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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!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 30 pieces
Calories: 69 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Brazilian

Ingredients

  • 2 cups roasted peanuts unsalted and skinless
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Dish Method: If you don’t have cookie cutters, press the mixture into a parchment-lined dish and let it set.
  5. 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 Information

Serving 1piece Calories 69kcal (3%) Carbohydrates 5g (2%) Protein 3g (6%) Fat 5g (8%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 2g Sodium 62mg (3%) Potassium 76mg (2%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 3g (6%) Calcium 10mg (1%) Iron 0.2mg (1%) Zinc 0.2mg

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 30pieces

Amount Per Serving

Calories 69

% Daily Value*

Serving 1piece
Calories 69kcal 3%
Carbohydrates 5g 2%
Protein 3g 6%
Fat 5g 8%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g 10%
Sodium 62mg 3%
Potassium 76mg 2%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 3g 6%
Calcium 10mg 1%
Iron 0.2mg 1%
Zinc 0.2mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.