RecipesCuisine: Brazilian
10 September 2026
Updated at: 11 September 20261 min read
Banana Peel Brigadeiro: A Brazilian Zero-Waste Treat
Discover a less-waste take on Brazilian brigadeiro, made with a thoroughly washed ripe banana peel, cocoa, condensed milk and chocolate sprinkles.
Brigadeiro is a much-loved Brazilian sweet with a soft, fudge-like centre, traditionally made with condensed milk and cocoa before being rolled in chocolate sprinkles. This version adds the peel from a very ripe banana, turning an ingredient that is often discarded into part of the treat.
Because the peel is used, wash the whole banana thoroughly under running water and rub the skin before peeling. Remove the stalk and any produce sticker, and do not use fruit with mould or obvious spoilage.
The mixture is blended until smooth, cooked in a saucepan and left to cool before shaping. Serve the finished brigadeiros on Tramontina dinnerware as a small Brazilian-inspired treat to share.
Recipe details
Preparation
10 min
Cooking
35 min
Serves
Approximately 20 pieces
Difficulty
Easy
Ingredients
Peel from 1 thoroughly washed very ripe banana, stalk removed
3 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tbsp butter
100 ml double cream
200 g sweetened condensed milk
Chocolate sprinkles, to coat
Method
1. Blend the banana peel, cocoa powder, double cream and condensed milk until completely smooth.
2. Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and add the butter. Cook, stirring continuously, until it becomes thick and reaches a fudge-like brigadeiro consistency.
3. Remove from the heat and leave to cool completely.
4. With lightly buttered hands, roll the mixture into approximately 20 small balls.
5. Roll each brigadeiro in chocolate sprinkles before serving.
