Layers of fresh strawberries, creamy vanilla custard, rich chocolate ganache, and classic Brazilian brigadeiros make these elegant trifles a stunning showstopper. Perfect for celebrations and special occasions, these desserts are indulgent, vibrant, and irresistibly smooth—offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These trifles are a beautiful blend of Brazilian indulgence and classic European dessert structure. The rich and chewy brigadeiros contrast perfectly with the silky custard and glossy ganache, while fresh strawberries add brightness and balance. They’re ideal for dinner parties, festive gatherings, or anytime you want to impress with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Easy to assemble and make ahead, they also look as stunning as they taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Vanilla Custard:
- whole milk
- cornstarch
- sweetened condensed milk
- vanilla extract
- salt
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- heavy cream
- semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Brigadeiros:
- sweetened condensed milk
- unsweetened cocoa powder
- butter
- chocolate sprinkles, for coating
Additional:
- fresh strawberries, sliced
- extra strawberries, halved for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the custard:
In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, cornstarch, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool completely. - Make the chocolate ganache:
In a small saucepan, heat the cream until just simmering.
Pour over the chocolate chips in a bowl, let sit for 1 minute, then stir until completely smooth. Let it cool slightly. - Prepare the brigadeiros:
In a non-stick pan, combine sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan (about 10 minutes).
Allow the mixture to cool, then roll into small balls and coat with chocolate sprinkles. - Assemble the trifles:
In individual trifle cups or a large glass bowl, arrange a layer of sliced strawberries.
Spoon in a layer of vanilla custard.
Add a layer of chocolate ganache.
Top with brigadeiros and halved strawberries for garnish.
Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 6 individual trifles.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Chilling Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: Approximately 3 hours
- Calories: ~480 kcal per serving
Variations
- Mini cups: Serve in shot glasses or small jars for party-friendly, single-bite versions.
- Fruit swap: Use raspberries, mango slices, or mixed berries in place of strawberries.
- Coffee ganache: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso to the cream before making ganache for a mocha twist.
- White chocolate custard: Replace traditional custard with white chocolate custard for extra richness.
- Brigadeiro flavor: Use coconut or peanut brigadeiros for added variety.
Storage/Reheating
Store assembled trifles in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed chilled. The brigadeiros can be made and stored separately in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. These trifles are not suitable for freezing, as the textures may change.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, it’s ideal for making ahead. Prepare all components the day before and assemble a few hours before serving.
Can I use store-bought custard?
Yes, store-bought vanilla custard can be used for convenience, though homemade offers superior flavor.
What are brigadeiros?
Brigadeiros are Brazilian chocolate fudge balls made from condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter, traditionally coated in sprinkles.
Can I skip the brigadeiros?
Yes, but they are a signature part of this dessert. You can replace them with chocolate truffles or omit if preferred.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all components are naturally gluten-free, but always check individual product labels to ensure compliance.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet for ganache?
Yes, but the dessert will be sweeter. You may want to reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk in the custard.
How do I prevent custard from becoming lumpy?
Whisk continuously and cook over medium heat. Sift the cornstarch if needed before mixing.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Whole milk is ideal for the custard’s texture, but 2% can be used. Plant-based milks may yield a thinner result.
How can I make this dessert more festive?
Top with chocolate curls, edible gold flakes, or whipped cream for a more decorative presentation.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are best for presentation and texture, but thawed frozen strawberries can be used if well-drained.
Conclusion
Strawberry Chocolate Brigadeiro Trifles are a decadent, eye-catching dessert that combines the rich, creamy, and fruity elements of several classic sweets into one elegant presentation. Whether for birthdays, holidays, or dinner parties, this layered treat is a memorable way to end any meal. Indulgent yet refined, it’s a dessert everyone will ask for again.
Print
Strawberry Chocolate Brigadeiro Trifles
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 trifles 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Brazilian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Layers of fresh strawberries, vanilla custard, rich chocolate ganache, and Brazilian brigadeiros come together in these indulgent trifles—perfect for parties, holidays, or romantic occasions.
Ingredients
- For the Vanilla Custard:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- For the Brigadeiros:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp butter
- Chocolate sprinkles, for coating
- Additional:
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, sliced
- Extra strawberries, halved for garnish
Instructions
- Make the custard: In a saucepan, combine milk, cornstarch, condensed milk, vanilla, and salt. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Make the ganache: Heat cream in a small saucepan until just simmering. Pour over chocolate chips in a bowl, let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- Make the brigadeiros: In a non-stick pan, combine sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it pulls away from the pan (about 10 minutes). Let cool, roll into balls, and coat with chocolate sprinkles.
- Assemble the trifles: In individual trifle cups or a large bowl, layer sliced strawberries around the base.
- Spoon in vanilla custard.
- Pour a layer of chocolate ganache.
- Top with brigadeiros and halved strawberries for garnish.
- Chill for 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Can be made a day ahead and stored chilled until ready to serve.
- Use dark chocolate for a richer ganache flavor.
- Try adding a layer of crushed cookies or cake for extra texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 trifle
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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