This marvelous candy craze began in Brazil during the 1940s. It was wartime. Picture how hard it must have been, to get your hands on fresh fruits or decadent sweets. Near impossible. Enter The Brigadeiros and a few creative women from Rio de Janeiro who helped dream them up. (recipe at the bottom of this post)
They knew they’d have to make something great, using the few ingredients they almost always had on hand in the kitchen. Unsalted butter, rich-flavored cocoa powder, and condensed milk were about as simple as a cook could get, but mixing these items yielded a marvelous candy that caught on like wildfire. They were an instant hit with everyone who tried them.
There are a few different stories about the confection otherwise known as a Bon Bon. But, I loved the version I heard when talking to Tais Masala owner of Bon Bon Brazil NY. (Sadly, no longer open)
The history of Brigadeiros
The candy was named after a very handsome man, Brigadeiro Edward Gomes. He was a revolutionary and a high-ranking member of his country’s Air Force. He was a brigadier general. In 1945, Gomes ran for the Brazilian Presidency but lost to Eurico Gaspar Dutra.
It was the first year that women were allowed to vote in Brazil and the fact that he was so good-looking did not hurt the cause.
During the campaign in Sao Paulo, the creamy confection was made, rolled in sprinkles, and then handed out to his supporters in the crowd.
Perhaps the ladies had a crush on him?
Sweet Memories
Tais remembers the sweets from her childhood. She loved them. They were popular at birthday parties and other family celebrations. They were a symbol of love, happiness, and togetherness.
When she turned 11, they had a big birthday party for Tais. She wanted Brigadeiros to be part of her own special day and may have been surprised when her mother handed her both the recipe and the responsibility of making the treat for her guests. She was up for the challenge and made 250!
Bon Bon Brazil NY
She has been in America for three years and we’re so lucky she brought this wonderful tradition with her. Right now you can find her at several Farmer’s Markets and online. Soon, she will be in Bolton Landing, NY. Her candies are gluten-free and as you’ll see below, she started with tradition, then, put her own delightful spin on the other flavors.
Don’t be afraid to be like Tais, she gets very creative when she makes her specialty candy.
Brigadeiros Brazilian Candy
Ingredients
- 2 14 oz cans of condensed milk
- 4 Tbsp unsweetened butter
- 2 Tbsp heavy cream
- 2 tsp light corn syrup
- 3 oz semi-sweet chocolate chopped fine
- 2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the condensed milk, butter, heavy cream, and corn syrup.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat stirring often.
- Once it begins to bubble, add the semi-sweet chocolate and cocoa powder.
- Whisk well, so there are no pockets of cocoa powder.
- Reduce heat and continue to cook, whisking constantly until it is a dense fudge-like batter. This should take between 8-10 minutes. If undercooked, it will be too soft. If you overcook, it will be too chewy. Pay attention; it will be perfect, when you can tip the pan and the mixture slides to the side, in one soft piece.
- Slide the mixture into a bowl – DO NOT scrape the bottom of the pan.
- Leave out on the counter so it can cool to room temperature.
- At this point, cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 4 hours.
- Scoop the mixture by the teaspoonful. Roll in hands to form balls. They should be the size of a small truffle.
- Place your chosen topping in a bowl. (see notes on toppings)
- Roll a few of your candies at a time, making certain they are covered completely in sprinkles.
- Store in airtight containers.
- Brigadeiros will stay fresh in your refrigerator for up to 1 month. (Take my word for it, they will not make it that long)
Notes
White, Vanilla, Traditional (Milk Chocolate), Noir, Black and White, Neopolitan. Samba, Expresso Coffee, Cappuccino Nuts:
Walnuts, Toasted Almonds, Pistachio, Fruits:
Lemon, Banana, and Cinnamon, Coconut (Coconut Kiss), Cranberry, Pineapple and coconut, Prune Delight, Apricot Delight. Specialties:
Creme Brule, Guava Cheesecake (Romeo and Juliet), Cherry Cheesecake, Passion Fruit, Smore’s, Oreo Cookies, Carrot, Pumpkin Spice, Sweet Potato,
Is making candy, not your thing?
Order Brigadeiros on Amazon here.
Have you ever tried a Brigadeiros? Please leave a comment below.
They look yummy and her presentation is beautiful. I live near San Antonio. Other than pralines, the Mexican candies here aren’t very interesting. Brenda
These candies are scrumptious, and Tais has such a great personality. I discovered her at the farmers market in town and man, these flavors go great with wine! 🙂
One word – WOW. Interestingly, there is a Peruvian bakery selling at our local farmers market now, and their cookies (the filling, that is) is made with condensed milk, too.
I am in love with the story of how they came to be and how they are such an important part of the family, when they celebrate something special. Tais is such a friendly young lady, I could sit and talk with her for hours. 🙂
Thank you Theresa, and I hope we can meet for a coffee one of these days!
I had so much fun meeting up with you, Tais and yes, we should meet for coffee again!
Hope your Summer is going well.
These candies sound decadent. Pretty to look at and I can just about taste the richness. What a wonderful story of how it came to be.
They are so delicious! Tais does a wonderful job with them and I love how she presents them to her customers!
The story of how they came to be seemed so romantic.
Hey, if you lose the presidency but have a candy named after you, it can’t be all that bad!
Luscious looking. I assessed the ingredients and kNOW that the taste will pay off. And what a great story behind them!!!
Tais does a wonderful job with her presentation. The day I was with her, she was making them and can I just tell you that I was in candy heaven !!!
I had no idea what the story was behind the bon-bon! Looks delicious. I’m a sucker for sweets – especially chocolate.
chocolate…………… bet it pairs great with wine………………………..might have to look into it, lol.
these look gorgeous – and the presentation takes them to a whole new level!
I loved her presentation. If I remember correctly, these were for a bridal show the day after I saw Tais. I am sure the guests were thrilled with them!
I’ve never heard of these. These treats are so delicate and lovely. They almost look too beautiful to eat!
I agree. But, I did eat them, lol. Truly delicious!
How have I never heard of these before?! They look delicious, and I definitely want to try them.
I was intrigued, when I found Tais and her candies at the local farmers market. Delicious!!!
Nice article, thanks thanks.
It was such a fun time, watching Tais make these special candies and listening to her story of home was interesting. The bon-bons are delicious, hope you try them sometime!