• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Easy Brazilian Food
  • Recipes
  • About Me
  • Contact Page

Home » Desserts

Best Brazilian Cake ~ Bolo de Brigadeiro!

March 25, 2023 by Carrie Tyler 1 Comment

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

The is the best Brazilian Cake called Bolo de Brigadeiro! It has a soft, moist chocolate cake, with a brigadeiro chocolate sauce poured all over. It's perfect for holidays or any day at all!

Brigadeiro Brazilian Cake slice on a plate with a fork and the rest of the cake in the background on a platter.

This my friends, is a Bolo de Brigadeiro, the best Brazilian Cake out there for chocolate lovers. And yes, you read correctly, it's based off of the famous Brigadeiro Chocolate Truffles that are found everywhere here in Brazil!

The cake itself is moist, buttery, and spongy, with just the right amount of chocolate. Then you have a chocolate Brigadeiro glaze with a sweet taste and creamy texture. It's is poured over top so it runs down the sides to coat every nook and cranny. Finally, the signature brigadeiro sprinkles give a crunch and sweet finish.

It's a delicious cake for a special occasion, birthday party, holiday, or just a weeknight dessert!

Be sure to check out the inspiration for this cake and one of the most famous Brazilian recipes, Brigadeiros ~ Brazilian Chocolate Dessert Truffles too!

Round Brigadeiro Brazilian Cake with sprinkles on top on a platter.
Jump to:
  • Brigadeiro Cake in Brazil
  • Simple Ingredients and Substitutes
  • Simple Equipment You'll Need with Options
  • Tips for this Brigadeiro Brazilian Cake Recipe
  • How to Make this Brazilian Chocolate Cake
  • Make the Brigadeiro Topping
  • Brigadeiro Brazilian Cake Recipe FAQs
  • Related
  • Best Brazilian Cake ~ Bolo de Brigadeiro!

Brigadeiro Cake in Brazil

This cake is of course a spinoff from the traditional Brigadeiros, which are little chocolate fudge balls rolled in sprinkles. In São Paulo you can find Bolo (cake) de Brigadeiro at most Padarias (bakeries) and on many BRazilian cuisine restaurant dessert menus. It's also popular for birthdays and holidays. The cake or sponge itself is like no other chocolate cake that you typically get in the US. It's a more subtle chocolate flavor with a very spongy and buttery texture. It's a must-try along with Bolo de Cenoura, Brazilian Carrot Cake!

Simple Ingredients and Substitutes

Cake Ingredients

Ingredients prepped and measured out in bowls for Brigadeiro Chocolate Brazilian Cake.
  • Sugar - Regular white granulated sugar is best for this recipe.
  • Unsalted Butter, softened - Butter is a key ingredient in this cake recipe for both texture and flavor. Don't skimp or swap, just go for it!
  • Vanilla extract - This was not in the original recipe, but I love the flavor it adds. You can either leave it out if you dont't have it.
  • Eggs, large - You can use white or brown eggs in this recipe. Because you will need to whip up the egg whites separately, you will not want to use bulk egg product.
  • All purpose Flour, unbleached - Regular AP flour is fine, you do not need cake flour or anything special. I have not yet tested this recipe with Gluten Free flour options. However, when I do bake with Gluten Free Flour, I use Bob's Red Mill All Purpose Flour and add xanthan gum according to the GF flour package instructions for cakes.
  • Salt - Kosher salt or table salt is fine.
  • Melted chocolate, semi-sweet baking - The melted chocolate blends in so beautifully and gives a perfect flavor. You can substitute unsweetened chocolate. I have not yet tested this recipe with cocoa powder, but generally, you will need to substitute 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder to 1 ounce of melted chocolate. For this cake, that means ¾ cup + 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder.
  • Whole Milk, divided 1 cup and ¼ cup (1 cup gets added first, ¼ cup saved to mix with baking powder)
  • Baking Powder - For this recipe you ideally want to use baking powder. If you do not have it, you can substitute with ¼ teaspoon baking soda PLUS ½ teaspoon white vinegar.

Brigadeiro Chocolate Topping Ingredients

Ingredients on table for Brazilian Cake Brigadeiro topping...sweetened condensed milk, butter, chocolate, and sprinkles.
  • 1 tablespoon Butter, salted - Many recipes for Brigadeiros call for unsalted butter. However, I am a big fan of little salt with my sweet, so I opt for salted. You can use either.
  • Sweetened Condensed milk - The sweet condensed milk is the thick, sweet glaze base. It's also the base of brigadeiros. If you don't have this, you can substitute evaporated milk, but you will want to also add in sugar. Start with a teaspoon and add until you get to the desired sweetness.
  • Melted chocolate, semi-sweet baking - I love semi-sweet chocolate in this cake, but you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate. You can substitute with unsweetened cocoa powder. You will need to substitute 6 tablespoons of cocoa powder for the 2 ounces of melted chocolate. No need to add sugar as the sweetened condensed milk is plenty sweet.
  • Sprinkles! - You can use any sprinkles you want on the top of the cake. The traditional variety used in Brazil on this cake are chocolate sprinkles. However, depending on the occasion, I love to add colored sprinkles in all different shapes and sizes.

