Italian-American Brigadeiro Cake

Ingredients

In this Italian-American adaptation of the Brazilian Bolo de brigadeiro, we incorporate elements of Italian-American cuisine to create a unique twist. While the original recipe focuses on the traditional brigadeiro flavor, we enhance it by infusing Italian-American influences into the cake's preparation and presentation. The addition of a chocolate ganache topping and the use of Italian-American cake techniques elevate the dessert to a whole new level of indulgence. We alse have the original recipe for Bolo de brigadeiro, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder 3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) boiling water 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
• Brigadeiro filling: Brigadeiro filling:
• 1 can (14oz/397g) sweetened condensed milk 1 can (14oz/397g) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Chocolate ganache: Chocolate ganache:
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 8 ounces (225g) semisweet chocolate, finely chopped 8 ounces (225g) semisweet chocolate, finely chopped

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 480 kcal / 2010 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 68g, 48g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.9g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. 3.
   Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
4. 4.
   Gradually pour in the boiling water while stirring the batter. The batter will be thin, but that's normal.
5. 5.
   Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. 6.
   While the cakes are baking, prepare the brigadeiro filling. In a saucepan, combine the 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. Remove from heat and let it cool.
7. 7.
   Once the cakes have cooled completely, spread the brigadeiro filling evenly on top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top.
8. 8.
   To make the chocolate ganache, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache is smooth.
9. 9.
   Pour the ganache over the assembled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Smooth the top with a spatula.
10. 10.
    Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to allow the ganache to set.
11. 11.
    Serve the Italian-American Brigadeiro Cake chilled or at room temperature.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cocoa powder — Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor.
• Sweetened condensed milk — Ensure the condensed milk is sweetened to achieve the authentic brigadeiro taste.
• Semisweet chocolate — Choose a high-quality semisweet chocolate for the ganache to enhance the overall flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle some chocolate shavings or grated chocolate on top of the cake before serving.
• If you prefer a stronger chocolate flavor, add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the cake batter.
• To make the cake even more decadent, you can add a layer of chocolate mousse between the cake layers.

Serving advice

Slice the Italian-American Brigadeiro Cake into generous portions and serve it on dessert plates. Accompany each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of the Italian-American Brigadeiro Cake, dust the top with a light sprinkling of cocoa powder or powdered sugar. Place a fresh strawberry or a mint leaf on each slice as a garnish for an elegant touch.