Updated on Cakes and Biscuits Desserts

Brigadeiro Cake

Craving a rich, decadent chocolate experience? Look no further than Brigadeiro Cake, a beloved Brazilian treat! This isn’t just any chocolate cake; it’s a moist, intensely chocolatey creation crowned with a luscious brigadeiro frosting. Today, we’ll guide you through crafting this dessert, bringing a taste of Brazil to your kitchen.

Indulge in Brazil: A Guide to Making Authentic Brigadeiro Cake

Brigadeiro is more than just a sweet treat in Brazil; it’s a cultural icon. Named after Brigadier Eduardo Gomes, a military figure popular in the 1940s, it originally began as a simple confection made with condensed milk, butter, and chocolate powder. Over time, various adaptations have emerged, including the magnificent Brigadeiro Cake. This cake perfectly marries an unbelievably moist chocolate sponge with the velvety smoothness of a traditional brigadeiro frosting.

The Recipe

Ingredients:

  • Eggs – 3 XL
  • Brown sugar – 1.5 cup (using a 250ml cup measure)
  • Boiled water – 240 ml
  • Cocoa powder – 1 cup
  • Sunflower oil – 220 ml
  • Vanilla essence – 2 tsp
  • Bicarbonate of soda – 1 tsp
  • Salt – 1/2 tsp
  • Flour – 1.5 cup (using a 250ml cup measure)

For the Brigadeiro:

  • Condensed milk – 1 can (approximately 397g)
  • Cocoa powder – 2 tbsp
  • Butter – 1 tbsp
  • Cream – 150 ml

For Garnish:

  • Hazelnuts – 50 gr
  • Chocolate sprinkles – to taste

Instructions:

  1. Make the Cake: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the boiled water, cocoa powder, oil, and vanilla essence. Mix well.
  4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, bicarbonate of soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
  8. Make the Brigadeiro: In a saucepan, combine the condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, and cream.
  9. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan (about 8-10 minutes). This is the key to a perfect brigadeiro consistency!
  10. Let the brigadeiro cool slightly before spreading it evenly over the cooled cake.
  11. Garnish: Decorate with chopped hazelnuts and chocolate sprinkles.

Tips for Success

Don’t skip the boiling water step! It’s crucial for flavor and texture. Also, ensure you don’t overbake the cake, as this will result in a drier final product.

Brigadeiro cake is best served at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a strong cup of Brazilian coffee, enhancing the rich chocolate notes. Enjoy!

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