• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Easy and Delish logo

  • About
    • Meet Denise!
    • COOKBOOK
    • Contact
    • Press
  • All Recipes
  • BRAZILIAN FOOD
  • Conversions
    • How Many Sticks of Butter in a Cup?
    • How Many Teaspoons in a Tablespoon?
    • Temperature Conversion (Chart & Calculator)
    • US Cups to Ounces to Grams for Common Ingredients (Charts)
    • Volume Conversions (Table for Dry & Liquid Ingredients)
    • Baking Substitutions (with Charts & Tables)
  • Shop
  • Videos
  • Português
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Página Inicial
  • About
  • Sobre Mim
  • All Recipes
  • Todas as Receitas
  • Shop
  • Conversions
  • Vídeos
  • Português
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home > Brazilian Recipes

    Published: Dec 19, 2013 · Modified: Sep 7, 2022 by Denise Browning · "This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission." · 50 Comments

    Camaféu de Nozes (Walnut Cameos)

    Gluten Free

    Jump to Recipe ↓

    Cookies, cookies, and more cookies!!! I cannot bear to eat or even look at a single one more.... Everyone is sharing cookie recipes...it seems that everybody is giving them away as holiday presents! It's  enough to make any cookie monster bored and grumpy. 🙂  Although I intended to share a typical Brazilian cookie recipe with you this week, I just couldn't. If you are a cookie lover, please forgive me! Instead, I prepared a typical, festive Brazilian candy that will put a smile on your face: Camaféu de Nozes or Walnut Cameos. They are gorgeous, incredibly easy to make, scrumptious, and unique. Wouldn't you be happy to open a gift box filled with them? They are definitely more delightful than cookies. 🙂 In addition, they are flourless (naturally gluten-free).

    Camaféu de Nozes (Walnut Cameos)...Unique treats Inspired in Carved Cameo Jewelry!!!!

    Camaféu de Nozes (literally translated as Walnut Cameo) is a walnut brigadeiro covered with melted "fondant" glaze and topped with a shelled walnut. This typical Brazilian treat (technically neither a candy nor a truffle) finds its inspiration in cameo jewelry, since its appearance is reminiscent of the carved trinkets whose artistry dates back as far as the 3rd century BC. As you can see, the food styling for these photos was inspired by a favorite carved cameo from my personal jewelry collection.

    Carved Cameo Jewelry

    In Brazil, camaféu de nozes are traditionally served  at weddings (sometimes as guest favors or sometimes to be enjoyed by guests after the wedding cake is served), and at other special occasions, too. I think camaféu de nozes are perfect for Christmas!!! Just look at them... they are alabaster white and decorated with a beautiful golden walnut on top. In fact they are made from walnuts, which along with other nuts are a traditional part of both Brazilian and American  holiday tables.

    Camaféu de Nozes (Walnut Cameos) displayed on a platter

    They make the most unique and gorgeous edible jewelry Christmas presents, too. In fact, this is one of my presents to you!!! You will not find any other online recipe for camaféu de nozes or walnut cameos in either Portuguese or English more reliable or detailed than the one that I have worked out for you here. Pass it along! Delight your friends with a gift box filled with camaféu de nozes and wait for their puzzled yet happy reaction. For such a special occasion, believe me: Camaféu de nozes are the best!

    Camaféu de Nozes (Walnut Cameos)...Unique Treats Inspired in Carved Cameo Jewelry!!!

    Christmas is about traditions. You can start a new tradition... something different and more exciting than cookies! Although I do appreciate old traditions such as panettone, I also enjoy incorporating new ones at my table and making them my own. These camaféu de nozes are definitely my ultimate Christmas tradition. What is/are yours?

    But that is not all!!!! Besides these camaféus de nozes or walnut cameos, I have another Christmas present for you: A $100 holiday debt relief GIVEAWAY. To find out more about this giveaway, please scroll down the page. Good luck!

    From my family to yours, Merry Christmas!!!!

    xx

    To read more about the many variations of brigadeiro, please see here.

