This Easy Brigadeiro Cake brings a little bit of Brazil to your kitchen with a deeply chocolatey, velvety batter and a glossy chocolate finish that feels special without being fussy.
You will want to make it for birthdays, for a cozy weekend treat, or whenever you need a cake that looks impressive but is actually very manageable.
SaveI first made this for a small gathering and watched the leftovers disappear faster than any cake I have baked, so I know it will become your new go to dessert.
Easy Brigadeiro Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Cake
Brigadeiro Frosting
Decoration
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9 inch round cake pan, then line the bottom with parchment paper and lightly flour the sides.
- Whisk dry ingredients together
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until everything is evenly blended with no streaks of cocoa.
- Combine wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the milk, vegetable oil, vanilla, and coffee, whisking gently until just combined.
- Make the batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until mostly smooth, then carefully pour in the hot coffee and mix until the batter is thin and liquid.
- Bake the cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top with a spatula, and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Make brigadeiro frosting
In a heavy bottomed saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, butter, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt, then whisk constantly over medium low heat until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides, about 10 minutes.
- Cool the cake
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Frost the cake
Spread a generous layer of the warm brigadeiro frosting over the cooled cake, using an offset spatula to create a smooth even finish.
- Chill to set
Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes so the frosting firms up and the flavors meld together.
- Decorate and serve
Just before serving, garnish the top with shaved chocolate or sprinkles and add a few brigadeiro candies for color and extra indulgence.
Substitutions and variations
- Use cake flour instead of all purpose flour for a lighter texture if you prefer.
- Replace coffee with hot brewed tea or extra hot water if you do not want the coffee flavor.
- Use dairy free milk and oil for a vegan version that still stays moist.
- Swap butter for coconut oil in the frosting for a subtle tropical note.
- Add a tablespoon of espresso powder to the cocoa for a richer chocolate depth.
Chloe's tips
- Use room temperature eggs for a smoother batter and more even rise.
- For a cleaner edge, run a thin knife around the cake right after it comes out of the oven.
- Let the brigadeiro frosting cool slightly so it is thick enough to spread without sliding off.
- If the frosting is too stiff, warm it gently and whisk in a tablespoon of milk.
- Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
How to store it
- Keep the cake covered in the fridge and bring to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.
- Freeze the unfrosted cake wrapped well for up to one month and add the frosting after thawing.
Serving suggestions
Serve this cake in neat wedges with a cold glass of milk or a simple fruit salad for a balanced dessert.
- Slice with a warm knife for cleaner cuts
- Top each piece with a fresh brigadeiro or two
- Dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this cake gluten free
Yes, swap the all purpose flour for a gluten free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum if needed, and check that your baking powder is gluten free.
Why did my cake sink in the middle
Opening the oven too early, under measuring flour, or not using enough leavening can cause sinking, so avoid opening the door early and measure flour correctly.
How long does the brigadeiro frosting last
Store the frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week and reheat gently while stirring before using.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of cocoa
You can mix melted dark chocolate with the butter for the frosting, but keep in mind it will be richer and less sweet than the cocoa version.
Let's get cooking!
I hope you enjoy baking and sharing this Easy Brigadeiro Cake, it is a decadent dessert that always earns compliments and brings a little joy to any table.
