Brigadeirao (Brazilian Chocolate Fudge Flan) Recipe
Brigadeirao is a decadent Brazilian chocolate fudge flan that combines the creamy texture of a classic flan with the rich flavor of chocolate. Made with sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and eggs, this dessert is baked in a bain-marie to achieve a silky, smooth consistency. It’s a delightful treat perfect for chocolate lovers looking for a unique and indulgent dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients
Scale
Brigadeirao Flan
- 28 oz sweetened condensed milk (or two 14-oz cans)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup sugar, plus extra to sprinkle the pan
- ½ tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- ¼ cup good quality chocolate sprinkles, for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350º F (180º C). Grease an 8-inch (20 cm) ring pan thoroughly with butter or use a non-stick cooking spray. Sprinkle sugar evenly over the greased surface, then set the pan aside to prepare the batter.
- Blend the ingredients: In a blender, combine sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, cocoa powder, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and eggs. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and homogenous, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Pour and bake in bain-marie: Pour the blended mixture into the prepared pan. Place the pan inside a larger baking dish or deep tray and fill the larger dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the flan pan to create a bain-marie (water bath). Carefully transfer to the oven and bake for about 40 minutes or until the flan’s surface is set but still slightly jiggly in the center, similar to a cheesecake.
- Cool the flan: Remove the flan from the oven. Run a knife gently around the edges to loosen it from the sides of the pan. Allow it to cool on a rack to room temperature.
- Refrigerate: Cover the flan with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, until fully chilled and set.
- Unmold and serve: Before serving, run a knife again around the edges to loosen. Invert the flan onto a serving plate—tapping the bottom of the pan gently if necessary to release it. Sprinkle the top with the chocolate sprinkles. Optionally, drizzle additional chocolate fudge around the edges for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Ensure the eggs are at room temperature before blending to improve the texture and prevent curdling.
- Baking time can vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the flan; start checking at 40 minutes by gently shaking the pan to check for a slight jiggle.
- Using a bain-marie is essential for a smooth and creamy texture, as it prevents the flan from cracking or overcooking.
- The chocolate sprinkles on top add a nice textural contrast but can be substituted with shaved chocolate or cocoa powder dusting.
- For an extra rich flavor, use good quality dark cocoa powder and chocolate sprinkles.
Keywords: Brigadeirao, Brazilian dessert, chocolate flan, chocolate fudge flan, sweetened condensed milk dessert, baked chocolate dessert
