24 Best Brazilian Desserts (+ Easy Recipes)

Craving traditional Brazilian desserts? You’re in the right spot! Brazilians have a sweet tooth, and a visit to this beautiful country isn’t just about the stunning landscapes–it’s also about indulging in the delicious treats they have to offer.

1.Paçoca

Meet pacoca, a no-fuss dessert that’s as simple as it gets–just peanuts, sugar, and salt. This three-ingredient wonder is a staple in Brazilian cuisine and a crowd-pleaser every time.

The name ‘pacoca’ means ‘to crumble,’ which hints at how it’s made: by smashing peanuts, sugar, and salt together in a mortar and pestle until you get a crumbly texture.

Once mixed, it’s shaped into bars, rolls, or even balls–whatever you like!

Pacoca is a star at ‘Festas Juninas,’ the cozy winter festivals in June that celebrate Saints Anthony, John, and Peter, as well as the start of harvest season.

It’s a sweet, nutty treat that’s perfect for snacking or sharing. Give it a try and taste a piece of Brazilian tradition!

2.Brazilian Tapioca Pudding

Meet Pudim de Tapioca, Brazil’s answer to the perfect dessert. This sweet treat is made with tapioca pearls, giving it a smooth and creamy texture that’s similar to traditional custard.

Infused with coconut flavor and topped with a rich caramel sugar sauce, it’s a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more.

3.Romeu & Julieta (Romeo and Juliet)

Meet Romeu and Julieta, a classic Brazilian dessert that’s as simple as it is stunning.

This iconic pairing brings together two beloved ingredients: creamy queijo minas, a mildly salty cheese from Minas Gerais, and goiabada, a rich, buttery guava paste.

The sweetness of the guava perfectly balances the savory tang of the cheese, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.

It’s a match made in heaven that’s sure to capture your heart–one bite and you’ll understand why this sweet and salty duo is a Brazilian favorite.

4.Brazilian Hot Chocolate

Start your day with a warm hug from Brazil. This hot chocolate is so rich, it’ll feel like a cozy blanket on a chilly morning. What makes it uniquely Brazilian? The thickness!

It’s so creamy, it could practically coat the back of a spoon. The secret to this luscious texture? Sweetened condensed milk, a staple in Brazilian desserts.

Imagine deep, velvety chocolate blended with this sweet milk and topped with a fluffy cloud of whipped cream. It’s pure decadence in a mug. Want to give it a grown-up twist?

Add a splash of liquor or cachaça for a boozy kick. Either way, it’s the perfect way to slow down and savor the moment.

5.Brazilian Carrot Cake

Meet the Brazilian carrot cake, a vibrant twist on the classic American favorite. This moist and tender treat trades shredded carrots for pureed ones, giving it a bright yellow color.

Instead of cream cheese frosting, it’s topped with a rich brigadeiro glaze. The best part? It’s not overly sweet, making it perfect for dessert, breakfast, or a quick afternoon snack.

6.Brigadeiros (Chocolate Truffles)

Let’s talk about brigadeiros, Brazil’s most-loved dessert. These bite-sized treats are a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Made with just three simple ingredients–cocoa powder, sweetened condensed milk, and butter–these chocolatey truffles are rich, creamy, and irresistibly gooey. First created in 1940 during a time when desserts were scarce, brigadeiros were a clever solution.

Their easy, affordable recipe made them an instant hit. Today, these melt-in-your-mouth treats are still a favorite, proving that sometimes the simplest ideas are the best.

Give them a try and see why they’ve been a Brazilian staple for generations!

7.Brazilian Sunrise

Looking for the perfect cocktail for your next summer party? Meet the Brazilian Sunrise!

This vibrant drink mixes together orange soda, grenadine, Apple Sourz, and vodka for a sweet, tart, and refreshing taste that’s as colorful as it is delicious.

Perfect for warm weather gatherings, it’s a refreshing twist on summer sipping. 🍹

8.Bastida de Coco

Bastida de coco is a tropical treat that’s as refreshing as it is potent. Picture this: a creamy coconut milkshake with a grown-up twist.

Made with coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, toasted coconut flakes, and a splash of cachaca (a Brazilian spirit), this cocktail is rich, creamy, and indulgently sweet.

But don’t let its smooth, velvety texture fool you–this drink packs a punch. A few sips and you’ll be feeling the vibe. Cheers!

