Paçoca: How to Make this Brazilian Peanut Treat
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!
Ingredients
- 2 cups roasted peanuts unsalted and skinless
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Step-By-Step ImagesScroll back for process images and recipe 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 !