    Camafeu de nozes (candies) on a table with present boxes on the side
    Print SAVE Saved Recipe! Pin
    5 from 14 votes

    Camaféu de Nozes (Walnut Cameos)

    Walnut brigadeiro covered with melted "fondant" glaze and topped with a shelled walnut. A typical Brazilian treat inspired in carved cameo jewelry!
    Prep Time 35 minutes
    Cook Time 25 minutes
    Total Time 1 hour
    Servings 20
    Author Denise Browning

    Ingredients

    • For the Camaféu de Nozes Dough:
    • 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14 oz or 396 g
    • 2 large egg yolks
    • 1 cup shelled walnuts ground
    • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter plus extra for greasing, softened
    • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 20 shelled walnuts to decorate top of the candies
    • 1 Wilton gold color mist food spray, which is also available at local supermarkets (optional)
    • For the "Fondant" Glaze:
    • 17.5 ounces powdered sugar about 500 g
    • ¼ cup whole milk plus extra when necessary
    • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

    Instructions

    • Prepare the camaféu de nozes dough: In a medium saucepan, combine the condensed milk, egg yolks, ground walnuts, and butter. Cook over medium heat (large burner), stirring constantly, until mixture has thickened and bottom of the pan starts to show through when stirred (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
      dough being stirred in a metal pot with a wooden spoon
    • Pour cooked mixture into a greased dish and let cool on a rack.
      dough mixture spread out on a greased white plate to cool
    • Lightly grease hands with butter. Using a tablespoon as measure for each candy, roll into balls...
      A round ball of dough held in the palm of a hand
    • then, pressing between two of your fingers, shape into slightly elongated, oval shaped treats...
      ball of dough held in the palm of one hand and slightly pinched between 2 fingers of the other hand
    • and finish by pressing down to flatten the top.
      ball of dough being flattened between fingers and the palm of another hand
    • Set aside on a lightly greased plate or surface.
      several shaped balls of candy dough set on a greased blue plate
    • If you'd like to give the walnuts a golden color effect, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, arrange 20 walnuts in one single layer and spray each one of them with the edible gold food spray (we found this at Walmart in the cake decorating/wedding supply section near the crafts). Let color set at room temperature.
      walnuts that were sprayed with Wilton gold color mist food spray sitting on parchment paper
    • To prepare the "fondant" glaze: Place the powdered sugar, milk, and lemon juice in a heat-resistant bowl. Whisk until obtaining a homogeneous mixture. Place bowl in a larger baking pan filled with boiling water (about 2 inches). Then, continue to whisk mixture until sugar has melted.
      powdered sugar, milk, and lemon juice being whisked in a metal bowl
    • With the aid of a fork, dip each camaféu de nozes into the "fondant" glaze, letting the the excess drip off.
      camaféu de nozes being dipped in the fondant glaze with a fork
    • Place shelled walnut carefully on top while glaze has not yet set. Place treat(s) on a lightly greased surface or baking sheet (you may need to slide the glazed treat off onto the greased surface using the handle of a spoon or fork) and let glaze set. Note: You may need to stir in a few drops of milk whenever the fondant glaze starts to get too thick. But be careful not to add too much, or glaze will be too thin. If this happens, just whisk in a bit of powdered sugar. Please, keep glaze in the warm water bath at all times or it will harden. In addition, always clean the fork with a paper towel before dipping another walnut cameo/camaféu de nozes into the fondant glaze in order to prevent the fondant from becoming dirty with walnut cameo dough.
    • Once glaze has set, carefully trim off excess glaze with a knife and transfer each camaféu de nozes to a bonbon cup.
      excess glaze being trimmed off the walnut cameos with a knife

    Recipe Notes

    Storage: Store camaféu de nozes (walnut cameos) in a clean, airtight container for up to 2 days.If desired, freeze unglazed camaféus de nozes for up to 3 months. For it, arrange layers of unglazed camaféus de nozes in a clean, airtight container separated by plastic wrap. Label and freeze them. Thaw them at room temperature and bath them in the "fondant" glaze.

    ** Nutrition labels on easyanddelish.com are for educational purposes only. This info is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate, since the nutrition content of recipes can vary based on ingredient brand or source, portion sizes, recipe changes/variations, and other factors. We suggest making your own calculations using your preferred calculator, based on which ingredients you use, or consulting with a registered dietitian to determine nutritional values more precisely.

