Introduction to Pumpkin Brigadeiros
As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, I find myself craving something sweet and cozy. That’s where my love for Pumpkin Brigadeiros comes in! These delightful treats are a festive twist on the classic Brazilian dessert, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying on a quiet evening at home. They’re not just easy to make; they’re also a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of fall. Whether you’re looking to impress your loved ones or simply indulge in a sweet moment, these Pumpkin Brigadeiros are sure to warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth!
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Brigadeiros
These Pumpkin Brigadeiros are a dream come true for any home cook! They come together in just a few simple steps, making them perfect for busy days. The rich, buttery flavor combined with the warm spices of fall creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist. Plus, they’re a hit with both kids and adults alike, making them an ideal treat for gatherings or cozy nights in. You’ll love how quickly they disappear!
Ingredients for Pumpkin Brigadeiros
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Pumpkin Brigadeiros. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter: This adds a rich, creamy base to the brigadeiros, enhancing their texture.
- Sweetened condensed milk: The star of the show! It provides sweetness and a fudgy consistency.
- White chocolate chips: These melt beautifully, adding a smooth, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
- Pumpkin purée: Make sure to use pure pumpkin purée, not pie filling. It gives that lovely autumn flavor.
- Pumpkin pie spice: A blend of warm spices that captures the essence of fall. You can substitute with cinnamon and nutmeg if needed.
- Vanilla extract: This adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile of the brigadeiros.
- Pinch of salt: Just a touch to balance the sweetness and elevate the flavors.
- Granulated sugar: For rolling the brigadeiros, giving them a sweet sparkle.
- Chocolate chips: These are optional but make adorable little stems for your pumpkin brigadeiros!
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy cooking!
How to Make Pumpkin Brigadeiros
Making Pumpkin Brigadeiros is a delightful journey that fills your kitchen with the warm scents of fall. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of these sweet treats ready to impress!
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Combine Ingredients
Start by melting the unsalted butter in a nonstick saucepan over medium-low heat. This gentle heat is crucial; too high, and you risk burning the mixture. Once the butter is melted, add the sweetened condensed milk, pumpkin purée, white chocolate, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly with a silicone spatula. This is where the magic happens! Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan, which should take about 10 to 12 minutes. Trust me, the aroma will be irresistible!
Step 2: Cool the Mixture
Once your mixture has thickened, transfer it to a greased plate or silicone mat. Let it cool completely to room temperature, which usually takes about 30 minutes. This step is essential for shaping the brigadeiros later. If you’re in a hurry, pop it in the fridge for about an hour. The cooler the mixture, the easier it will be to roll into those perfect little balls!
Step 3: Shape the Brigadeiros
Now comes the fun part! Scoop about one tablespoon of the cooled mixture and roll it into a smooth ball between your palms. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; they’ll still taste amazing! Roll each ball in granulated sugar for that sweet sparkle. To give them that classic pumpkin look, use a toothpick or skewer to gently press lines down the sides, creating ridges. Finally, top each brigadeiro with a chocolate chip, point side up, to resemble a pumpkin stem. How cute is that?
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Place each brigadeiro in a mini paper cup for a lovely presentation. These treats are best served at room temperature, where they’ll stay soft and fudgy for days. If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Trust me, they’ll be just as delicious the next day!
Tips for Success
- Stir constantly to prevent burning; patience is key!
- Use a nonstick saucepan for easy cleanup.
- Let the mixture cool completely before shaping for best results.
- Roll the brigadeiros quickly; they can get sticky!
- Experiment with different toppings like crushed nuts or sprinkles for a fun twist.
Equipment Needed
- Nonstick saucepan: Essential for easy cooking and cleanup. A regular saucepan works too, but watch the heat!
- Silicone spatula: Perfect for stirring and scraping. A wooden spoon can be a good alternative.
- Greased plate or silicone mat: For cooling the mixture. A parchment-lined baking sheet will do the trick!
- Mini paper cups: Great for serving. You can use regular cupcake liners if needed.
Variations of Pumpkin Brigadeiros
- Chocolate Pumpkin Brigadeiros: Swap out some of the white chocolate for dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Nutty Twist: Add finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the mixture for added crunch and flavor.
- Spiced Pumpkin Brigadeiros: Experiment with different spices like ginger or allspice to create your unique flavor profile.
- Vegan Option: Use coconut cream instead of sweetened condensed milk and dairy-free chocolate for a plant-based treat.
- Maple Pumpkin Brigadeiros: Replace some of the sugar with maple syrup for a delightful twist on sweetness.
Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Brigadeiros
- Pair with a warm cup of spiced chai or pumpkin spice latte for a cozy treat.
- Serve alongside a cheese platter for a sweet and savory contrast.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra touch of fall flavor.
- Present in decorative mini cups for a festive look at gatherings.
FAQs about Pumpkin Brigadeiros
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin purée?
It’s best to stick with pure pumpkin purée for this recipe. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that can alter the flavor and texture of your Pumpkin Brigadeiros.
How long do Pumpkin Brigadeiros last?
These delightful treats can last up to a week when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay soft and fudgy, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert!
Can I freeze Pumpkin Brigadeiros?
Absolutely! You can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to place them in a single layer in an airtight container. Thaw them in the fridge before serving for the best texture.
What can I use instead of white chocolate?
If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, you can substitute it with dark chocolate or even milk chocolate. Just keep in mind that it will change the overall flavor of your Pumpkin Brigadeiros.
Are Pumpkin Brigadeiros gluten-free?
Yes! These treats are naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. Enjoy them without worry!
Final Thoughts
Creating Pumpkin Brigadeiros is more than just making a dessert; it’s about embracing the warmth of fall and sharing joy with those you love. Each bite is a delightful blend of flavors that transports you to cozy autumn days. Whether you’re enjoying them with family or gifting them to friends, these treats are sure to spark smiles and sweet memories. Plus, the simplicity of the recipe means you can whip them up anytime the craving strikes. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of Pumpkin Brigadeiros fill your home with happiness!
Print
Pumpkin Brigadeiros: Your Irresistible Fall Treat!
- Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 brigadeiros 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive autumn twist on the classic Brazilian treat! These Pumpkin Brigadeiros are soft, chewy, and buttery, with the perfect balance of pumpkin, white chocolate, and sweet condensed milk.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup (90 g) white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
- ¼ cup (60 g) pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon + nutmeg)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Granulated sugar (for rolling)
- Chocolate chips (for the stems)
Instructions
- In a nonstick saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add sweetened condensed milk, pumpkin purée, white chocolate, vanilla, pumpkin spice, and a pinch of salt. Cook while stirring constantly with a silicone spatula until the mixture thickens — about 10–12 minutes, or until it pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased plate or silicone mat. Let it cool completely to room temperature (about 30 minutes), then refrigerate for 1 hour for easier shaping.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into smooth balls. Roll each one in granulated sugar for sparkle. Using a toothpick or skewer, gently press lines down the sides to form pumpkin ridges. Top each with a chocolate chip, point side up, as the pumpkin stem.
- Place each brigadeiro in a mini paper cup. Serve at room temperature — they’ll stay soft and fudgy for days!
Notes
- When you can scrape a line in the pan and the bottom stays visible for 2–3 seconds, it’s ready.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brigadeiro
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
