Cajuzinhos – Easy Brazilian No-Bake Peanut Candies
Cajuzinhos are the undisputed stars of Brazilian birthday parties — little peanut candies shaped like cashew fruits, rolled in sparkling sugar and ready in just 25 minutes with zero baking. Their fudgy texture and rich peanut-chocolate flavor make them dangerously addictive. Bring a taste of Brazil to your next celebration!
🛒 Ingredients
40 servings
- 150 g (5.3 oz) roasted unsalted peanuts, finely ground
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ½ can (about 200 g / 7 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (or chocolate drink powder for extra sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon butter for greasing hands
- 1 cup (200 g) crystal or demerara sugar for coating
- 50 g (1.8 oz) whole roasted unsalted peanuts for decoration
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Directions
- 1
If using store-bought ground roasted peanuts, make sure they are unsalted. To roast at home, spread peanuts on a baking sheet and roast at 200 °C (390 °F) for 30 minutes, rub off the skins once cooled, then grind in a food processor until fine.
- 2
In a large bowl, combine the ground peanuts, sugar, condensed milk, and cocoa powder.
- 3
Stir vigorously with a spatula until the mixture is fully combined, pulls away from the bowl sides, and is firm enough to shape.
- 4
Grease your hands well with butter. Scoop about 15 g of dough per candy and shape each into a small cashew form — an oval with a slight curve.
- 5
Roll each candy in crystal or demerara sugar until fully coated, then press one whole peanut on top to mimic the cashew nut attached to its fruit.
- 6
Place each cajuzinho in a small paper cup and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving so they hold their shape.
💡 Chef's Tip
If the dough feels too sticky, mix in an extra tablespoon of ground peanuts. These candies keep well for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge — perfect for making ahead before a party.
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