Today we’re going to learn about brigadeiro, one of the most delicious Brazilian treats.

Brigadeiro is a chocolate truffle that is most commonly made in little balls in tiny cupcake wrappers, but can also be a topping for other desserts or can be made as an entire cake. It is made with condensed milk, butter, chocolate powder, and sprinkles, and has an icing-like consistency. It is common at birthday parties and is eaten throughout Brazil.

This pastry was created in the 1940s during World War II. Food imports like fruit and nuts were scarce, but Nestle took advantage of the opportunity to introduce chocolate powder to Brazil, which became an instant hit (and incidentally, one of the key ingredients for brigadeiro).

The treat was named after a military man by the name of Eduardo Gomes, who was a brigadier (brigadeiro) in the Air Force. He was famous for impeding a military coup in the then capital of Rio de Janeiro, and for running for President of Brazil twice (and losing).

Here are some recipes so you can make brigadeiro yourself:

Tudogosto.com Recipe (Portuguese)

Recipezaar Recipe (English)

Receitinhas Recipe (Portuguese)

Foodgeeks Recipe (English)

Microwave Brigadeiro (Portuguese)