    Please note that health-focused and diet information provided on easyanddelish.com is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to initiating any significant change in your diet or exercise regimen, or for any other issue necessitating medical advice.

    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Comment and rate the recipe. Also follow us on Pinterest at @easyanddelish for more delish recipes.

     

     

    expired one hundred dollar holiday debt relief giveaway advertisement


    Welcome to the Holiday Debt Relief $100 Cash Giveaway! 
    Hosted by: Mommy Knows What's Best
     
    Did you spend a lot on gifts this holiday season? Could you use some extra cash to pay off your credit card or to put back into your savings account? 
     
    Mommy Knows What's Best and FROM BRAZIL TO YOU want to help you with that! 
     
    What would you do if you win our $100 giveaway prize?
     
    How would you like the chance to win $100 cash to help ease your holiday debt? Enter using the Giveaway Tools form below! 
     
    Good luck! 
     
    Giveaway Begins: Dec. 19th 1:00 am EST
    Giveaway Ends: Jan. 9th 11:59 pm EST
    Prize: $100 via Paypal
    US only, 18+
     

    Disclaimer: This is a blogger sponsored post.  Giveaway begins 12/19/13 at 1 am EST and ends 1/9/14 at 11:59 pm EST. Mommy Knows What's Best is responsible for prize delivery. One entrant/email per household. One winner will be chosen randomly from Giveaway Tools. Void where prohibited. The winner has 48 hours to respond to the congratulatory email. If the winner does not respond, a new winner will be randomly chosen by Giveaway Tools. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. If you have any questions, please email Marissa at MommyKnowsWhatsBest(at)gmail.com.

     

    Entry-Form
     
     

    « Upside-Down Panettone French Toast (Rabanada de Panetone) and The Story Behind Panettone
    Pomegranate Caipirinha »

    Filed Under: Brazilian Recipes, Christmas, Easy And Delish, Easy Gluten-Free Recipes, Featured Tagged With: Brigadeiros, fudge, Rio, sweetened condensed milk

    Subscribe

    for your weekly recipe fix.

    Please read our privacy policies before subscribing

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. The Café Sucre Farine says

      December 19, 2013 at 7:18 am

      These are just gorgeous Denise. I've never seen anything like them, wow!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        December 19, 2013 at 8:59 am

        Thanks, Chris! They are my absolutely fave for many reasons...

        Reply
    2. Coffee and Crumpets says

      December 19, 2013 at 8:10 am

      I feel the same way about the whole cookie business! There's nothing but cookies on Pinterest! I like cookies, but that's not all I want to see. I didn't post one cookie recipe 🙂 These are perfect in my book, so beautiful and definitely different.
      A very Happy Christmas to you, your husband and Hannah and Chantal, give them my love 🙂

      Nazneen

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        December 19, 2013 at 9:01 am

        I am glad that someone else agree with me...I cannot see a single cookie in front of me anymore although I love them. It is too much!
        Thanks a lot, Nazneen! I will let them know about your holiday wishes. Please, tell your family that we wish them happy holidays. Hugs to y'all!

        Reply
    3. Shashi @ http://runninsrilankan.com says

      December 19, 2013 at 8:42 am

      These are gorgeous Denise! Love the blue, petal like thingies!
      I must admit - I do love cookies, I didn't give any away though. My daughter and I gave away homemade popcorn coated in homemade caramel, milk, dark and white chocolate.
      My family has requested a cookie platter for dessert for Christmas so I have been looking for a few to add to my healthier, flourless ones....these would be an awesome addition too!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        December 19, 2013 at 9:03 am

        Thanks, Sashi! I wish you can make these treats... They are really delightful! Merry Christmas!

        Reply
    4. tammigirl says

      December 19, 2013 at 8:58 am

      5 stars
      These are beautiful! I'm going to have to see if my husband has ever had them in Venezuela, or if they are mostly contained in Brazil. His brother lived there for a few years... I might have to ask him, too. I'm sure this is the kind of thing I would love!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        December 19, 2013 at 9:04 am

        Thanks, Tammi! Venezuelans love Brazilian food. I hope you can make these treats. They are unique e delicious.

