How to Make Brazilian Walnut Camafeu at Home

Camafeu de Nozes (Walnut Fudge Candies) are an absolute delight, as we all know. We always hope to find these gems at parties, don’t we? But now, you can master this delicious treat right in your own kitchen. Let’s get to the recipe!

Ingredients for Walnut Camafeu:

The Filling:

• 2 cans (14 oz each) sweetened condensed milk;
• 2 egg yolks;
• approx. 1.75 cups (200g) crushed walnuts.

The Fondant Glaze:

• 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar);
• 2 tsp (10ml) lemon juice;
• 1/3 cup (80ml) warm milk.

Decoration:

• Whole walnut halves.

How to make Brazilian Walnut Camafeu:

The Filling:

1. Start by straining the egg yolks through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl;
2. In a heavy-bottomed pan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, strained egg yolks, and crushed walnuts;
3. Stir gently to combine;
4. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly;
5. Once it pulls away completely from the bottom of the pan (similar to a brigadeiro), transfer to a plate, cover with plastic wrap, and let it cool to room temperature;
6. Once fully cooled, take a small portion with a spoon and roll it into a ball;
7. Shape it into an oval, slightly elongated shape;
8. Lightly grease your hands with butter to prevent sticking while rolling;
9. Set the shaped candies aside.

The Fondant Glaze:

1. Whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and warm milk;
2. Place the bowl over a double boiler (bain-marie) until warm and fluid;
3. Dip each candy into the mixture and place them on a tray lined with parchment paper;
4. Immediately garnish each piece with a walnut half on top;
5. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to set, and they are ready!
6. Enjoy!

Pro Tip:

An important tip is not to overcook the filling to prevent it from becoming too hard or burnt. Control your heat carefully. A good way to check for doneness is the toothpick test: when inserted, it should come out clean and smooth.

A Little Bit of History:

The Camafeu is a traditional Brazilian dessert made of walnuts, sugar, and sweetened condensed milk, finished with a smooth sugar glaze. The name comes from the French word “camée” (cameo), referring to the carved relief jewels. These treats became popular in Brazil during the 20th century, especially as signature sweets at weddings and formal events.

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