 4: Once chilled, grease your hands with butter and roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball first in 1/2 cup granulated sugar, then coat with 1/2 cup toasted shredded coconut for texture and extra coconut flavor.
  5. Step 5: Place the brigadeiro truffles on a lined tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving chilled as a sweet tropical treat.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Coconut and Pineapple 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 Coconut and Pineapple 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 Coconut and Pineapple 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 Coconut and Pineapple Brigadeiro Truffles 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 Coconut and Pineapple 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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