Explore the Sweet Side of Brazilian Cuisine

Brazilian cuisine is known for its rich flavors, and this extends to its desserts as well. From creamy flans to tropical fruit mousses, Brazilian desserts offer a sweet and indulgent way to explore the country’s culinary culture. Here are a few of the most popular and delicious Brazilian desserts that you should try.

Brazilian Caramel Flan Known in Brazil as “pudim de leite condensado,” this classic dessert is a creamy and rich custard made with sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and vanilla. The caramel sauce on top adds a delicious layer of sweetness and a slightly bitter note that complements the custard perfectly. This dessert is often served at special occasions such as birthdays and holidays.

Passion Fruit Mousse Passion fruit, or “maracuja” in Portuguese, is a tropical fruit that is widely used in Brazilian cuisine, including desserts. This mousse is made with passion fruit pulp, condensed milk, and whipped cream, resulting in a light and refreshing dessert that is perfect for hot summer days. The tangy and slightly tart flavor of the passion fruit is balanced by the sweetness of the condensed milk, making this a dessert that is sure to please any palate.

Pavé De BomBom Pavé De BomBom is a decadent and indulgent dessert that consists of layers of chocolate and coconut cream, sandwiched between layers of chocolate cookies. The name “BomBom” refers to the candy-like filling that is often found in Brazilian chocolates. This dessert is a perfect example of Brazilian cuisine’s love of rich and sweet flavors, making it a popular choice for special occasions or just a treat to enjoy after a meal.

Tapioca pudding, or “pudim de tapioca,” is a dessert that is made with tapioca pearls, coconut milk, and condensed milk. Tapioca pearls are a staple ingredient in Brazilian cuisine, and this dessert is a great way to enjoy their unique texture and flavor. The coconut milk and condensed milk give the pudding a creamy and sweet flavor, making it a comforting and satisfying dessert.

Brazilian desserts are a delicious and indulgent way to explore the country’s culinary culture. From classic caramel flans to tropical fruit mousses, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So, the next time you have a sweet tooth, maybe try one of these delightful Brazilian desserts and experience the richness of Brazilian cuisine.

Or if you want to try making them at home, try these recipes.

Recipe 1: Brazilian Caramel Flan (Pudim de Leite Condensado)

Ingredients:

• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup whole milk
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture turns into a caramel syrup. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
3. Pour the caramel syrup into a round baking dish, swirling it around to coat the bottom evenly. Set it aside to cool and harden.
4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gently pour the milk mixture over the hardened caramel syrup in the baking dish.
6. Place the baking dish inside a larger oven-proof dish or roasting pan. Fill the larger dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the baking dish. This creates a water bath, ensuring even and gentle cooking.
7. Carefully transfer the water bath with the flan mixture into the preheated oven.
8. Bake for approximately 45-50 minutes or until the flan is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
9. Remove the flan from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to fully set.
10. To serve, run a knife along the edges of the dish to loosen the flan. Place a serving plate on top of the dish, and with a quick flip, invert the flan onto the plate, allowing the caramel to drizzle over the top.
11. Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy the creamy and decadent Brazilian caramel flan!

Recipe 2: Passion Fruit Mousse

Ingredients:

• 1 cup passion fruit pulp (fresh or frozen)
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• Fresh passion fruit seeds (optional) for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the passion fruit pulp and sweetened condensed milk. Mix well until fully incorporated.
2. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the passion fruit mixture, using a spatula or whisk. Make sure to incorporate it evenly while maintaining the light and airy texture.
4. Spoon the passion fruit mousse into serving glasses or bowls.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the mousse to set and flavors to meld.
6. Before serving, garnish with fresh passion fruit seeds, if desired.
7. Enjoy the tropical and refreshing flavors of the Brazilian passion fruit mousse!

Recipe 3: Pavé De BomBom

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chocolate cookies (such as chocolate wafers or chocolate sandwich cookies)
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup coconut cream
• 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
• Shredded coconut, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Crush the chocolate cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and crushing them with a rolling pin.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and coconut cream. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
3. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the condensed milk and coconut mixture, creating a luscious coconut cream filling.
5. In a square or rectangular dish, spread a layer of the crushed chocolate cookies at the bottom, forming the first layer of your Pavé De BomBom.
6. Pour a generous amount of the coconut cream filling over the cookie layer, ensuring it spreads evenly.
7. Repeat the process, alternating layers of crushed chocolate cookies and coconut cream filling until you reach the top of the dish. The number of layers will depend on the size of your dish.
8. Smooth the top layer of the Pavé De BomBom using a spatula.
9. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing the dessert to set and the flavors to meld.
10. Before serving, sprinkle the top with shredded coconut for added texture and presentation.
11. Slice the Pavé De BomBom into squares or rectangles, and savor the decadent combination of chocolate, coconut, and creamy goodness.

Recipe 4: Tapioca Pudding (Pudim de Tapioca)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup tapioca pearls
• 3 cups coconut milk
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Fresh fruits or berries for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, soak the tapioca pearls in water for about 30 minutes. This helps soften them before cooking.
2. Drain the soaked tapioca pearls and set them aside.
3. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine.
4. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Add the soaked tapioca pearls to the simmering mixture and continue to cook over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking.
6. Cook the tapioca pudding for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pearls are translucent and have a slightly chewy texture.
7. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the pudding cool for a few minutes.
8. Transfer the pudding into individual serving bowls or a large serving dish.
9. Cover the bowls or dish with plastic wrap, making sure the wrap touches the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming.
10. Refrigerate the pudding for at least 2 hours or until chilled and set.
11. Before serving, garnish with fresh fruits or berries if desired.
12. Enjoy the creamy and comforting tapioca pudding, a delightful Brazilian dessert that celebrates the unique texture and flavor of tapioca pearls.

Note: You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sweetened condensed milk according to your preference.