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Home » Authentic Brazilian Recipes (Gluten-Free)

Paçoca: How to Make this Brazilian Peanut Treat

Updated: Oct 31, 2024 | Published: Oct 4, 2024 | by Patricia Granek | Leave a Comment

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Paçoca is a traditional Brazilian peanut treat that crumbles with every bite and has a rich, roasted peanut flavor and a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s impossible to resist.

Various cubes of paçoca displayed on parchment paper with peanuts scattered, highlighting the crumbly texture.

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Jump to:
  • 😍Why You'll Love Paçoca Casseiro
  • 🤔What is Paçoca?
  • 🥜Main Ingredients
  • 👩🏽‍🍳Step-By-Step Instructions
  • 💡Recipe Tips: Get the Right Texture
  • 🍴Pacoca Variation and Leftover Ideas
  • 🥡How To Store Paçoca
  • ❔Recipe FAQ
  • 🥣More Fun Brazilian Desserts
  • 📖 Recipe

✋🏼E aí, pessoal! Hey there, friends!

Today, we are continuing our Brazilian dessert series with the famous Pacoca recipe! And let me tell you, there is something magical about biting into a piece of paçoca—the way it crumbles in your mouth with that sweet, nutty flavor—so simple yet so satisfying.

This traditional Brazilian treat is a nostalgic favorite of mine, taking me right back to my childhood. Growing up, we celebrated festa junina, a fun and colorful festival held every June. I remember dressing up for my kindergarten performance—wearing my big straw hat, painted freckles, and overalls. Afterward, we would rush to the treat table and paçoca was always my first choice. I would savor its sweet roasted flavor while the crumbly texture melted in my mouth. With brigadeiro, a gooey Brazilian truffle, as my next favorite, of course!

Luckily, this Brazilian treat is extremely easy to make. With just three ingredients and 15 minutes, you can recreate pacoca to enjoy with your family—or keep it all to yourself! Plus, I am sharing a little family recipe secret—roasting the peanuts first makes all the difference (so don't tell anyone, wink 😏). Whether you’re new to Brazilian sweets or a long-time pacoca lover, this recipe brings that traditional taste to life.

If you are a peanut lover, be sure to check out our Brazilian Cajuzinho or peanut butter cups smoothie recipe!

😍Why You'll Love Paçoca Casseiro

  • Three Ingredients, Ready in 15 Minutes: Our paçoca recipe comes together quickly with just 3 simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy days.
  • Authentic Brazilian Flavor, Great Crumbly Texture: Bring a taste of Brazil to your home with this traditional treat. It’s a sweet, nutty, and slightly crumbly candy that melts in your mouth.
  • Naturally Gluten-Free: This sweet treat is naturally gluten- and dairy-free, making it easy for those with dietary restrictions to enjoy.
  • Fun and Versatile: Whether for a festa junina or a quick snack, our paçoca recipe is easy to shape, making it fun for kids and perfect for any occasion.

More Brazilian Treats and Desserts:

  • Brazilian Cajuzinho Recipe
  • Brazilian Yuca Chips
  • Fun Pineapple Slushie
  • Dairy-free Brigadeiro Vegano
  • Brazilian Batida De Coco (With Mocktail Version)
A close-up of a single cube of paçoca, with visible grains of sugar and peanuts, emphasizing the crumbly texture.

🤔What is Paçoca?

Paçoca has a deep history in Brazilian culture, shaped by both its Indigenous roots and the impact of colonization and slavery. Originally a savory dish made by the Tupi and Guarani tribes, pacoca was a practical, portable food made by grinding cassava flour (manioc flour) with dried meat and salt. The word pacoca actually comes from the Tupi language, meaning “to crumble” or “to grind" 😉.

During colonization, Brazil became a hub for global trade, and peanuts were introduced through both African and European traders. Enslaved Africans and Portuguese settlers contributed to the evolution of Brazilian cuisine, and over time, peanuts replaced dried meat in pacoca, transforming it into the sweet, crumbly treat that Brazilians enjoy today.

By the time festas juninas, a June celebration honoring Saint John the Baptist, became widespread, this sweet version of paçoca had become a festival favorite. Its simplicity—just peanuts, sugar, and salt—has kept it a loved part of Brazilian tradition, reflecting both its Indigenous origins and the influence of colonization and trade.

🥜Main Ingredients

Pacoca is a super simple treat, with only three naturally gluten- and dairy-free ingredients, and is a perfect recipe for peanut lovers! Here is what you will need to make your own pacoca:

Ingredients for paçoca in small bowls—roasted peanuts, granulated sugar, and salt—arranged for the recipe.
  • Roasted Peanuts (unsalted and skinless): I prefer to use roasted peanuts to help deepen the flavors of this Brazilian treat recipe. I also prefer to roast them again to help bring out the natural oils and flavors before making pacoca. This step will give you a richer, deeper Pacoca, so don't skip this part!
  • Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps bind the recipe together, creating the classic texture of paçoca.
  • Salt: A small amount of salt balances the sweetness in paçoca and brings out the peanut flavor even more. It also adds that perfect sweet-salty combination many paçoca lovers enjoy.