        Reply
    5. Lisa Brown says

      December 19, 2013 at 9:46 am

      i shopped sales for everything I bought as gifts

      Reply
    6. Lail | With A Spin says

      December 19, 2013 at 11:02 am

      Gorgeous cameos. Absolutely adorable. I can't have enough of these, Denise. Love them.

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        December 19, 2013 at 3:38 pm

        Thanks, Lail!

        Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        December 20, 2013 at 1:35 pm

        I see, Lisa!

        Reply
    7. Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says

      December 19, 2013 at 4:53 pm

      5 stars
      You post the best stuff and leave it to you to say, "I've had enough cookies! Eat this!" What a beautiful candy.

      I hope you have a lovely Christmas.

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        December 19, 2013 at 8:25 pm

        Thanks a lot, Maureen! Likewise.

        Reply
    8. Sugar et al says

      December 19, 2013 at 6:22 pm

      5 stars
      Is this for real? I cannot imagine eating something as gorgeous as this! Beautiful recipe and beautiful photos! LOVE them!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        December 19, 2013 at 8:24 pm

        Thanks so much, my friend, for your lovely words!

        Reply
    9. Deb says

      December 19, 2013 at 9:52 pm

      I will forgo another cookie if I can have an irresistible Walnut Cameo instead! An intoxicating candy!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        December 20, 2013 at 6:18 am

        Thanks, Deb! 🙂

        Reply
    10. Christy says

      December 19, 2013 at 10:07 pm

      This would be a huge help with all of the holiday grocery shopping I have to do.

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        December 20, 2013 at 6:19 am

        Thanks for stopping by, Christy! I hope you've participated in our giveaway. Good luck!

        Reply
    11. Ash-foodfashionparty says

      December 19, 2013 at 11:12 pm

      Love these precious little treats and I am super impressed with how you've recreating and got inspired. That cameo is stunning and it looks so similar to the treats. Completely inspired by this dessert. You know Denise, you are so right about cookies, now I would love to get these unique treats as gifts.
      Happy Holidays and hugs to your cuties and enjoy my darlin.

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        December 20, 2013 at 6:20 am

        Thank you, my sweet friend. Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday. xx

        Reply
    12. Liz Cook says

      December 19, 2013 at 11:35 pm

      These are so beautiful! Just when i think you have outdone yourself...you do it again!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        December 20, 2013 at 6:23 am

        Hi, Liz! It's good to have you visiting me here! Thanks a lot... I wish we did not live so far so you could have tried these delish treats. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas.xx

        Reply
    13. Kumar's Kitchen says

      December 20, 2013 at 1:24 am

      5 stars
      loved the steps you have given for making these cookies...they look so beautiful...truly dreamy good...and terrific recipe,thanks so much for sharing 🙂

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        December 20, 2013 at 6:50 am

        Thanks, Kumar! But these are not cookies. They are unique treats from Brazil. Anyway, thanks a lot for stopping by. Wishing you a very happy holiday!

        Reply
        • Kumar's Kitchen says

          December 21, 2013 at 12:18 am

          5 stars
          oh sorry Denise,these sweet treats look so adorable and cute....we just had cookies in mind so typed it down,but what is absolutely true about these treats is they are one of the most beautiful ones we have ever seen...and sure going to try them at home,thanks so much for the inspiration...Merry Christmas!!!

          Reply
          • Denise Browning says

            December 21, 2013 at 6:49 am

            No problem, Kumar! Wishing you Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!!!

            Reply
    14. Daniela says

      December 20, 2013 at 4:10 am

      Almost to beautiful to eat, on the other hand they look so delicious that it's
      imposible to resist the temptation 🙂
      Lovely presentation, Denise, very elegant as a give away too!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        December 20, 2013 at 6:51 am

        Thanks so much, Daniela! I wish you and your family a happy Christmas!

        Reply
    15. Little Cooking Tips says

      December 20, 2013 at 4:24 am

      5 stars
      Absolutely loved it! Great post Denise, once more you delivered a great recipe!:) We especially enjoyed that you SHOW with your hands HOW to make the shape of the candy.
      Thank you!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        December 20, 2013 at 6:52 am

        Thanks, LCT! I did the best that I could. 🙂 Merry Christmas!!!

