PALHA ITALIANA

PALHA ITALIANA is a easy Brazilian recipe that serves 10. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by CAMILE MOTA on YouTube.

Prep: 27 min | Cook: 1 hr 25 min | Total: 2 hrs 2 min

Cost: $13.88 total, $1.39 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 can (395 g) Sweetened Condensed Milk (full‑fat, standard brand)
  • 1 can (300 ml) Heavy Cream (full‑fat, for richness)
  • 1 tablespoon Margarine (unsalted, room temperature)
  • 200 grams Plain Biscuits (Maria or similar) (crushed into small pieces; brand "Marte Minas" suggested)
  • 2 tablespoons Milk Powder (for coating and added creaminess)

Instructions

  1. Gather Ingredients & Equipment

    Measure out all ingredients, open the cans of condensed milk and cream, and have the butter, biscuits, and milk powder ready. Set out the saucepan, wooden spoon, measuring tools, cutting board, knife, and a shallow dish.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Crush the Biscuits

    Place the biscuits on a cutting board and crush them into coarse crumbs using the flat side of a knife or a rolling pin. You don’t need a fine powder; small pieces give texture.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Combine Milk, Cream, and Butter

    Add the condensed milk, heavy cream, and the tablespoon of margarine to the saucepan. Stir briefly to combine.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Cook the Mixture

    Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously with the wooden spoon. Cook until the mixture thickens and the bottom of the pan starts to separate (you’ll hear a slight crackle) – about 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  5. Add Milk Powder

    Remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the two tablespoons of milk powder until fully incorporated and smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Incorporate the Biscuits

    Add the crushed biscuits to the pan and mix until every crumb is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.

    Time: PT3M

  7. Spread and Cool to Room Temperature

    Transfer the mixture to the shallow dish, spreading it into an even layer about 1 cm thick. Let it sit at room temperature until it stops steaming and is cool enough to handle.

    Time: PT15M

  8. Refrigerate to Set

    Place the dish in the refrigerator and let it firm up for at least 1 hour. The dessert should be solid enough to cut cleanly.

    Time: PT1H

  9. Cut into Desired Shapes

    Remove the set mixture from the fridge. Using a sharp knife, cut it into squares, rectangles, or bite‑size bars – whatever your heart desires.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Roll in Milk Powder (Optional)

    If you like an extra milky coating, roll each piece lightly in the remaining milk powder. This adds a subtle flavor and prevents sticking.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
150
Protein
2 g
Carbohydrates
20 g
Fat
7 g
Fiber
0.5 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 14, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

PALHA ITALIANA

Recipe by CAMILE MOTA

A quick, no‑bake Brazilian sweet made with sweetened condensed milk, cream, butter, crushed biscuits and a dusting of milk powder. Perfect for a snack or dessert that satisfies a sweet tooth without turning on the oven.

EasyBrazilianServes 10

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 27m
Prep
25m
Cook
13m
Cleanup
2h 5m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$13.88
Total cost
$1.39
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cook the mixture until it pulls away from the bottom of the pan (step 4).
  • Refrigerate the dessert until fully set before cutting (step 8).

Safety Warnings

  • The mixture becomes very hot; use a pot holder and stir constantly to avoid burns.
  • Do not leave the pan unattended while the mixture thickens, as it can scorch quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Palha Italiana in Brazilian cuisine?

A

Palha Italiana, also known as "brigadeiro de biscoito," originated in Brazil in the 1970s as a quick, no‑bake sweet that combined the beloved brigadeiro with crushed biscuits, making it easier to serve at parties and gatherings.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Palha Italiana in Brazil?

A

In the Southeast, Maria biscuits are most common, while in the South some cooks use chocolate wafers or add a hint of coffee. Some regions also dust the finished pieces with cocoa powder instead of milk powder.

cultural
Q

How is Palha Italiana traditionally served in Brazil?

A

It is usually cut into bite‑size squares and served on a decorative platter at birthday parties, family gatherings, or as an after‑meal sweet with coffee or tea.

cultural
Q

During which Brazilian celebrations is Palha Italiana typically enjoyed?