See recipe card for quantities.

Simple Equipment You'll Need with Options

You will need 2 mixing bowls: 1 large bowl to cream the butter and sugar and 1 medium bowl to whip the egg whites.

To beat the egg whites, I recommend either an Electric Hand Mixer or a Stand Mixer. You need to really beat the egg whites for a while to get the stiff peaks that are needed and a little help goes a long way for this!

To bake the cake, you need a 4-quart cake pan or baking dish. I used a tube pan with deep 3.5 inch sides because that tends to be the way cakes are made in Brazil. A traditional bundt pan works too. Rectangle or even two 9" cake pans for a layered cake will work.

Brigadeiro Brazilian Cake slice on a plate with a fork holding a bite.

Tips for this Brigadeiro Brazilian Cake Recipe

  • Tip #1 - When preparing your baking dish or pan, make sure to really smooth out the butter so that there are no clumps. If you have clumps of butter, when you add the flour to coat it will bake up as a clump on the outside of the cake.
  • Tip #2 - To melt the chocolate, the best way and my preferred method is in a double-boiler on the stove. I've tried the microwave but always overcook it seizes and clumps. There is no fixing it once this happens. A double-broiler simply means placing the chocolate in a glass bowl on top of a smaller pot of water (see below image). You boil the water which creates steam to evenly and gently melt the chocolate. Let the chocolate melt without touching it at all until it is mostly melted and only some chocolate is floating and melting. Remove the bowl from the heat, then you can mix it to help the remaining melt.
Chocolate pieces in a clear glass bowl sitting on a smaller pot of water on the stove for Brigadeiro Brazilian Cake.

How to Make this Brazilian Chocolate Cake

I do have to warn you that there are a few steps to add the ingredients for this cake, but it is soooo worth it to follow exactly.

First, prep your baking pan with butter and flour and preheat the oven to 350 F degrees.

Next, separate the egg whites into a medium mixing bowl and the yolks into a small bowl. For the egg whites, you will want a stand mixer or electric hand mixer (you can do with a whisk by hand too).

Hand mixer beating egg whites in a clear glass bowl for Brigadeiro Brazilian Cake.

Beat the egg whites constantly until frothy and then to stiff peaks.

Spatula holding egg whites that have been beaten to stiff peaks in a clear glass bowl for Brigadeiro Brazilian Cake.

You know they are done when they hold their form when scooped.

Cream the softened sugar and butter in a large bowl with hand mixer or whisk.

Hand mixer whipping the butter and sugar together in a large bowl for Brigadeiro Brazilian Cake.

Then add the egg yolks and vanilla extract.

Now you will start alternating adding the flour and the milk.

Flour being sifted into butter and sugar mixture for Brigadeiro Brazilian Cake.

Add half the sifted flour and the salt and then mix in with a mixing spoon. Then you can add half of the milk and mix it in.

Spoon mixing flour into cake batter for Brigadeiro Brazilian Cake.

Add the remaining half of the flour and mix it in. And then mix in the remaining half of the milk.

Melted chocolate being mixed into the cake batter for Brigadeiro Brazilian Cake.

Next mix in the melted chocolate.

Whipped egg whites being folded into the cake batter for Brigadeiro Brazilian Cake.

Then gently fold in the egg whites.

Lastly, mix in the baking powder to the reserved ¼ cup of milk to dissolve it. Stir it into the cake batter.

Finished cake batter in a tube mold cake pan for Brigadeiro Brazilian Cake.


Pour the batter into the buttered and floured cake pan. Bake for 60-70 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes before removing/unmolding it.

Make the Brigadeiro Topping

In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and chocolate. Add the condensed milk.

Melted butter and chocolate being mixed with sweetened condensed milk in a pot for Brigadeiro Brazilian Cake.

Cook until thick and leaves a line with a spoon is scraped on the bottom of the pan.
Once the cake is unmolded and on a serving platter, pour the sauce over the top so that it covers the top and runs down the size. Immediately sprinkle all over with sprinkles. Enjoy!

Brigadeiro Brazilian Cake Recipe FAQs

Can this cake be left out at room temperature?

