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
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
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
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
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
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
Incorporate the Biscuits
Add the crushed biscuits to the pan and mix until every crumb is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
Time: PT3M
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
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
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
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