9.Bolo Nega Maluca

Meet Bolo Nega Maluca, a Brazilian chocolate cake that’s as rich as it is moist. This treat stands out by using chocolate powder instead of cocoa, giving it a sweeter taste that kids will love.

The cake is tender, loaded with chocolate flavor, and topped with a creamy brigadeiro frosting that brings everything together. It’s a delightful twist on traditional chocolate cake that’s sure to be a hit!

10.Bom Bocado

Bom bocado, which means ‘a good bite’ in Portuguese, is a delicious Brazilian custard made with shredded coconut, parmesan, flour, milk, butter, sugar, and eggs.

It’s served like a pie, topped with a dollop of whipped cream, and often paired with a cup of rich Brazilian coffee.

This sweet treat is especially popular on Brazil’s Independence Day, making it a perfect way to celebrate with a taste of tradition.

11.Pé-de-moleque

Pé-de-moleque, which translates to ‘brat’s foot’ in Portuguese, is a classic Brazilian candy that’s both fun to say and delicious to eat.

This traditional treat is made by combining peanuts with melted sugar, creating a candy that’s crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside, packed with peanut flavor.

Some recipes take it up a notch by adding butter and milk for extra richness. Pé-de-moleque has been around since the 16th century, when sugarcane first arrived in Brazil.

The story goes that street vendors would sell these tasty snacks, and mischievous little boys would often try to steal them.

The vendors would chase them down, shouting ‘Pede, moleque!’ which means ‘Ask for it, kid!’–and that’s how this beloved Brazilian peanut brittle got its name.

12.Manjar Branco

Meet Manjar Branco, a Brazilian coconut flan that’s as smooth as it gets. This classic dessert is a silky-smooth custard made with condensed milk and coconut, giving it a rich, creamy flavor that’s simply irresistible.

The real showstopper? A drizzle of wine-infused plum sauce that adds a sweet and tangy twist. It’s a holiday favorite, but honestly, it’s so easy to make, you can enjoy it any time you want.

Treat yourself to this tropical dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious!

13.Brazilian French Toast

Rabanada, or Brazilian French toast, is a delicious twist on the classic.

This sweet treat has been around since the 15th century and was even given to new moms to help them recover, earning it the nickname “slices for the new mom.” What makes it unique?

Thick, round stale bread is first dipped in milk, then in beaten eggs, and deep-fried to a golden crisp. After frying, it’s coated in cinnamon sugar.

The result is a crispy outside with a fluffy, custardy interior. It’s so sweet that it’s more of a dessert than breakfast. Give this Brazilian delight a try for a tasty twist on French toast!

14.Brazilian Rice Pudding

Arroz Doce, or rice pudding, is a must-try Brazilian dessert that’s as sweet as it gets!

Made with rice, sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, heavy cream, sugar, and a hint of cinnamon, this pudding is a creamy, dreamy treat.

The rice soaks up all that coconut milk and cinnamon goodness, giving it a super smooth and warming vibe. The best part?

While traditional recipes take over 3 hours, this shortcut version gets you the same flavor and texture in just one and a half hours. Talk about a sweet shortcut!

15.Pudim De Leite Condensado

Pudim de leite condensado is a classic Brazilian dessert that’s essentially a creamy custard flan smothered in a rich caramel sauce.

At its core, this dessert relies on simple ingredients like milk, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and sugar to create its signature smooth texture.

The process starts with coating the cake pans in a layer of caramel made from sugar and water.

Then, the egg and milk mixture is gently poured in and baked in a water bath to ensure it cooks evenly. The result?

A silky custard topped with a drizzle of sweet, sticky caramel that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

16.Brazilian Cornstarch Cookies

Biscoitos de Maizena are a delightful Brazilian treat made with cornstarch. Fun fact: ‘maizena’ is a well-known cornstarch brand in Brazil!

Here’s a neat piece of history–cornstarch was first used for starching clothes back in the 1840s and only became a flour substitute in the 1950s.

These cookies are incredibly soft and literally melt in your mouth, thanks to the cornstarch. They typically include flour, sugar, and salt, with shredded coconut adding an extra burst of flavor.

But don’t worry if coconut isn’t your thing–you can skip it and still enjoy the same soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture!

