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: May 29, 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

Easy No Churn Ice Cream - only 3 ingredients!
8

Easy No Churn Ice Cream - only 3 ingredients!

A super simple, three‑ingredient vanilla ice cream that requires no ice‑cream maker. Whip cold heavy cream, fold in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla, freeze, and enjoy a creamy, homemade dessert. Perfect for hot summer days and endlessly customizable with mix‑ins.

4 hrs 25 minServes 8$5
American
Salted caramel sauce
6

Salted caramel sauce

A quick and easy homemade salted caramel sauce perfect for ice cream sundaes, drizzling over desserts, or adding a sweet‑salty touch to any treat. This recipe follows Sally's Baking Addiction method and uses just four ingredients.

22 minServes 8$2
American
Making biscoff ice cream sandwiches
36

Making biscoff ice cream sandwiches

Homemade Biscoff ice cream sandwiched between crunchy Biscoff cookies. No ice cream maker needed – just heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and a hand whisk. Freeze for 24 hours and enjoy a creamy, cookie‑filled treat.

45 minServes 8$9
American
3 ingredients to homemade caramel sauce! Cozy season favourite ☺️
12

3 ingredients to homemade caramel sauce! Cozy season favourite ☺️

A simple three‑ingredient salted caramel sauce that can be made in under 20 minutes. Perfect for drizzling over ice cream, pancakes, apples, or any dessert you like.

22 minServes 8$2
American
Snickers Date Bark (5 Ingredients!)
20

Snickers Date Bark (5 Ingredients!)

A quick, no‑bake chocolate bark that captures the sweet‑and‑salty flavors of a Snickers bar using just five simple ingredients: dates, peanut butter, chopped peanuts, chocolate and flaky sea salt.

55 minServes 8$6
American
【簡単スイーツ】プリングルスチョコレート(じゃがりこ、プチポテトうすしお味Ver.)の作り方
89

【簡単スイーツ】プリングルスチョコレート(じゃがりこ、プチポテトうすしお味Ver.)の作り方

A no‑bake Japanese‑style snack bar that coats crunchy Jagarrico corn puffs in silky salted milk chocolate. The bars are easy to make, require only a few ingredients, and are perfect for a sweet‑and‑salty treat.

3 hrs 7 minServes 4$22
Japanese
Trend: chocolate com pringles! 😱
5

Trend: chocolate com pringles! 😱

A viral Brazilian snack that pairs crunchy potato chips with a thick layer of melted chocolate. The chocolate is frozen into a solid bar, then broken into bite‑size pieces that you dip or serve alongside salty chips for a sweet‑salty treat.

2 hrs 20 minServes 4$14
Brazilian
Making Viral Chocolate Pringles Trend
18

Making Viral Chocolate Pringles Trend

A quick no‑bake chocolate snack that combines melted chocolate bars with crunchy Pringles crumbs. Inspired by a viral kitchen experiment, this treat is perfect for satisfying sweet cravings with a salty twist.

23 minServes 4$34
American