        Reply
    16. Abbe@This is How I Cook says

      December 20, 2013 at 9:40 am

      These are beautiful and i love walnuts. What a great tradition! Just wish I could taste one. They sound yummy!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        December 20, 2013 at 1:02 pm

        Thanks, my dear!!!! Wishig you a very Merry Christmas and a blessed 2014! xx

        Reply
    17. John@Kitchen Riffs says

      December 20, 2013 at 10:45 am

      I love all the cookies and sweets I see at this time of the year! Can't get enough of them. 😉 These look terrific - anything with walnut needs to be in my stomach! Good stuff - thanks.

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        December 20, 2013 at 1:03 pm

        Thanks, John!

        Reply
    18. Liz says

      December 21, 2013 at 7:53 am

      Your walnut cameos look scrumptious, Denise! Thanks for sharing so many amazing recipes throughout the year. Merry, merry Christmas to you!!! xo

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        December 21, 2013 at 8:14 am

        Thank you for always stopping by, Liz! Merry Christmas to you and your family, and a happy 2014 as well!

        Reply
    19. Susan Broughton says

      December 23, 2013 at 4:36 am

      If I won I would use it to put toward our monthly food budget. My husband has been out of work now for over a year and this would really help us out so much! So my fingers are crossed!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        December 23, 2013 at 8:05 am

        Hi, Susan! Thanks so much for stopping by. I do hope for you to win...Good luck! I also wish your husband can find employment soon. May the peace and hope of the season be with you and your family...

        Reply
    20. Mi Vida en un Dulce says

      December 23, 2013 at 12:58 pm

      I don't I can say just delicious or delicious and beautiful, just perfect for the Holidays.
      Merry Christmas.

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        December 23, 2013 at 1:04 pm

        Thanks so much, Nydia! Likewise. xx

        Reply
    Newer Comments »

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




     

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Denise Browning!

    photo of Denise Browning smiling
    I'm a professional Chef with an expertise in Brazilian food. I am also a busy mom of two girls, living in Texas. Here you will find budget-friendly, healthy Brazilian and Global Recipes made Easy and Delish! I'd love to help you feed your family healthy dinners (many low carb) with a few splurges because life is all about balance! Join our community and happy cooking!

    About Me

    ORDER NOW!

    Cover of The Complete 5-Ingredient Cookbook by Denise Browning

    GET YOUR COPY NOW!

    The easy keto dessert ebook cover
    Subscribe for FREE Email Updates
    Receive EASY & DELISH recipes for free every week! Please check our PRIVACY POLICY!

     

    Marketing by
    Click here & join us on PINTEREST
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • PortuguêsPortuguês
    Portrait of Denise Browning, author of Easy and Delish

    Hi, I'm Denise Browing a professional chef and cookbook author. My mission is to help you cook budget-friendly, healthy global meals for your family with some occasional splurges. They are sure to bring a lot of excitement to your table

    More about me →

    Popular

    • A close up of beef brisket with veggies
      Easy & Juicy Beef Brisket Recipe
    • A bowl of cabbage soup
      The BEST Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe and 7-Day Diet Soup Chart (Printable)
    • A pot of shrimp in coconut sauce
      One Pot Shrimp in Coconut Sauce
    • close up de camarao internacional sendo regado com o molho
      Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet Recipe (5-Ingredient)

    Order Now!

    Cover of The Complete 5-Ingredient Cookbook by Denise Browning

    Get Your Copy Now!

    The easy keto dessert ebook cover
    Click Here & Join Us on Pinterest

    Seasonal

    • close up of a jar with maple dijon vinaigrette and a spoon pouring the dressing into it.
      Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
    • several slices of air fryer garlic bread in a tray with a bowl of melted garlic butter on the side.
      Air Fryer Garlic Bread
    • close up of whole easy sourdough bread pudding with caramel sauce and berries on top.
      Sourdough Bread Pudding
    • CLOSE UP OF SEVERAL GRILLED CHEESE ON A STICK SERVED ON A LARGE TRAY WITH RED PEPPER FLAKES, HONEY AND FRESH HERBS.
      20 Grilling Cheeses and Grilled Cheese on a Stick Recipe

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Recipes | Brazilian Recipes | Contact | Privacy Policy

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Easy and Delish

    1429 shares
    • 60