Create the ultimate dessert experience with this Brigadeiro Fudge Brownie Dessert Box. Combining rich, fudgy brownies with a creamy, chocolatey Brigadeiro topping, this treat is perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings.
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The recipe makes two dessert boxes, offering a blend of textures and flavors in every bite. Perfect for sharing or enjoying solo, this dessert is a must-try for chocolate lovers. With easy-to-follow steps and common ingredients, you can whip up this decadent treat in no time.
What is Brigadeiro?
Brigadeiro is a traditional Brazilian dessert made from sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter. It's cooked until thickened and then rolled into balls, usually coated in chocolate sprinkles. While vanilla is not traditionally used, I like to add a touch of it for extra flavor, making it an optional ingredient. Brigadeiro has a rich, fudgy texture and a deep chocolate flavor, perfect as a treat or a topping for various desserts.
Ingredients in Brigadeiro Fudge Brownies
Brownie
- 200g (7 oz) Melted Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the brownies.
- ¾ Cup (150g) White Sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps achieve a shiny, crackly top.
- ¾ Cup (150g) Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture, contributing to the fudgy texture.
- 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the brownies.
- ¼ Cup (60ml) Milk: Adds moisture and helps combine the ingredients.
- 4 Large Eggs: Provide structure and richness.
- ¾ Cup (75g) Cocoa Powder: Gives the brownies a rich chocolate flavor.
- ¾ Cup (95g) All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the brownies.
- ½ Teaspoon Instant Coffee (optional): Enhances the chocolate flavor.
Brigadeiro Topping
- 395g (14 oz) Sweetened Condensed Milk: The base of the Brigadeiro, providing sweetness and a creamy texture.
- 75g (⅔ Cup) Cocoa Powder: Adds a rich chocolate flavor to the Brigadeiro.
- 250mL (8.5 floz) Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess and smooth texture to the Brigadeiro.
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract (optional): Adds extra flavor; not traditional but enhances the taste.
- 2 Tablespoons Butter: Adds richness and helps thicken the Brigadeiro.
Garnish
- ½ Tablespoon Chocolate Sprinkles: Adds a bit of crunch and extra chocolate flavor to the finished dessert.
How To Make a Brigadeiro Fudge Brownie Dessert Box
Brownies
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Proper preheating ensures even baking.
Prepare the Pan: Grease and line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper. You can also use an 8-inch square pan for taller brownies, but you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.
Mix the Sugars and Butter: In a mixing bowl, combine 200g (7 oz) melted unsalted butter, ¾ cup (150g) white sugar, and ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar. Mix well with a hand whisk until fully combined.
Add Vanilla and Milk: Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and ¼ cup (60ml) of milk to the sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
Add Eggs: Add the 4 large eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition to ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Place a mesh strainer over the bowl of wet ingredients and add ¾ cup (75g) cocoa powder and ¾ cup (95g) all-purpose flour. Sift them into the bowl to remove any lumps. Add ½ teaspoon of instant coffee granules (optional) to enhance the chocolate flavor. Whisk the mixture until the batter is thick and glossy.
Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, checking after 30 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool the Brownies: Cool the brownies in the pan on a wire cooling rack for 10 minutes. Then, remove the brownie from the pan and let it cool completely on the rack.
Brownie Brigadeiro Topping
Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine 395g (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, 75g (⅔ cup) cocoa powder, 250mL (1 cup) heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional). Mix well with a hand whisk until smooth. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the mixture.
Cook the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously with a spatula to prevent sticking and burning. Cook until the mixture thickens and begins to pull away from the bottom of the pan when scraped with the spatula. This process may take about 10-15 minutes.
Cool the Brigadeiro: Pour the thickened Brigadeiro mixture into a bowl. Cover the surface with cling film to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool to room temperature.
Assemble Brownie Dessert Box
Trim the Brownies: Trim the cooled brownies so they fit snugly into two dessert boxes of your choice or a 9-inch square glass container. I have repurposed two Ferrero Rocher chocolate boxes.
Pipe the Brigadeiro: Place the room-temperature Brigadeiro into a piping bag fitted with a plain piping tip. Pipe the Brigadeiro diagonally across the surface of the brownie, covering them completely.
Add Sprinkles: Garnish the top with ½ tablespoon of chocolate sprinkles for added texture and flavor.
Serve: The dessert can be served immediately, with both the brownie and Brigadeiro soft. Alternatively, you can chill the dessert before serving, but note that both the Brigadeiro and the brownie will firm up when chilled.
Fay's Top Tip
Stir the Brigadeiro mixture continuously while cooking to prevent it from burning and to achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
Brigadeiro Brownie Serving Suggestions
- Serve Warm with Ice Cream: Enjoy the Brigadeiro Fudge Brownie Dessert Box warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast between the warm, fudgy brownies and the cold, creamy ice cream is delightful.
- Top with Fresh Berries: Add a handful of fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries on top of the Brigadeiro layer for a pop of color and a fresh, tangy flavor that complements the rich chocolate.
- Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some melted chocolate or chocolate hot fudge sauce over the top for an extra layer of decadence.
- Serve with Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream can add a light and airy contrast to the dense brownie and rich Brigadeiro.
- Pair with Coffee or Espresso: Serve the dessert alongside a cup of strong coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness and enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Add a Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or hazelnuts, over the Brigadeiro topping for added texture and flavor.
- Dust with Cocoa Powder: Lightly dust the top with cocoa powder before serving for an elegant finish and an extra chocolate kick.
More Chocolate Treats for you!
Common Questions
Yes, you can use an 8-inch square pan for taller brownies, but you may need to increase the baking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked.
The instant coffee is optional, but it enhances the chocolate flavor. You can omit it if you prefer or substitute with an equal amount of espresso powder for a similar effect.
Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are done. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
Brigadeiro Fudge Brownie Dessert Box
INGREDIENTS
Brownie
- 200 g (7 oz) butter unsalted and melted
- 150 g (¾ cups) white sugar
- 150 g (¾ cups) brown sugar
- 2 teaspoon (2 teaspoon) vanilla
- 60 ml (¼ cups) milk
- 4 (4) eggs large
- 75 g (¾ cups) cocoa powder
- 95 g (¾ cups) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon (½ teaspoon) instant coffee granules optional
Brigadeiro Topping
- 395 g (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 75 g (⅔ cups) cocoa powder
- 250 ml (8.5 floz) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) vanilla optional
- 2 tablespoon (2 tablespoon) butter unsalted
INSTRUCTIONS
- Brownie
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F). Grease and line a 9" square pan (or 8" square pan for taller brownies).
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Mix well with a hand whisk.
- Add vanilla extract and milk. Mix until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
- Sift cocoa powder and flour over the wet ingredients. Add instant coffee granules (if using). Whisk until the batter is thick and glossy.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 35 minutes, checking after 30 minutes.
- Cool in the pan on a wire cooling rack for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool completely on the rack.
Brigadeiro Topping
- In a saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Mix well with a hand whisk.
- Add butter and place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and begins to pull away from the bottom of the pan.
- Pour the mixture into a bowl, cover the surface with cling film, and let cool to room temperature.
Assembly
- Trim the brownies to fit snugly into two dessert boxes or a 9" square glass container.
- Place the room-temperature brigadeiro into a piping bag fitted with a plain piping tip. Pipe diagonally across the surface of the brownies.
- Garnish with chocolate sprinkles and serve.
NOTES
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate.
- If you prefer a firmer texture, chill the dessert before serving.
- Use a serrated knife to trim the brownies for a cleaner cut.
- Experiment with different sprinkles or toppings for added variety.
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