There’s something magical about Brazilian brigadeiros—those rich, fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth treats that make any moment sweeter. Now, imagine that same creamy goodness infused with the nutty, slightly sweet essence of pistachios. That’s right, Pistachio Brigadeiro is here to steal the show!
These little delights are pure indulgence. They have a velvety texture that melts the moment you take a bite, with a nutty richness that perfectly balances the sweet condensed milk. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or making a batch for a special occasion, trust me, these are game-changers. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up, and you don’t need any fancy equipment—just a few ingredients and a little patience. Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely love this recipe!
Why You’ll Love Pistachio Brigadeiro
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re making a batch for a cozy night in, sharing them at a party, or surprising someone special, these brigadeiros fit every occasion. Here’s why they’re a must-try:
Versatile: Perfect for any event, from casual snacking to elegant desserts at celebrations.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry staples, this recipe proves that gourmet flavors don’t have to cost a fortune.
Quick and Easy: You’ll have these beauties ready in no time, with minimal effort and no baking required.
Customizable: Play around with different coatings, like crushed pistachios, white chocolate shavings, or even cocoa powder for a fun twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single treat satisfies everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Pistachio Brigadeiro
Here’s the magic of this sweet treat—it’s made with just a few simple ingredients, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Sweetened Condensed Milk: The heart of every brigadeiro, giving it that signature creamy, fudgy texture.
Pistachio Paste: The star ingredient, bringing in that deep, nutty flavor and a gorgeous green hue.
Butter: Helps everything come together smoothly, creating that rich, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
White Chocolate: Adds an extra layer of creaminess and enhances the sweetness while complementing the pistachio flavor.
Crushed Pistachios: For rolling and coating, giving each bite a delightful crunch and an extra pop of flavor.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Cook the Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, pistachio paste, butter, and white chocolate. Stir continuously to prevent burning and ensure a smooth texture.
Achieve the Right Consistency: Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan. This should take about 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when you can run a spatula through the middle, and it briefly holds its shape.
Let It Cool: Transfer the mixture to a greased plate or bowl and let it cool to room temperature. For faster cooling, place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Shape the Brigadeiros: Once the mixture is cool and firm, grease your hands with butter and roll small portions into balls.
Coat with Pistachios: Roll each brigadeiro in crushed pistachios, making sure they are evenly coated.
Serve and Enjoy: Place the brigadeiros in mini cupcake liners or on a serving tray, and they’re ready to be devoured!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12-15 brigadeiros
Calories per serving: Approximately 120 kcal
(Note: Values may vary depending on specific ingredient brands used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Pistachio Brigadeiro
These brigadeiros are perfect on their own, but here are a few ways to serve them for an extra special touch:
- Pair them with espresso or strong black coffee for a delicious contrast of flavors.
- Serve them alongside fresh berries for a refreshing balance.
- Present them on a dessert platter with other brigadeiro variations, like classic chocolate or coconut.
- Use them as a luxurious topping for ice cream or cakes.
Additional Tips
- Use Quality Pistachios: The better the pistachios, the richer the flavor. Opt for unsalted, high-quality nuts for the best results.
- Don’t Overcook the Mixture: Overcooking can make the brigadeiros too firm. Remove from heat as soon as it pulls away from the pan.
- Grease Your Hands: A little butter or coconut oil on your hands prevents sticking when rolling the brigadeiros.
- Chill Before Rolling: If the mixture is too soft, refrigerate it a little longer to make shaping easier.
FAQ
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I freeze pistachio brigadeiros?
Yes! Freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a container. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
What if I don’t have pistachio paste?
You can blend shelled pistachios with a bit of oil until smooth to make your own.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?
You can, but it will alter the flavor. White chocolate complements the pistachios best.
Why is my brigadeiro mixture too soft?
It may need more cooking time. Continue stirring until it thickens properly.
Why did my brigadeiros turn out too hard?
They were likely overcooked. Next time, remove them from the heat earlier.
Can I use another type of nut?
Yes! You can substitute pistachios with almonds or cashews for a twist.
Do I need to refrigerate them?
Not necessarily, but keeping them in the fridge helps maintain their shape and freshness.
Can I coat them in something else?
Absolutely! Try rolling them in cocoa powder, shredded coconut, or even powdered sugar.
Are these gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
Pistachio Brigadeiros are the perfect balance of creamy, nutty, and sweet. They’re incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and deliver maximum flavor in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a celebration, a gift, or just to satisfy a craving, these delightful treats are sure to impress. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and let these little bites of heaven bring some joy to your day!
Print
Pistachio Brigadeiro
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: About 20 pieces 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Brazilian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pistachio Brigadeiro is a delightful twist on the traditional Brazilian sweet, blending the creamy richness of condensed milk with the nutty flavor of pistachios.
Ingredients
- 1 can (approximately 395g) sweetened condensed milk
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup finely ground pistachios
- 2 teaspoons light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
- Additional finely ground pistachios for coating
Instructions
-
Prepare the Mixture:
- In a heavy-duty saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, 6 tablespoons of the ground pistachios, corn syrup, and butter.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the bottom of the pan, about 12 minutes.
-
Cool the Mixture:
- Pour the mixture onto a buttered plate.
- Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until very firm, approximately 3 to 4 hours.
-
Form the Brigadeiros:
- Place the remaining ground pistachios in a bowl.
- With buttered hands, scoop small portions of the chilled mixture and roll them into balls.
- Roll each ball in the ground pistachios to coat.
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Serve:
- Place the coated brigadeiros in mini paper baking cups or on a tray lined with non-stick baking paper.
- Serve at room temperature.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider incorporating a teaspoon of vanilla extract into the mixture during cooking.
- Store the brigadeiros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If refrigerated, bring them to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 20g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg