📝 About This Recipe
In Brazil, the pizza experience isn't complete without a sweet finale, and the Pizza Doce de Brigadeiro is the undisputed king of dessert pies. This recipe combines a crisp, slightly salty pizza crust with the rich, fudgy indulgence of Brazil’s national truffle, the Brigadeiro. Topped with a mountain of chocolate sprinkles and fresh strawberries, it’s a celebratory masterpiece that perfectly captures the joyful soul of Brazilian gastronomy.
🥗 Ingredients
The Pizza Dough
- 2.5 cups All-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 3/4 cup Warm water (approximately 105°F)
- 1 packet Active dry yeast (7 grams)
- 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar (to feed the yeast)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (fine sea salt)
- 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
The Brigadeiro Sauce
- 1 can Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz / 395g)
- 4 tablespoons Unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted, high quality)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1/4 cup Heavy cream (to make the sauce spreadable)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Toppings & Finishing
- 1/2 cup Chocolate sprinkles (traditional Brazilian 'granulado')
- 1 cup Fresh strawberries (sliced)
- 2 ounces Milk chocolate bar (shaved into curls)
- 1 teaspoon Powdered sugar (for dusting)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
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2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
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3
Mix until a dough forms, then turn onto a floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
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4
While the dough rises, prepare the Brigadeiro. In a medium non-stick saucepan, combine the condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter.
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5
Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a silicone spatula. Ensure you scrape the bottom and sides to prevent burning.
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6
Continue cooking for 8-10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. It should reach a stage where it slowly slides off the spatula rather than running off.
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7
Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. This will thin the Brigadeiro into a luscious, spreadable sauce. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
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8
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating.
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9
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a piece of parchment paper into a 12-inch circle. Prick the center of the dough multiple times with a fork to prevent large bubbles from forming.
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10
Bake the naked dough for 8-10 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the crust is fully cooked. Remove from the oven.
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11
While the crust is still warm, spread the Brigadeiro sauce evenly over the pizza, leaving a small border for the 'crust'.
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12
Generously shower the pizza with chocolate sprinkles while the sauce is still tacky so they adhere well.
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13
Arrange the sliced strawberries in a decorative pattern over the chocolate layer.
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14
Finish with milk chocolate shavings and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a professional, gourmet look.
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15
Slice into 8 wedges and serve immediately while the crust is warm and the chocolate is gooey.
💡 Chef's Tips
For the most authentic flavor, use high-quality Brazilian cocoa powder or a Dutch-processed cocoa. Do not overcook the Brigadeiro once you add the cream; it should be thick like ganache, not hard like candy. If you are short on time, a high-quality store-bought pizza dough works perfectly fine. To get clean slices, use a very sharp pizza cutter and wipe it between cuts if the chocolate sticks. Always bake the crust fully before adding the toppings, as Brigadeiro does not need further baking and can become grainy if overheated.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with a strong Brazilian 'Cafezinho' (black espresso) to balance the intense sweetness. Serve with a scoop of vanilla bean or coconut ice cream on the side. A glass of cold milk is the classic kid-friendly accompaniment. For an adult twist, pair with a glass of Port wine or a sweet sparkling Moscato. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and a refreshing aroma.