Is there anything more inviting than the smell of pumpkin and spice wafting through your kitchen as the leaves start to turn? These Pumpkin Brigadeiros are my new favorite way to welcome the crisp autumn air. They’re like the coziest bite-sized version of pumpkin pie you can imagine, but with a fun, fudgy Brazilian twist. Perfect for those after-school snacks, a quick dessert, or even your Thanksgiving table. Honestly, they’re so simple to make and so, so satisfying. A little sweet project that’s completely worth the minimal effort.
Perfecting the Brazilian Sweet Experience
Traditional brigadeiros are a beloved Brazilian sweet, a simple fudge truffle made with condensed milk, cocoa, and butter. They’re a staple at birthday parties and a true taste of celebration. This version takes that wonderful, creamy base and gives it a full autumn makeover. We’re swapping the classic chocolate for real pumpkin puree and a warming blend of fall spices. The result is a treat that feels both wonderfully familiar and excitingly new. It’s a delicious adventure for your taste buds without requiring a passport.
Enhancing Brigadeiros with Chopped Pecans
While a classic brigadeiro is often rolled in chocolate sprinkles, we’re taking a page from the American South and using chopped pecans for our coating. Seriously. The buttery, toasty crunch of the pecans is the absolute perfect contrast to the soft, smooth, and spiced pumpkin fudge center. It adds a little texture and a whole lot of flavor that just screams fall. If you have a nut allergy, don’t worry—a simple roll in cinnamon sugar or even some festive fall sprinkles works beautifully too.
Variations & Substitutions for Pumpkin Brigadeiros
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Out of pecans? Try walnuts or even pepitas for a different kind of crunch. For a dairy-free version, use your favorite plant-based butter and check that your sweetened condensed coconut milk is a good sub. And if you’re feeling a little extra, a handful of white chocolate chips melted and drizzled over the top makes them look like they came from a fancy bakery. You could even stir a few right into the warm mixture for pockets of creamy sweetness.
Creative Ideas for Thanksgiving Desserts
Looking to mix things up beyond the usual pie lineup this year? These little Pumpkin Brigadeiros are a fantastic addition. They are fantastic make-ahead Thanksgiving treats. Arrange a platter of them alongside your pies, or set out a bowl for guests to graze on throughout the evening. You could even create a festive dessert board with these, some sliced apples, a small bowl of whipped cream, and other easy finger desserts. They’re a wonderful, unexpected bite that offers all the flavors of the season in one pop.
Storage & Reheating Tips for Leftover Brigadeiros
Let’s be real—you probably won’t have leftovers. But if you do, they store like a dream! Keep them in a single layer in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully for up to three months; just place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to freeze solid first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight. No reheating needed—these fall treats are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Brigadeiros
Can I use a whole can of pumpkin pie filling? I don’t recommend it. Pumpkin pie filling already has spices and sweeteners added, which would make your brigadeiros far too sweet and could throw off the cooking consistency. Stick with plain pumpkin puree for the best results.
My mixture is too soft to roll. What happened? This usually means it needed just a minute or two more on the stove to cook down and thicken. Pop it back into the pan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it pulls away from the sides more cleanly. Then let it chill a bit longer.
Can I make these ahead for Thanksgiving desserts? Absolutely! They are the ultimate make-ahead dessert. Make them up to three days in advance and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
The flavors actually get even better. So there you have it. A simple, joyful recipe for Pumpkin Brigadeiros that’s sure to become a new fall tradition.
Print
Warm & Cozy Pumpkin Brigadeiros for Fall
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 18 brigadeiros
Description
These Pumpkin Brigadeiros are a fall twist on Brazil’s beloved sweet treat. Creamy, chewy, and rolled in cinnamon sugar—they’re like pumpkin pie in bite-sized form! Perfect for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving dessert trays, or cozy weekend baking.
Ingredients
â–¢ 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
â–¢ 14 oz (1 can) sweetened condensed milk
▢ 1/2 cup pumpkin purée (not pie filling)
â–¢ 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
â–¢ 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
â–¢ Pinch of salt
â–¢ 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
â–¢ Cinnamon sugar, for rolling (1/4 cup sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon)
Instructions
1. In a nonstick saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat.
2. Add sweetened condensed milk, pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 12–15 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased plate or dish. Let cool to room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
6. Once chilled, scoop and roll into 1-inch balls.
7. Roll each ball in cinnamon sugar until fully coated.
8. Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Notes
• Lightly butter your hands before rolling to prevent sticking.
• You can also coat them in crushed graham crackers or shredded coconut for a twist.
• Great for gifting in mini cupcake liners or fall-themed treat bags.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Brazilian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brigadeiro
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
