Decadent Brazilian Chocolate Cake with Brigadeiro Frosting
If you love rich, moist chocolate cake and gooey, fudgy frosting, you’re in for a treat! This Brazilian Chocolate Cake with Brigadeiro Frosting is the ultimate indulgence. Inspired by Brazil’s famous Brigadeiro truffles, this cake is deeply chocolatey, ultra-soft, and topped with a luscious, creamy chocolate frosting.
Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever you need a chocolate fix, this cake is easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into this decadent dessert step by step!
Why You’ll Love This Cake
✔ Super moist and rich
✔ Easy, one-bowl cake batter
✔ Silky, fudgy Brigadeiro frosting
✔ Made with simple pantry ingredients
✔ Authentic Brazilian flavor!
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
✔ 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
✔ ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
✔ 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
✔ ½ teaspoon baking soda
✔ ½ teaspoon salt
✔ 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
✔ ½ cup (100g) brown sugar (for extra moisture)
✔ 2 large eggs
✔ ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter)
✔ ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk
✔ ½ cup (120ml) hot coffee or hot water (enhances the chocolate flavor)
✔ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Brigadeiro Frosting:
✔ 1 can (14 oz / 395g) sweetened condensed milk
✔ 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
✔ 1 tablespoon butter
✔ ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream or whole milk
✔ Pinch of salt
✔ Chocolate sprinkles (for decoration)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures a smooth batter.
3️⃣ Add granulated sugar and brown sugar, and whisk everything together.
4️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5️⃣ Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
6️⃣ Slowly add the hot coffee or hot water while whisking. The batter will be thin—this is normal!
Tip: Hot coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee!
Step 2: Bake the Cake
1️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
2️⃣ Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3️⃣ Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tip: For extra moisture, wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours before frosting!
Step 3: Make the Brigadeiro Frosting
Brigadeiro is Brazil’s most famous chocolate fudge treat, and this frosting is a creamy, spreadable version!
1️⃣ In a saucepan over medium heat, add sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, and a pinch of salt.
2️⃣ Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula to prevent burning.
3️⃣ After about 5–7 minutes, the mixture will start to thicken. Add the heavy cream and continue stirring for another 2–3 minutes until smooth and spreadable.
4️⃣ Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before spreading on the cake.
Tip: If the frosting gets too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Step 4: Assemble & Decorate the Cake
1️⃣ Place the cooled cake on a serving plate.
2️⃣ Spread the Brigadeiro frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
3️⃣ Sprinkle generously with chocolate sprinkles for an authentic Brazilian touch!
Tip: Let the frosting set for 10–15 minutes before slicing for the best texture.
How to Serve & Store
Serve at room temperature with a glass of milk or Brazilian coffee.
To store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
❄️ To freeze: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Brazilian Chocolate Cake!
This Brazilian Chocolate Cake with Brigadeiro Frosting is a must-try for chocolate lovers. With its soft, moist texture and rich, fudgy frosting, it’s a true celebration of Brazilian dessert culture.
✨ Try this recipe and let me know how it turns out! What’s your favorite way to enjoy Brigadeiro? Drop a comment below!