Brigadeiros Vs Chocolate Truffles: What's The Difference?

Ganache! The accidental origins of chocolate truffles

Small spheres of chocolate ganache, commonly referred to as truffles, can be found at your neighborhood grocery store or in upscale confectioneries. But what is the story behind these delightful confections, and how did they acquire their rather mushroom-like name? Let’s explore. The precise origins of the chocolate truffle are a matter of debate. It is believed that this treat emerged either at the close of the 19th century or the dawn of the 20th century, roughly between 1890 and 1920.

One of the most widely accepted stories suggests that the chocolate delicacy was born from a fortunate kitchen blunder. According to this account, in the 1920s, a chef working for Georges Escoffier accidentally mixed hot cream with chopped chocolate while attempting to prepare pastry cream. Upon witnessing the error, Escoffier exclaimed "ganache," a French term used to mock the cook's skills. Nevertheless, this mishap yielded a rich, creamy chocolate mixture, which was subsequently shaped into small balls and dusted with cocoa powder.

Another theory claims that the candies were created in 1895 by baker Louis Dufour, who was trying to craft a festive treat for his shop. By 1902, these truffles had made their way to England and quickly gained popularity. Regardless of their true origin, these confections were named truffles due to their resemblance to the irregularly shaped brown mushrooms. However, neither theory has been definitively proven, and we may never know for certain who is behind this iconic French sweet.

When chocolates get political: The electoral origins of brigadeiros

Unlike chocolate truffles, brigadeiros did not originate in the esteemed kitchens of France. Instead, they were created in Brazil and are believed to have emerged from grassroots political efforts. The precise beginnings of brigadeiros remain unclear, but they likely came into existence during the 1940s. At that time, sweetened condensed milk was becoming increasingly popular in Brazil, driven by Nestlé's marketing and the rationing of fresh ingredients due to World War II-related shortages. As a result, candies and treats made with shelf-stable ingredients gained popularity, including brigadeiros and Brazilian lemonade, which also features sweetened condensed milk.

While the exact origins of brigadeiros are uncertain, their rise in popularity and their name are linked to an unsuccessful political campaign. In 1946, Air Force Brigadier Eduardo Gomes ran for president, and many women showed their support by making and distributing the chocolate candies, which were named brigadeiros in honor of the candidate. Although Gomes did not win the election, the chocolate treats named after him have endured and are still commonly served at celebrations and holidays.

Two different takes on chocolate

Although brigadeiros and chocolate truffles have distinct origins, their primary difference lies in their main ingredients. Truffles are crafted from a ganache base, which is made by combining chopped solid chocolate (typically semi-sweet) with heavy cream. In contrast, brigadeiros are prepared using cocoa powder, butter, and sweetened condensed milk. The presence of heavy cream in truffles makes their base less shelf-stable, while the chocolate used contains both sugar and cocoa solids, allowing for a smooth blend with the cream since it is already part of a solid mixture. The flavor and sweetness of ganaches can vary based on the type of chocolate used, but a classic truffle typically features a semisweet ganache.

Brigadeiros, however, do not incorporate solid chocolate or cream. Instead, they rely on shelf-stable sweetened condensed milk and cocoa powder to provide cocoa solids without additional sugar. Cocoa powder tends to be more bitter than semi-sweet chocolate, although using black cocoa powder can yield a more nuanced flavor. The sweetness of the condensed milk compensates for this bitterness, imparting a caramel-like taste to the final product. Both candies achieve a balance between sweetness and chocolate bitterness, with truffles often rolled in cocoa powder to enhance the rich ganache. Ultimately, the question of which is more delicious is one you'll need to explore for yourself by trying both.