Cajuzinho

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 10 minutes

• Total time: 55 minutes (includes chilling)

• Servings: 20 candies

• Country of Origin: Brazil

Description

Cajuzinho is a traditional Brazilian birthday party candy made from peanuts, cocoa, and condensed milk, shaped to resemble tiny cashew fruits (caju).

Presentation

Shape candies into small teardrop cones, press a roasted peanut half into the wide top end, and display in paper candy cups.

Ingredients

• 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk

• 1 cup finely ground roasted unsalted peanuts

• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

• 20 unsalted roasted peanut halves (for garnish)

Directions

• Combine condensed milk, ground peanuts, cocoa powder, and butter in a small saucepan.

• Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and pulls away from pan sides (about 10 minutes).

• Pour onto a greased plate and chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes.

• Lightly butter hands, scoop 1 tablespoon of mixture, and roll into a cylinder then taper one end to form a mini cashew shape.

• Roll shaped candy in granulated sugar to coat.

• Press a peanut half into wide top end of candy and place into mini paper cups.

Optional Variations

• No-Cook Cajuzinho: Blend ground peanuts, cocoa, and condensed milk without heating, then shape directly.

• Dark Chocolate Cajuzinho: Roll in dark chocolate shavings instead of granulated sugar.

Cooking Tips

• Ensure peanuts are finely ground into a meal texture so candy stays smooth and easy to mold.

• Grease hands with butter before shaping to prevent fudge from sticking.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 95 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 12 g

• Protein: 2.5 g

• Fat: 4.5 g

• Saturated Fat: 1.8 g

• Sodium: 25 mg