Nesquik brigadeiro (strawberry brigadeiro)

Ingredients

• 395 gsweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon (about 14 g)butter
• 4 tablespoonsNESQUIK® strawberry-flavoured powder
• 100 g (½ cup)crystal sugar

Instructions

1. 1

   Combine ingredients

   Put the condensed milk, butter and NESQUIK powder in a saucepan.

2. 2

   Cook the mixture

   Mix well and cook over low heat, stirring continuously for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture pulls away from the bottom of the pan.

3. 3

   Cool the mixture

   Transfer it to a plate greased with butter and leave it to cool.

4. 4

   Shape and coat

   Grease your hands with butter, roll the mixture into small balls and coat them in crystal sugar.

5. 5

   Place and serve

   Put the brigadeiros in paper cases and serve.

What are strawberry brigadeiros?

Brigadeiro is a Brazilian sweet traditionally made by cooking condensed milk with other ingredients until thick, then rolling it into bite-sized balls. This version uses strawberry-flavoured NESQUIK powder for a fruity twist on the familiar soft, sweet confection.

The mixture needs only a few ingredients and one saucepan. A coating of crystal sugar gives each piece a crisp, sparkly finish.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 47 calories, 2g protein, 9g carbs, 1g fat.

The condensed milk and sugar provide most of the carbohydrates, while the butter contributes some fat and the condensed milk supplies some protein. Pair a few brigadeiros with fresh fruit, or enjoy one after a meal, for a more balanced serving.

The ingredients that matter

Condensed milk: this supplies the sweetness and gives the mixture its creamy base. Use the full 395 g quantity so the proportions stay balanced.

NESQUIK powder: it brings the strawberry flavour and colour. Stir it in thoroughly at the start to avoid dry pockets in the cooked mixture.

Crystal sugar: its coarse crystals add a contrasting crunch. Coat the sweets once they are cool enough to handle.

Cook gently and keep stirring

Low heat gives the condensed milk time to thicken without scorching on the bottom of the pan. Stir continuously, scraping across the base and into the corners.

The mixture can catch quickly as it thickens, so stay beside the pan rather than leaving it to cook unattended.

Look for the right consistency

The recipe’s cue is that the mixture pulls away from the bottom of the saucepan. This usually takes about 10 minutes, but watch the consistency as well as the clock.

Let the mixture cool on a buttered plate before rolling. It should be firm enough to shape; greased hands help keep it from sticking.

Shape the sweets evenly

Grease your hands lightly before rolling each portion into a ball. Keeping the balls a similar size makes the batch easier to serve.

Roll them in crystal sugar to coat the outside, then settle each one into a paper case for serving.

Serve for a celebration or snack

These small sweets work well on a party platter alongside other bite-sized treats. Their rich sweetness also makes them a natural match for unsweetened coffee or tea.

For a dessert plate, serve a brigadeiro with fresh fruit to add a juicy contrast to the creamy centre and crisp coating.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use a heavy-based saucepan to help the mixture heat evenly.
• Keep the heat low and stir continuously, especially as the mixture thickens.
• Scrape the bottom and corners of the pan as you stir.
• Let the mixture cool before shaping so it is easier to handle.
• Grease your hands lightly to make rolling less sticky.
• Set out the paper cases before you begin shaping the brigadeiros.

Variations

• Coconut coating: roll the cooled sweets in desiccated coconut instead of crystal sugar.
• Chocolate coating: use chocolate sprinkles for a richer finish.
• Citrus accent: add a little finely grated lemon zest to the mixture for a fresh note.
• Smaller sweets: make mini brigadeiros for a party platter.
• Mixed platter: serve these alongside classic chocolate brigadeiros for a two-colour assortment.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Cooking over high heat: the mixture can scorch; keep the heat low and stir constantly.
• Stopping before it thickens: it may be too soft to roll; cook until it pulls away from the pan base.
• Leaving the pan unattended: the mixture can catch as it thickens; stay with it and keep stirring.
• Rolling while hot: the mixture will be difficult to handle; let it cool first.
• Skipping the butter on your hands: the mixture may stick; grease your palms lightly before shaping.

How to store

Keep the brigadeiros in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature briefly before serving for a softer texture.

Frequently asked questions