Name: Easy Coconut Brigadeiros Recipe (3-ingredient)
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 72 min
Ingredients: 1 can sweetened condensed milk; 3/4 cup shredded coconut (50g); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 ½ cups shredded coconut (100g), (for rolling)

These easy coconut brigadeiros are creamy and chewy, packed with coconut flavor, and use only 3 ingredients. These bite-sized treats come together on the stovetop with no baking required. They are naturally gluten-free and are a crowd-pleasing dessert for parties, celebrations, or just because.

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Coconut brigadeiros on an aqua-green plate.

Brazilian Coconut Truffles (beijinho de coco)

This gluten-free coconut recipe is super easy to make, only takes 3 ingredients, and is ready in less than 20 minutes. Made with sweetened condensed milk, butter, and shredded coconut, these bite-sized treats come together on the stovetop with no baking required. Once chilled, the mixture is rolled into small balls and coated in more coconut. If you want the classic treat recipe, here is the link to the brigadeiro recipe.

They are naturally gluten-free and make a perfect, easy sweet treat for celebrations, party treats, birthday parties, and more. Bonus: you can make them ahead of time, and they freeze wonderfully!

What goes in: ingredient notes

Some notes about the main ingredients of this recipe:

Condensed milk: sweetened condensed milk is the main ingredient of brigadeiros. Creates a classic creamy and chewy consistency.
Coconut: unsweetened shredded coconut.
Butter: unsalted butter.

Coconut brigadeiros ingredients on a white surface seen from above.

How to make coconut brigadeiros

Place condensed milk and butter into a deep saucepan over mínimum heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula.

Add the shredded coconut and continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the bottom and sides of the pan. This process takes about 12 minutes. It’s important to keep the heat low and stir constantly so the mixture doesn’t burn.

Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool at room temperature. Then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, until completely cold and firm.

Roll the mixture into small balls and roll them in the remaining shredded coconut. How do I prevent sticking? Let the mixture cool before rolling, and lightly butter your hands.

Store brigadeiros covered in the refrigerator until serving.

Can I freeze Brigadeiros? Yes, they freeze beautifully in an air-tight container or freezer bag. Freeze them in a tray, and then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.

Coconut brigadeiros on a small boel on a pink plate.

Good to know: baking tips

Keep heat over low. The mixture can burn quickly; you can’t leave the mixture. Keep the heat low and stir constantly.
Stir constantly: keep stirring while cooking, and the mixture gets thicker. It can burn easily.
Cool completely before rolling: it will be easier to shape the balls.
How do I prevent sticking? Let the mixture cool before rolling, and lightly butter your hands.

You might wonder: FAQ

Are coconut brigadeiros naturally gluten-free? Yes, they are naturally gluten-free. They take condensed milk, butter, and coconut.

Can I make Brigadeiros ahead of time? Yes, you can make them in advance and keep them in the refrigerator or freeze them.

Why you’ll love these coconut treats

Only takes 3 ingredients.
Naturally gluten-free dessert.
No baking required.
Ready in under 30 minutes, and you can make them ahead.
Perfect for parties, celebrations, holidays, or any occasion.
Freeze beautifully.

For more bite-sized desserts

Easy Coconut Brigadeiros Recipe (3-ingredient)

Josefina Almond Yes

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Cook Time 12

Resting time 1

Total Time 1 12

Course Desserts

Cuisine International

Servings 20 brigadeiros

Ingredients

1 can sweetened condensed milk
¾ cup shredded coconut (50g)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 ½ cups shredded coconut (100g), for rolling

Instructions

Place condensed milk and butter into a deep saucepan over mínimum heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula.
Add the shredded coconut and continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the bottom and sides of the pan. This process takes about 12 minutes. It's important to keep the heat low and stir constantly so the mixture doesn't burn.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool at room temperature. Then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, until completely cold and firm.
Roll the mixture into small balls and roll them in the remaining shredded coconut.
Store brigadeiros covered in the refrigerator until serving.

Notes

Storing: Store brigadeiros covered in the refrigerator. You can freeze them first in a tray and, when firm, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container.

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Coconut Brigadeiros (3-ingredient)