A

Palha Italiana is a staple at birthdays, festas juninas (June festivals), and informal family get‑togethers, especially when a quick dessert is needed without an oven.

cultural
Q

What makes Palha Italiana special compared to other Brazilian sweets?

A

Its no‑bake nature, the combination of creamy condensed‑milk base with crunchy biscuit pieces, and the light milk‑powder coating give it a unique texture that is both soft and slightly crumbly.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Palha Italiana versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients are sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, unsalted butter or margarine, plain Maria biscuits, and milk powder. Substitutes include half‑and‑half for cream, unsalted butter for margarine, and digestive or graham crackers for biscuits.

cultural
Q

What common mistakes should I avoid when making Palha Italiana at home?

A

The most common errors are letting the mixture boil too hard, which causes graininess, and cutting the dessert before it is fully set, which leads to crumbling. Keep the heat medium and refrigerate until firm.

technical
Q

Why does this Palha Italiana recipe use milk powder for coating instead of cocoa powder?

A

Milk powder adds a subtle creamy sweetness that balances the rich condensed‑milk base, while cocoa powder would make the dessert more bitter. The creator chose milk powder to keep the flavor light and kid‑friendly.

technical
Q

Can I make Palha Italiana ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare it up to 5 days in advance. Keep the cut pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator; they stay moist and retain their texture.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the mixture is ready in step 4?

A

The mixture should be thick, glossy, and start to pull away from the bottom of the pan, leaving a clean surface. It will look slightly darker than the raw ingredients and have a smooth consistency.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Camile Mota specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Camile Mota focuses on quick, budget‑friendly Brazilian home cooking, showcasing traditional recipes with a modern, easy‑to‑follow style and frequent references to local grocery deals.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Camile Mota's approach to Brazilian cooking differ from other Brazilian cooking channels?

A

Camile Mota emphasizes using everyday supermarket ingredients, highlights regional snack brands like "Marte Minas," and adds humor and local slang, making the recipes feel like a friendly kitchen chat rather than formal instruction.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

How to make Döner Kebab, Germany's most popular street food.
25

How to make Döner Kebab, Germany's most popular street food.

A home‑cooked version of Berlin's beloved Duna Kebab, featuring pillowy Turkish‑style flatbread, herb and spicy sauces, crisp shaved chicken, and a fresh salad. All components are broken down step‑by‑step so you can recreate the street‑food experience without a vertical spit.

8 hrs 5 minServes 4$29
German
Pork Lomi - Panlasang Pinoy
44

Pork Lomi - Panlasang Pinoy

A hearty Filipino noodle soup featuring tender pork belly, chorizo, fresh egg noodles, cabbage, carrots, and a silky thickened broth made with cornstarch and egg. This comforting dish is quick to assemble once the pork is boiled and is perfect for family meals.

1 hr 31 minServes 4$31
Filipino
Follow these steps to get the best Mocktail every time!
3

Follow these steps to get the best Mocktail every time!

A refreshing, non‑alcoholic mocktail that combines fresh fruit, homemade vanilla syrup, mint, and sparkling soda water. Simple, customizable, and perfect for any occasion.

15 minServes 1$3
International
Frozen Sour Belts 🥶
3

Frozen Sour Belts 🥶

A simple snack hack that turns soft sour gummy belts into crunchy, melt‑in‑your‑mouth treats by freezing them for 24 hours. Perfect for a sweet‑and‑tangy bite with a surprising texture.

24 hrs 10 minServes 2$20
American
Mini mil-hole crepes
11

Mini mil-hole crepes

Light mini semolina crepes, perfect for Ramadan or a brunch. Easy to prepare, they puff up with tiny air bubbles and cook in just a few minutes.

58 minServes 4$2
Algerian
Korean BBQ Beef Tacos
3

Korean BBQ Beef Tacos

Sweet, spicy, and savory Korean‑style barbecue beef tucked into soft corn tortillas. Marinated flank steak is grilled to perfection, then topped with tangy kimchi, crisp cucumber, fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of spicy mayo. A fun fusion of Korean flavors and Mexican street‑food format, perfect for a quick dinner or party.

58 minServes 8$13
Korean-Mexican Fusion