Toasted Coconut and Guava Brigadeiros
A Brazilian twist on classic brigadeiros, these rich chocolate truffles are infused with guava paste and rolled in toasted coconut for a tropical finish. This brazilian-inspired desserts ready in about 27 minutes layers (14 oz) 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.
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup guava paste, diced small
- 1/2 cup toasted shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon butter for rolling
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium nonstick saucepan, combine 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon for 10-12 minutes until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides.
- Step 2: Remove from heat and gently fold in 1/4 cup diced guava paste until evenly distributed. Transfer the mixture to a greased bowl and let cool to room temperature, about 1 hour.
- Step 3: Butter your hands with 1 tablespoon butter. Using a teaspoon, scoop and roll the mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter.
- Step 4: Roll each ball in 1/2 cup toasted shredded coconut until fully coated. Place brigadeiros in mini paper cups and chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Toasted Coconut and Guava Brigadeiros 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 Toasted Coconut and Guava 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 Toasted Coconut and Guava 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 Toasted Coconut and Guava Brigadeiros 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 Toasted Coconut and Guava 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.