Pistachio Brigadeiro Recipe

Dreamy Pistachio Brigadeiro Recipe: Sweet Nutty Bliss in Minutes

Creamy, decadent Brazilian sweets take on a nutty twist with this pistachio brigadeiro recipe that promises pure indulgence.

These delightful bite-sized treats blend traditional Brazilian confectionery with rich, roasted pistachios for an unexpected flavor profile.

Smooth condensed milk caramelizes into a luscious base, creating a perfect canvas for the vibrant green nuts.

Each soft, glossy sphere delivers an irresistible combination of sweetness and subtle nuttiness that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Rolling these elegant truffles in finely chopped pistachios adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant dessert that will impress even the most discerning sweet tooth.

Prepare to elevate your dessert game with these luxurious pistachio brigadeiros that are sure to become a new favorite.

Creamy Pistachio Brigadeiro To Try

  • Burst with Flavor: Tangy lemon and creamy cream cheese create an irresistible taste sensation that dances on your taste buds.
  • Bake with Ease: Simple ingredients and straightforward mixing steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned home cooks.
  • Versatile Delight: Enjoy as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert – this bread fits seamlessly into any part of your day and impresses everyone who takes a bite.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: The combination of soft, moist bread with a rich cream cheese filling makes this recipe a guaranteed hit for family gatherings and casual get-togethers.

Ingredients For Pistachio Brigadeiro

Base Ingredients:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: A rich, thick dairy product that provides the creamy foundation for the brigadeiro.
  • White Chocolate: Adds a smooth, sweet flavor and helps create the dense texture of the confection.
  • Butter: Contributes richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla: Brings a warm, sweet depth to the overall taste of the brigadeiro.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors in the recipe.
Nut Components:
  • Pistachios, Ground: Provides a nutty flavor and unique texture to the brigadeiro.
  • Pistachios, Finely Chopped: Creates a crunchy exterior coating for the finished candy.
Optional Coating and Serving:
  • Butter or Oil: Used to grease hands when rolling the brigadeiro.
  • Mini Cupcake Liners: Offers a decorative presentation for the finished treats.

Step-By-Step Pistachio Brigadeiro Making

Step 1: Melt the Sweet Base

Start by grabbing a nonstick saucepan and combining these delightful ingredients:
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • White chocolate
  • Butter
  • Vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Gently heat the mixture over low flame, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula. Keep a watchful eye to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, velvety texture.

Step 2: Cook to Perfection

Continue cooking and stirring for 10-15 minutes. The mixture is ready when it thickens and starts to pull away from the pan’s bottom.

You’ll notice it becoming more dense and glossy.

Step 3: Incorporate Nutty Goodness

Fold in ground pistachios, mixing thoroughly to distribute the nutty flavor evenly throughout the creamy mixture.

Step 4: Cool and Rest

Pour the mixture onto a greased plate or parchment paper. Let it cool at room temperature for about an hour, or speed up the process by chilling in the refrigerator for 30 minutes until firm.

Step 5: Shape the Brigadeiros

Lightly grease your hands with butter or oil. Scoop small portions of the cooled mixture and roll them into smooth, uniform balls.

Step 6: Add Crunchy Coating

Roll each brigadeiro in finely chopped pistachios, creating a delightful crunchy exterior that complements the creamy inside.

Step 7: Serve and Store

Place the finished brigadeiros in mini cupcake liners for an elegant presentation.

Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Tips For Perfect Pistachio Brigadeiro

  • Maintain low, steady heat to prevent burning and ensure smooth, creamy texture without scorching the mixture.
  • Use a nonstick pan and constantly stir the mixture to avoid burning and achieve a consistent, glossy consistency.
  • Allow the brigadeiro to cool completely before rolling to ensure easy handling and perfectly shaped treats.
  • Lightly butter your hands to prevent sticking when forming the balls, creating smooth, uniform brigadeiros.
  • Experiment with different nut coatings like crushed almonds or hazelnuts for unique flavor variations.

Variations For Pistachio Brigadeiro

  • Almond Crunch Brigadeiro: Replace pistachios with finely chopped almonds for a different nutty flavor and texture. Use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate for a richer taste.
  • Vegan Coconut Brigadeiro: Swap sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk and use coconut butter. Roll in shredded coconut for a plant-based version that's creamy and indulgent.
  • Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Brigadeiro: Substitute white chocolate with dark chocolate and ground pistachios with roasted hazelnuts. Add a pinch of sea salt for enhanced depth of flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Raspberry Brigadeiro: Incorporate freeze-dried raspberry powder into the mixture and roll in crushed gluten-free cookies or additional raspberry powder for a fruity, allergen-friendly treat.