Full details and quantities can be found in the recipe card below.

⚠️Gluten Alert: Be cautious of cross-contamination with peanuts if buying from bulk bins, as they may not be labeled gluten-free.

👩🏽‍🍳Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Peanuts

I strongly recommend roasting your peanuts (even if you are using store-bought roasted peanuts) to enhance the overall flavor of your pacoca de amendoim recipe.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the peanuts in a single layer on a lined baking sheet and bake for about 5-8 minutes, stirring frequently. They’ll be ready when they become fragrant and lightly golden. Let them cool completely before proceeding to the next step.

Unroasted peanuts spread on a lined baking sheet, freshly toasted to enhance flavor for making paçoca.
Roasted peanuts spread on a lined baking sheet, freshly toasted to enhance flavor for making paçoca.

Step 2: Grind

Add the toasted peanuts, granulated sugar, and salt to a food processor. Pulse the mixture until it's crumbly and fine, but don’t over-process. You want a wet sand texture that holds together when pressed but isn’t as smooth as peanut butter (see images). A great test is to pinch a bit between your fingers; it should hold its shape if ready.

Sugar being poured into a food processor filled with roasted peanuts to create a crumbly peanut mixture.
Close-up of finely ground peanuts, sugar, and salt in a food processor, showing the inital texture that is not yet ready.
Top view of the proper texture for making pacoca showing the wet sand like texture of the batter.
Hand pinching a portion of the peanut mixture from the food processor, testing its ability to hold shape.

Step 3: Shape the Pacoca

There are two shaping options here. My favorite is using cookie cutters for fun shapes. Traditionally, Pacoca is served as small rectangles or squares so bonus points if you have that shape :0)

Cookie Cutter Method: Press the ground peanuts into the mold as if you’re building a sandcastle—pack it in tightly! Then, gently push down on the top and lift the mold, allowing the shape to hold.

Crumbly peanut mixture scattered on parchment paper, with a small square cookie cutter ready for shaping paçoca.
Hand placing the peanut mixture into a square cookie cutter, to help shape this peanut treat.
Hand pressing the peanut mixture into a square cookie cutter, packing it tightly to shape the paçoca.
Hand pressing the paçoca mixture into a metal cookie cutter to form a perfect square shape on parchment paper.

Baking Dish Method: If you don’t have cookie cutters, press the mixture into a square baking pan or dish lined with parchment paper and let it set.

Top-down view of scattered cubes on parchment paper with whole and halved peanuts, alongside a cookie cutter and a small bowl of peanuts.

Step 4: Set Then Serve

IF you are using the dish method, let the pacoca sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to firm up. Then ahead and break or cut the pacoca into rectangles or squares. Then serve. My mother served it with a banana; we would then crumble our pacoca and dip our banana into it! So yum

Small cubes of paçoca stacked neatly on parchment paper with a bowl of roasted peanuts in the background.

💡Recipe Tips: Get the Right Texture

  • Roast the Peanuts for Max Flavor: Even if your peanuts are pre-roasted, toasting them again adds extra oils and deepens their flavor. Trust me, it makes a massive difference in how the paçoca tastes.
  • Don’t Over-Process: When grinding the peanuts, be careful not to let them turn into peanut butter! You want a crumbly, slightly wet texture that holds together when pressed but still looks like rough sand. A quick test is to pinch a bit between your fingers—if it sticks, it’s ready.
  • Shaping with Cookie Cutters: I like using a rectangular cookie cutter to shape paçoca, but any shape will do as long as it's bite-sized. Get creative, using different shapes depending on the holiday or occasion. And get the kids involved! My boys love making paçoca with me.
  • Press Gently to Avoid Crumbling: When shaping paçoca, use gentle but firm pressure to pack it in. Too much pressure may crumble when you try to remove it from the cookie cutter or dish.
Close-up of perfectly shaped cubes of paçoca, arranged on a marble surface with scattered peanuts.

🍴Pacoca Variation and Leftover Ideas

Tradition Pacoca is amazing as is, but if you need a slight twist or variation, these are some fun ways to change things up or use up any leftover peanuts or pacoca you may find yourself with

  1. Coconut Paçoca: Add a tablespoon of shredded coconut to the peanut mixture for a tropical twist that adds texture and flavor.
  2. Brigadeiro Paçoca: Use up leftover paçoca to make brigadeiro pacoca. You simply mix your paco with some condensed milk for a fun truffle-like (We love this recipe).
  3. Cajuzinho: If you have leftover peanuts, use them to make cajuzinho, another popular Brazilian sweet. (Recipe coming soon.)
  4. Brigadeiro Topping: If you have leftover peanuts or pacoca batter, save it for a brigadeiro topping. Roll your brigadeiros in the mixture for a nutty version!

