Homemade Cajuzinho: A Traditional Brazilian Sweet Treat Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of roasted peanuts
  • 1 can of condensed milk
  • 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • 50 whole cloves (for decoration)
  • 50 pieces of chocolate sprinkles (for decoration)

Steps and instructions

  1. Place the roasted peanuts in a blender or food processor and blend until they are finely ground.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the ground peanuts, condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter. Stir until well combined.
  3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring continuously, until it thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan. This process should take about 10-15 minutes.
  4. Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool down to room temperature.
  5. Once the mixture is cool, shape it into small, oval candies (about the size of a date).
  6. Roll each candy in granulated sugar to coat it evenly.
  7. Insert a clove into one end of each candy to resemble the stem of a cashew fruit, and place a piece of chocolate sprinkle at the other end to resemble the cashew nut.
  8. Arrange the candies on a serving platter and let them rest for a couple of hours before serving to let the flavors develop.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use almond or cashew nuts instead of peanuts for a different flavor.
  • Add a pinch of salt to the mixture for a sweet and salty combination.
  • Replace the cocoa powder with melted dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
  • Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract for extra flavor.
  • Mix in shredded coconut or coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
  • Add chopped raisins or dried cranberries for a fruity element.
  • Include a tablespoon of peanut butter for a creamier texture.
  • Sprinkle crushed nuts or cookie crumbs on top of each candy for added crunch.
  • Replace the granulated sugar coating with powdered sugar or desiccated coconut.
  • For a vegan version, use sweetened condensed coconut milk instead of regular condensed milk.

Recipe overview

Get ready to indulge in a traditional Brazilian sweet treat known as Cajuzinho, or 'little cashew'. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into delightful candies that look like miniature cashew fruits. With an inviting mix of finely ground peanuts, condensed milk, cocoa powder, and a touch of butter, these sweets are then coated in granulated sugar for a pleasing crunch. Each piece is garnished with a whole clove and a chocolate sprinkle, mirroring the appearance of a real cashew fruit and nut. The preparation process is straightforward and enjoyable, making it a great activity for the whole family. Be sure to let the candies rest before serving, as this allows the flavors to develop beautifully. Enjoy this taste of Brazil's culinary heritage!

Common questions

  1. Can I use unsalted peanuts instead of roasted peanuts? Yes, you can use unsalted peanuts, but the roasted peanuts provide a richer flavor. If you use unsalted peanuts, you may want to add a pinch of salt to enhance the taste.
  2. Can I substitute the condensed milk with another ingredient? Condensed milk is an essential ingredient in this recipe and provides the desired sweetness and creamy texture. It is not recommended to substitute it with another ingredient.
  3. Can I use margarine instead of butter? While you can use margarine as a substitute for butter, it may affect the flavor and texture of the cajuzinho. Butter is preferred for its rich taste, but if you don't have butter, margarine can be used as a substitute.
  4. Can I skip the decoration step? The decoration step with cloves and chocolate sprinkles is optional. If you choose to skip it, the cajuzinho will still taste delicious. The decorations are primarily for visual appeal and to resemble the shape of a cashew fruit.
  5. How long can I store cajuzinho? Cajuzinho can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you refrigerate them, they can last for up to two weeks. Ensure they are kept in a cool, dry place to maintain their freshness.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Blender or Food Processor - Used to grind the roasted peanuts into a fine texture.
  • Medium Saucepan - Used to cook and combine the ingredients for the cajuzinho mixture.
  • Serving Platter - Used to arrange and present the cajuzinhos for serving.
  • Cloves - Used for inserting into the candies to resemble the stem of a cashew fruit.
  • Chocolate Sprinkles - Used for decorating the candies to resemble the cashew nut.

Origin stories

Cajuzinho, a staple at Brazilian birthday parties, translates to "little cashew" in Portuguese, but surprisingly, it doesn't contain any cashew nuts. This sweet treat is so named because it is traditionally shaped to resemble a miniature cashew fruit. However, the primary ingredient is peanuts, not cashews. This substitution likely arose due to the relative affordability and widespread availability of peanuts in Brazil compared to cashews. While the clove that tops each candy is meant to represent the stem of the cashew fruit, some versions also include a piece of chocolate to symbolize the cashew nut attached to the fruit. The final product, a humble tribute to the cashew fruit, is a delightful expression of Brazilian resourcefulness and creativity in confectionery.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.