Coconut and Pineapple Brigadeiros
A tropical twist on the classic Brazilian sweet treat, these brigadeiros combine coconut and pineapple for a fruity, creamy dessert. This brazilian-inspired desserts ready in about 25 minutes layers (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, fresh pineapple, finely chopped, 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 110 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
- 1/2 cup fresh pineapple, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/8 tsp pinch of salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium nonstick saucepan, combine 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh pineapple, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.
- Step 2: Continue cooking for about 12-15 minutes until the mixture thickens and you can see the bottom of the pan when scraping the spoon — it should resemble a soft dough.
- Step 3: Transfer the mixture to a greased plate and let it cool to room temperature, about 1 hour.
- Step 4: Once cooled, grease your hands with butter and roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in extra shredded coconut to coat completely.
- Step 5: Place brigadeiros in mini paper cups and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Coconut and Pineapple Brigadeiros 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 Brigadeiros?
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 Brigadeiros?
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 Brigadeiros 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 Coconut and Pineapple Brigadeiros?
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.