🥡How To Store Paçoca

One of the best things about Pacoca is that it stores well and is very shelf-stable!

Store paçoca in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain its texture, keep it in a cool, dry place. There is no need for refrigeration unless your home is particularly humid. If you need your pacoca to last longer, pop it in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Multiple squares of paçoca arranged inside a glass dish ready for storage with a few peanuts scattered around for a rustic presentation.

❔Recipe FAQ

Why is my paçoca crumbling when I try to shape it?

If your paçoca is crumbling, it may not have been processed enough or is too dry. Make sure to process/ blend your peanuts until the batter is slightly moist and holds its shape when pinched. But be careful not to turn it into peanut butter!

Can I use salted peanuts instead of unsalted ones?

Yes, you can use salted peanuts, but you might want to reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid overpowering the flavor. Taste the paçoca mixture as you go to make sure it's balanced.

Why doesn’t this pacoca recipe use cassava flour?

While some versions of paçoca use cassava flour, this recipe stays true to the more traditional approach passed down in my family, focusing solely on roasted peanuts. This method highlights the peanut flavor and gives the treat it's signature crumbly texture.

Why doesn’t this recipe add condensed milk?

While some recipes out there add condensed milk paçoca is meant to have a crumbly, dry texture that comes from the peanuts and sugar. Adding condensed milk to pacoca would change the consistency, making it more like a candy fudge than a traditional paçoca. Plus, it makes our version a little more accessible, as cassava flour can be tricky to find.

🌟 Loved this pacoca recipe? Let us know! I’d be thrilled if you could leave a comment, star rating, or share this recipe. Your feedback helps support and improve AtMyTable and helps others discover new favorites. Or come chat with me on Facebook or Instagram!

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    Gooey Vegan Brigadeiro: Brazilian Truffles (Vegano)
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    Cajuzinho: How to Make Brazil’s Favorite Party Sweet
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    Coconut Kiss Cocktail (Mocktail Version)

👋🏼Até logo, amigos! Keep savoring every bite and don’t forget—life’s better with a little flavor and fun. Até a próxima!

📖 Recipe

Close-up of perfectly shaped cubes of paçoca, arranged on a marble surface with scattered peanuts.

Paçoca: How to Make this Brazilian Peanut Treat

Patricia Granek
Pacoca is a traditional Brazilian peanut candy that’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. This delicious treat is ready in 15 minutes and features a bold peanut flavor and crumbly texture. Our pacoca version stays true to family traditions, perfect for festa junina or a quick treat!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine Brazilian, Gluten-free
Servings 30 pieces
Calories 69 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 2 cups roasted peanuts unsalted and skinless
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
Step-by-step imagesScroll back to find prep and cooking images and tips!

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Peanuts: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the peanuts in a single layer on a lined baking sheet and roast for 5-8 minutes, stirring frequently. The peanuts are ready when they become fragrant and lightly golden. Let them cool completely before proceeding.
  • Grind the Peanuts: Add the toasted peanuts, sugar, and salt to a food processor. Pulse until the mixture becomes crumbly and holds together when pressed, but be careful not to over-process into peanut butter. The texture should still have a bit of grit.
    2 cups roasted peanuts, ¼ teaspoon salt, ½ cup granulated sugar
  • Shape the Paçoca: Press the mixture into cookie cutters, packing it tightly like building a sandcastle. Gently press down and lift the cutter to hold the shape.
  • Dish Method: If you don’t have cookie cutters, press the mixture into a parchment-lined dish and let it set.
  • Let it Set & Serve: Let the paçoca firm up at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If using the dish method, cut into rectangles or squares before serving. For a fun twist, serve it with banana slices, just like my mom did!

Notes

Storage: Store paçoca at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week.
Recipe Tip: Be sure not to over-process the peanuts, as you want a crumbly texture that is slightly wet and not peanut butter. You can test the batter by pinching it between your fingers to see if it holds its shape (see images in post).

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 69kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 3gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 62mgPotassium: 76mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.2mgZinc: 0.2mg
Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comments !

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Photo of Patricia Granek smiling with hair down

Oi, Hi, I'm Patricia!

I'm a Brazilian-born mom of 3 living in Toronto, with a Ph.D. in Health Science. I've been gluten-free for over 10 years, and after years navigating my family's mixed dietary needs, I created AtMyTable—quick, reliable, allergy-friendly recipes inspired by my Brazilian roots, where every meal is delicious enough to bring everyone together at one table.

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Close-up shot of a crumbly Paçoca cube, showcasing its rich peanut flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

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