17.Acai Bowl

Acai na tigela, or acai bowl, is a delicious Brazilian breakfast treat that’s as healthy as it is tasty.

Made with acai berries, a native fruit to Brazil, this dish is packed with nutrients and energy-boosting power.

The berries are blended into a smooth sorbet-like texture, then topped with fresh fruits like bananas, granola, and nuts for added crunch and flavor.

This refreshing bowl has been a staple since the 80s, originally loved by Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners and surfers.

It later made its way to the US, becoming a favorite in places like Hawaii and Southern California.

Whether you’re starting your day or need a post-workout boost, this vibrant bowl is the perfect way to fuel up.

18.Beijinho (Brazilian Little Kiss)

Beijinhos, which mean ‘little kisses’ in Portuguese, are a beloved Brazilian treat that’s as sweet as it sounds.

These coconut-packed bites are made by mixing together coconut, condensed milk, and butter for a creamy, dreamy texture.

Once the mixture is rolled into bite-sized balls and coated in shredded coconut, you’re left with a tropical dessert that’s both simple and irresistible.

Think of them as the coconut version of brigadeiros–another classic Brazilian candy.

Each little kiss is packed with flavor and texture, making them a delightful addition to any gathering or just a sweet treat for yourself.

19.Torta Holandesa

Meet Torta Holandesa, a decadent dessert that’s as rich as it is creamy. This Brazilian treat brings together three stars: Oreos, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate ganache.

Each ingredient shines on its own, but together, they create something truly special. Don’t let the name fool you–this isn’t Dutch; it’s all Brazilian. Created by Silvia Leite in 1991, this dessert quickly became a favorite.

The idea is simple yet brilliant: a crust made of crushed Oreos, filled with creamy vanilla ice cream, and topped with velvety chocolate ganache.

To finish it off, the sides are lined with whole Oreos for an extra touch of fun. It’s a match made in dessert heaven!

20.Quindim

Meet Quindim, a classic Portuguese custard that’s as vibrant as it is delicious. Made with just 5 simple ingredients–egg yolks, ground coconut, sugar, and a touch of syrup–this treat is a breeze to make.

In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a dessert that’s creamy, sweet, and utterly addictive. The Brazilian twist? Shredded coconut that sinks to the bottom during baking, creating a crust that’s reminiscent of cheesecake.

The bright yellow color comes from the egg yolks, a hallmark of many Portuguese sweets. Simply mix the ingredients, pour into ramekins (or one large pan for a quindão), and bake.

It’s a charming, easy dessert that’s sure to impress!

21.Brazilian Cheese Puffs

Pão de Queijo, or Brazilian cheese puffs, are bite-sized buns packed with cheesy goodness. They’re a hit for breakfast or snacks, and it’s easy to see why–soft, cheesy, and irresistibly pillowy.

Making them is a breeze. Just mix together tapioca flour, milk, oil, eggs, and cheese to create a simple dough. Roll it into small balls and bake until golden.

It’s a straightforward process with a delicious payoff. Plus, they’re so addictive you’ll want to make a big batch to have plenty on hand.

22.Papaya Cream

Papaya Cream, also known as Creme de Papaya, is a sweet and refreshing treat that’s as simple as it is delicious.

With just four ingredients–ripe papaya, vanilla ice cream, condensed milk, and a splash of creme de cassis if you’re feeling fancy–you get a creamy, tropical escape in every bite.

This dessert is all about turning overripe papayas into something magical, proving that even the ripest fruit can become something extraordinary.

It’s a brilliant way to reduce waste while treating your taste buds to a little paradise.

23.Canjica

Canjica, a cozy Brazilian pudding, is made with whole maize kernels, milk, and a touch of cinnamon for warmth. Some recipes get an extra boost of sweetness and creaminess from sweetened condensed milk and coconut.

This comforting dessert is a winter favorite, often enjoyed during June festivals in Brazil. While it’s loved nationwide, its name varies by region–called canjica in the central-southern areas and mugunza in the northern states.

It’s a delicious way to warm up during the colder months!

24.Cocada De Forno

Meet Cocada de Forno, the baked coconut bars that are as sweet as they are tender. Packed with shredded coconut, these treats are just like macaroons, but in bar form!

Made with condensed milk, they offer a chewy interior and a lightly toasted exterior. Perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth and a love for coconut.