You can leave this Brigadeiro Brazilian cake out of the refrigerator in a cool dry place for 1-2 days. Beyond that, you risk bacteria. I recommend moving the cake into the refrigerator on day two. It will last for 5-7 days stored in an airtight container in the fridge

Can this Brigadeiro Cake recipe be frozen?

This Brazilian cake can be stored in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 3-4 months. Remember to always cool the cake before putting it in the freezer.

Can I make this into a layer cake with the Brigadeiro topping as the filling?

Yes, you can make this Brazilian cake into a layered cake with two cake layers. Pour the cake batter into two buttered and floured 9-10" round cake pans. Bake for 40 minutes and then do the toothpick test to see if it's done. If not, put them back in the oven for another 3-5 minutes depending on how wet it still is. Pour ⅓ cup of the Brigadeiro topping over the bottom in the center and slowly spread it to the ends with a spatula or butter knife. Add the top cake layer and then pour the remaining topping over it. If needed, use your spatula to help spread it to the ends so it drips down to cover the sides.

Related

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

  • Ice Cream scoop scooping Coconut Ice Cream Recipe without Cream with toasted coconut on top in a blue loaf pan. In the background is a fresh coconut cracked in half.
    Coconut Ice Cream Recipe without Cream ~ No Churn!
  • Piece of Orange Bundt Cake (Bolo de Laranja) on a plate with the rest of the cake in background. There are orange slices on the side of the plate and a fork on the plate.
    Orange Bundt Cake ~ Bolo de Laranja
  • Moist Vanilla Cake with Lime slice standing on a plate with lime glaze dripping down. A green lime behind the plate and the rest of the bundt cake on a platter in the background.
    Cake with Lime ~ Bolo de Limão
  • Brazilian Flan recipe in a tube shape with caramel sauce on top on a platter with a piece cut out of the front. In the background is the piece on a plate with a spoon.
    Pudim ~ Brazilian Flan Recipe
Brigadeiro Brazilian Cake slice on a plate with a fork holding a bite and the rest of the cake in the background on a platter.

Best Brazilian Cake ~ Bolo de Brigadeiro!

Carrie Tyler
This Bolo de Brigadeiro is the best Brazilian Cake out there for chocolate lovers. The cake itself is moist, buttery, and spongy, with just the right amount of chocolate. Then you have a chocolate Brigadeiro glaze that is poured over top so it runs down the sides to coat over nook and cranny. Finally, the signature brigadeiro sprinkles give a crunch and sweet finish. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just dessert!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr
Course Dessert
Cuisine Brazilian
Servings 20 servings

Ingredients
  

Cake

  • 2 ½ cups Granulated White sugar
  • 2 cups Unsalted Butter, softened (1 pound)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 5 Large Eggs, separated
  • 3 ¾ cups All purpose Flour, sifted
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • 5 ounces Melted chocolate, semi-sweet baking
  • 1 ¼ cup Whole Milk, divided 1 cup and ¼ cup (1 cup gets added first, ¼ cup saved to mix with baking powder)
  • 1 tablespoon Baking powder

Brigadeiro Topping

  • 2 ounces chocolate, semi-sweet baking
  • 2 ounces Unsalted Butter
  • 14 ounces Sweetened Condensed Milk (1 can)
  • 1 cup Sprinkles (chocolate or rainbow or any color!)

Instructions
 

Make the Chocolate Brazilian Cake

  • Preheat the oven to 350 F degrees. Butter and dust with flour a 4-quart cake pan or tube-form pan.
  • Separate the egg whites into a large bowl and the yolks into a small bowl. beat the egg yolks to combine. For the egg whites, you will want a stand mixer or electric hand mixer (you can do with a whisk by hand too). Beat the egg whites until you have stiff peaks.
  • Cream the softened sugar and butter in a large bowl with hand mixer or whisk. Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract. Add half the sifted flour and the salt and then mix in with a mixing spoon. Add half of the milk and mix it in. Add the remaining half of the flour and mix it in. And then mix in the remaining half of the milk.
  • Next mix in the melted chocolate. Then gently fold in the egg whites. Lastly, mix in the baking powder to the reserved ¼ cup of milk to dissolve it. Stir it into the cake batter.
  • Pour the batter into the buttered and floured cake pan. Bake for 60-70 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes before removing/unmolding it.

