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There are few sweets as nostalgic and delightful as Brazilian paçoca, a traditional peanut candy that’s rustic, crunchy, and impossibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, this treat captures the sweet, salty, and toasted flavor of roasted peanuts in every bite. It’s a favorite dessert in Brazil, often enjoyed during holidays, family gatherings, or simply as a special afternoon snack.
What makes paçoca so beloved is its simplicity — no cooking over a hot stove, no complicated techniques, and no refined ingredients needed. Just peanuts, sugar, and salt pressed into a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth candy that tastes like pure peanut bliss.
What Is Brazilian Peanut Candy (Paçoca)?
Brazilian peanut candy, or paçoca, is a traditional sweet made from ground roasted peanuts mixed with sugar and a touch of salt. The texture is dry, crumbly, and lightly sandy, yet it holds together when pressed. Its flavor is intensely peanutty with a hint of sweetness and subtle saltiness that balances every bite.
Unlike many candies that require boiling sugar syrups or complex processes, paçoca is simply mixed and pressed, making it a perfect treat for home cooks of all skill levels.
Ingredients
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2 cups roasted, unsalted peanuts
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½ cup granulated sugar
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Pinch of salt
Optional additions: A small amount of cinnamon or a few tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk for a slightly creamier texture.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Peanuts
If your peanuts are not already roasted, spread them on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8–10 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Allow them to cool completely.
2. Grind the Peanuts
Place the cooled roasted peanuts in a food processor and pulse until they reach a fine, sandy texture. Be careful not to over-process; you want them crumbly, not turning into peanut butter.
3. Add Sugar and Salt
Add the sugar and a pinch of salt to the ground peanuts. Pulse a few more times to combine thoroughly. If you prefer a slightly moister texture, you can add a small amount of sweetened condensed milk at this stage and pulse until just mixed.
4. Shape the Candy
Transfer the mixture to a small bowl or mold. Press firmly with the back of a spoon or in your hands to compact the peanuts and sugar together. This helps the candy hold its shape.
5. Chill and Set
Place the shaped candy in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so it firms up. Once set, cut or break into bite-sized pieces.
6. Serve
Enjoy your homemade paçoca peanut candy as a sweet snack with coffee, tea, or simply on its own.
Tips for Success
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Roast the peanuts well: Roasted peanuts bring out deeper flavor and improve texture.
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Adjust sweetness to taste: If you prefer a sweeter candy, you can increase the sugar slightly.
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Storage: Store the candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
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No food processor? You can use a strong blender or even chop peanuts by hand and mix with sugar, though the texture may be slightly coarser.
Serving Suggestions
Brazilian peanut candy is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it by serving:
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Alongside coffee or espresso
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With a scoop of vanilla ice cream
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Crumbled over yogurt or fruit salad
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As part of a dessert platter
Why You’ll Love This Candy
This Brazilian sweet is nostalgic, approachable, and perfect for peanut lovers. It’s a great recipe to make with kids, bring to potlucks, or prepare ahead for celebrations. Even though it’s simple, paçoca delivers rich, roast-peanut flavor in a way that’s both comforting and addictive.
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