Foods To Pair With Pistachio Brigadeiro

  • Pair Smooth Sweet Wines: Select moscato or late harvest riesling to complement the creamy pistachio brigadeiro, creating a delightful balance between the dessert's richness and the wine's gentle sweetness.
  • Create Coffee Contrast: Brew a strong espresso or Turkish coffee to cut through the sweetness, offering a robust counterpoint that enhances the pistachio's nutty depth and provides a sophisticated tasting experience.
  • Match Nutty Liqueurs: Choose amaretto or pistachio liqueur to amplify the dessert's nutty profile, creating a harmonious flavor connection that elevates the brigadeiro's delicate textures and enhances overall enjoyment.
  • Serve Chilled Champagne: Select a dry champagne or prosecco to cleanse the palate between bites, its crisp bubbles and light acidity providing a refreshing contrast to the dense, sweet brigadeiro.

Storing Pistachio Brigadeiro Correctly

  • Place brigadeiros in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep them chilled for up to 1 week, maintaining their soft texture and preventing spoilage.
  • Wrap individual brigadeiros in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months without losing flavor or quality. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
  • Store in a cool, dry place inside an airtight container. Consume within 3 days to ensure optimal taste and texture. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas that might cause melting.
  • Let refrigerated brigadeiros sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Gently roll in fresh chopped pistachios to restore their original crunch and appearance.

FAQs

  • What are brigadeiros?

Brigadeiros are traditional Brazilian chocolate truffles typically made with condensed milk, cocoa powder, and chocolate, rolled into small balls and coated with chocolate sprinkles.

  • Can I use different nuts instead of pistachios?

Yes, you can substitute pistachios with almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans for a similar crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

  • How do I prevent the mixture from burning?

Stir constantly over low heat and use a nonstick pan to ensure even cooking and prevent the mixture from sticking or burning.

  • Why do I need to grease my hands when rolling?

Greasing your hands with butter or oil prevents the sticky brigadeiro mixture from clinging to your fingers, making it easier to roll smooth, uniform balls.

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Pistachio Brigadeiro Recipe

Pistachio Brigadeiro Recipe


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4.8 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Brazilian pistachio brigadeiro brings luxurious nutty sweetness to traditional chocolate truffles. Green-flecked confections melt deliciously on your palate, offering a sophisticated twist on classic Brazilian party treats.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 1 can (14 ounces/395 grams) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (or chopped white chocolate)
  • 1/2 cup finely ground pistachios (plus extra for rolling)

Complementary Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Seasoning:

  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Merge sweetened condensed milk, white chocolate, butter, vanilla, and salt in a nonstick saucepan, positioning over low heat.
  2. Continuously stir the mixture using a rubber spatula, ensuring even heating and preventing scorching at the bottom of the pan.
  3. Maintain gentle cooking for 10-15 minutes until the mixture transforms into a thick, cohesive texture that separates cleanly from the pan’s surface.
  4. Incorporate ground pistachios thoroughly, blending until evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.
  5. Transfer the prepared mixture onto a greased surface or parchment paper, allowing it to rest and solidify at room temperature for approximately 1 hour or expedite cooling in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  6. Lightly lubricate hands with oil or butter to prevent sticking, then delicately portion and shape the mixture into uniform, smooth spheres.
  7. Enhance each brigadeiro by rolling them in finely chopped pistachios, creating a delightful crunchy exterior.
  8. Arrange the finished treats in decorative mini cupcake liners for an elegant presentation.
  9. Enjoy immediately or preserve in an airtight container, maintaining freshness at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Notes

  • Prevent burning by stirring constantly and maintaining low heat, which ensures smooth texture and prevents scorching.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to help them blend more evenly and create a consistent mixture.
  • Chill the mixture briefly if it’s too soft to roll, making the shaping process easier and more precise.
  • Try alternative coatings like crushed almonds or cocoa powder for different flavor variations.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Brazilian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 171
  • Sugar: 21 g
  • Sodium: 28 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 13 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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