Make the Brigadeiro Topping

  • In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and chocolate. Add the condensed milk. Cook until thick and leaves a line with a spoon is scraped on the bottom of the pan.
  • Once the cake is unmolded and on a serving platter, pour the sauce over the top so that it covers the top and runs down the size. Immediately sprinkle all over with sprinkles. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Can this cake be left out at room temperature?
    You can leave this Brigadeiro Brazilian cake out of the refrigerator in a cool dry place for 1-2 days. Beyond that, you risk bacteria. I recommend moving the cake into the refrigerator on day two. It will last for 5-7 days stored in an airtight container in the fridge
  • Can this Brigadeiro Cake be frozen?
    This Brazilian cake can be stored in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 3-4 months. Remember to always cool the cake before putting it in the freezer.
  • Can I make this into a layer cake with the Brigadeiro topping as the filling?
    Yes, you can make this Brazilian cake into a layered cake. Pour the cake batter into two buttered and floured 9-10" round cake pans. Bake for 40 minutes and then do the toothpick test to see if it's done. If not, put them back in the oven for another 3-5 minutes depending on how wet it still is. Pour ⅓ cup of the Brigadeiro topping over the bottom in the center and slowly spread it to the ends with a spatula or butter knife. Add the top cake layer and then pour the remaining topping over it. If needed, use your spatula to help spread it to the ends so it drips down to cover the sides.
Keyword baking, brazilian desserts, cakes, chocolate cake, Chocolate desserts
« Summer Beef Stew ~ with Ground Beef and Fresh Veggies
Easy Panko Chicken ~ Fried or Baked »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lore Dowell

    April 23, 2023 at 6:35 pm

    I can't wait to try this recipe. I just need to buy some whole milk.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Oi! Welcome!

Hi there! I'm Carrie and a recent transplant with my family to São Paulo, Brazil from Hoboken, NJ! I am a recipe developer and author sharing my journey through Brazilian food recipes made super easy and delicious! Read more about me →

Follow Me!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Most Popular Recipes

Brazilian Potato Salad in a bowl with carrots, green olives, cilantro, and a mayonnaise dressing, and cilantro garnish on top.
Brazilian Farofa Recipe in a pot on blue and white towel on counter. It has bacon, sausage, green olives, hard boiled eggs, carrots, onions, and garlic and is a delicious traditional recipe for Christmas ~ Farofa de Natal.
Picanha steak skewered on a plate with a tomato salad and basil leaves. It's the best Brazilian steak recipe, a tender and delicious cut of beef seasoned with a Brazilian blend and grilled perfectly!
Coconut Shrimp Stew or Moqueca de Camarão, in a bowl with a spoon. It's a delicious traditional dish in Brazil. It's a creamy stew with coconut milk and vegetables.
Parmesan Pork Tenderloin pieces on a plate with one cut in half. They are juicy, salty, and slightly cheesy. It's easy to make in the oven so you can enjoy it at home anytime!
Corn Casserole Recipe with Cream Cheese and scallion slices on top in casserole dish with a spoon scooping some from the corner.

Latest Recipes!

Brazilian Breakfast Tapiocas ~ with Ham, Egg and Cheese

September 18, 2023 By Carrie Tyler Leave a Comment

Brazilian Breakfast Tapioca crepe filled with ham, egg, and cheese cut in half with melted cheese pulling in the center on the plate.

The most delicious Brazilian breakfast is the traditional Tapioca filled with ham, egg, and cheese. It's so simple and so delicious at breakfast with your morning coffee. Tapiocas are a traditional Brazilian breakfast that you see at cafes, restaurants, buffets, and in so many homes in Brazil. They are similar to crepes in that they...

Read More

  • Brazilian Breakfast Tapiocas ~ with Ham, Egg and Cheese
  • Brazilian Arroz Pilaf ~ Biro Biro with Bacon, Egg, and more
  • Churrasco in the Air Fryer ~ Using Flank Steak
  • Rice Pudding with Condensed Milk
  • Brazilian Pizza and Toppings Recipe

Recent Comments

  1. Chef Mimi on Coconut Shrimp Stew ~ Moqueca de Camarão
  2. Paul on Brazilian Arroz Pilaf ~ Biro Biro with Bacon, Egg, and more
  3. Chef Mimi on Brazilian Arroz Pilaf ~ Biro Biro with Bacon, Egg, and more
  4. Don on Corn Casserole Recipe with Cream Cheese
  5. Carrie Tyler on Corn Casserole Recipe with Cream Cheese

Most Recent Recipes

Brazilian Breakfast Tapioca crepe filled with ham, egg, and cheese cut in half with melted cheese pulling in the center on the plate.

Brazilian Breakfast Tapiocas ~ with Ham, Egg and Cheese

Arroz pilaf in a bowl with carrots, bacon, and cilantro mixed in and a spoon in the bowl.

Brazilian Arroz Pilaf ~ Biro Biro with Bacon, Egg, and more

Flank Steak being sliced on cutting board to show Churrasco in the air fryer.

Churrasco in the Air Fryer ~ Using Flank Steak

Copyright © 2023 Easy Brazilian Food on the Foodie Pro Theme