Chocolate Cake with Brigadeiro

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How to Make Moist Chocolate Cake with Brigadeiro Frosting: The Ultimate Brazilian Treat

When it comes to celebrations, few desserts are as beloved in Brazil as the Brigadeiro Cake! This indulgent chocolate cake combines a moist, rich base with the irresistible creaminess of brigadeiro, a classic Brazilian chocolate fudge. Whether you’re baking it for a birthday, holiday gathering, or a special family dessert, this cake will quickly become a favorite.

In this article, I’ll guide you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and share tips for perfecting this decadent treat. By the end, you’ll have a cake that’s not only beautiful but also full of deep chocolate flavor and fudgy goodness.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk (8 fl oz)
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (3.5 oz)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (9 oz)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (4 fl oz)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar (14 oz)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder

For the Brigadeiro Frosting:

  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
  • 1 carton heavy cream (7.6 fl oz)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

For Assembly:

  • Chocolate sprinkles, to taste
  • Milk for moistening the cake

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C). Grease a baking pan with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Eggs and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step creates air in the batter, giving the cake a nice rise and light texture.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the oil and milk, mixing well to incorporate.
  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift in the cocoa powder and flour, stirring gently to combine until the batter is smooth and uniform.
  5. Add Baking Powder: Fold in the baking powder and mix gently, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Brigadeiro Frosting

  1. Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan: In a medium saucepan, add the sweetened condensed milk, butter, and cocoa powder.
  2. Cook to Desired Consistency: Heat over medium, stirring constantly to avoid burning, until the mixture starts to thicken and pull away from the bottom of the pan. This process should take about 10-15 minutes and will yield a thick, fudgy consistency.
  3. Add Heavy Cream: Once thickened, turn off the heat and stir in the heavy cream to create a smooth and creamy frosting consistency. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

  1. Slice the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, carefully remove it from the pan and slice it in half horizontally to create two layers.
  2. Moisten the Cake: Brush both layers lightly with milk to ensure the cake stays extra moist.
  3. Add Brigadeiro Filling: Spread a portion of the brigadeiro mixture on the bottom layer, smoothing it out to an even thickness.
  4. Stack and Frost: Place the top layer back on and use the remaining brigadeiro frosting to cover the entire cake. Be sure to spread it evenly for a beautiful finish.
  5. Decorate: Finally, sprinkle chocolate sprinkles over the top and sides of the cake for a festive, classic look. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set.

Tips for Perfecting Your Brigadeiro Cake

  • Fudgy Frosting Texture: Stir the brigadeiro mixture constantly to prevent burning, and be patient as it thickens. Properly cooked brigadeiro has a distinct fudgy texture.
  • Moistening the Cake: Brushing the cake with milk is essential for achieving that tender, moist crumb. Don’t skip this step!
  • Additions: For an extra touch, try adding chocolate shavings, chopped strawberries, or even a layer of whipped cream between the cake layers. These additions add depth and balance the sweetness of the brigadeiro.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use another type of chocolate instead of cocoa powder in the batter?
While cocoa powder gives a deep, rich chocolate flavor, you can use melted dark chocolate (about 4 oz) as a substitute. Just reduce the sugar slightly to balance the sweetness.

2. How can I make this cake dairy-free?
Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk in the batter, and substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream in the brigadeiro. Swap out butter with a dairy-free alternative.

3. How should I store Brigadeiro Cake?
This cake is best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days, though it’s so delicious it probably won’t last that long!

4. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake layers before adding the brigadeiro. Wrap each layer in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. When ready to assemble, let the layers thaw completely, then add the frosting and decorations.

5. Can I make the brigadeiro in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the brigadeiro a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and bring it to room temperature before using it as a frosting.

With this Brigadeiro Chocolate Cake recipe, you’ll have a moist, chocolatey, and rich dessert that’s bound to impress!