[2][3] It is made of condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter cooked to Soft-ball stage caramel, with chocolate sprinkles covering the outside layer, making the surface non-sticking.

[4] This variation of flavors and easy manipulation of the original dessert lead into a trend of different recipes, such as cakes, tarts, ice cream or even bread.

[5] The origin of the name "brigadeiro" is linked to the presidential campaign of Brigadier Eduardo Gomes, UDN candidate for the Presidency of the Republic in 1945.

[6] Heloísa Nabuco de Oliveira, a member of a traditional carioca family who supported the brigadier's candidacy, created a new confection and named it after the candidate.

[7][8] Despite the support received, Eduardo Gomes was defeated, and the election was won by then General Eurico Gaspar Dutra.