Pistachio Brigadeiro Recipe
Introduction
Pistachio Brigadeiro is a delightful twist on the classic Brazilian sweet, combining creamy condensed milk with rich pistachio flavors. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or a special homemade dessert.

Ingredients
- 1 can (397g) sweetened condensed milk
- 20 g unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 100 g pistachio cream
- 100 g pistachios, finely chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine the condensed milk, unsalted butter, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter melts completely.
- Step 2: Stir in the pistachio cream, continuing to cook and stir constantly until the mixture thickens and reaches a fudge-like texture.
- Step 3: Transfer the mixture to a bowl and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to set firmly.
- Step 4: Once set, scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball using your hands. If it sticks, lightly grease your hands with a neutral oil.
- Step 5: Roll each ball in the finely chopped pistachios until fully coated. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
- Step 6: Serve immediately or keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- Use a flavorless oil like vegetable or grapeseed oil to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands while rolling.
- Try swapping the pistachio cream for almond or hazelnut spread for a different nutty flavor.
- For a crunchier texture, toast the chopped pistachios lightly before coating the brigadeiros.
Storage
Store the pistachio brigadeiros in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring them to room temperature briefly before serving for the best texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make pistachio brigadeiros without pistachio cream?
You can substitute pistachio cream with other nut spreads like almond butter or hazelnut spread, but the unique pistachio flavor will be different.
How do I know when the mixture is ready?
The mixture is ready when it thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan, resembling a soft fudge texture that holds its shape when scooped.
PrintPistachio Brigadeiro Recipe
Pistachio Brigadeiro is a decadent Brazilian dessert twist featuring rich condensed milk blended with creamy pistachio spread and rolled in finely chopped pistachios. This fudgy treat is easy to make on the stovetop, set in the fridge, and perfect for those who love nutty, sweet confections with a chewy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 10–14 brigadeiros 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients
Base Mixture
- 1 x 397g can sweetened condensed milk
- 20 g unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Pistachio Flavoring and Coating
- 100 g pistachio cream (pistachio spread)
- 100 g pistachios, finely chopped
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a pan over medium heat, add the sweetened condensed milk, unsalted butter, and salt. Stir constantly to ensure the butter melts and the mixture starts to heat evenly.
- Add Pistachio Cream: Mix in the pistachio spread thoroughly with the condensed milk mixture, continuing to stir constantly.
- Cook Mixture to Thickness: Continue heating the mixture on medium while stirring constantly until it thickens to a fudge-like consistency. This usually takes several minutes and is key for the right texture.
- Chill Mixture: Transfer the thickened pistachio mixture into a bowl and place it in the refrigerator to set for 1 to 2 hours. This helps it firm up enough for rolling.
- Roll into Balls: Once set, scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture. Using lightly greased hands, roll it into a smooth ball. Greasing hands with flavorless oil helps prevent sticking, but may not be necessary if properly set.
- Coat with Chopped Pistachios: Roll each ball in the finely chopped pistachios to coat evenly. Repeat until all of the mixture is used.
- Serve and Enjoy: The pistachio brigadeiros are ready to enjoy immediately or can be kept refrigerated until serving.
Notes
- Keep stirring constantly during cooking to prevent the mixture from burning or sticking to the pan.
- If the mixture is too sticky when rolling, chilling it longer will help.
- Use unsalted butter to balance the sweetness and flavors.
- You can substitute the pistachio cream with homemade pistachio paste if desired.
- Store brigadeiros in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Keywords: Pistachio Brigadeiro, Brazilian dessert, pistachio sweets, condensed milk fudge, nutty candies

