Making a trip to Portugal without indulging in its delicious desserts would be a culinary crime. I’ve had my fair share of Portuguese treats over the years, and I can confidently say that they never fail to impress. The sweetness is balanced, the flavors are subtle, and each dessert offers something unique. If you’re planning a movie night or looking for a special occasion treat, why not give traditional brigadeiros a try?
Alternatively, you could opt for some creamy pastéis de nata – either way, you won’t be disappointed. When it comes to Portuguese desserts, one thing is clear: they rely on natural flavors rather than sugary toppings and heavy frostings. This allows the true essence of each dessert to shine through.
In fact, I’ve gathered a collection of mouth-watering recipes that showcase the best of Portugal’s sweet treats – from honey cake and rice pudding to ‘bread of the gods’ and crispy mini-fried donuts. So, let’s get started on this culinary journey and indulge in the rich flavors of Portugal! Saúde!
Pastéis de Nata (Portuguese Custard Tarts)
Notably, one of the most iconic Portuguese desserts, these petite custard tarts are renowned for their sweetness and super creamy texture. Unlike British custard tarts that rely on shortcut pastry, these traditional pastries are made with puff pastry, resulting in a delightful flaky and lightly crisp finish. The preparation of the custard is a crucial step, as it’s made using warm milk and flour as a thickener.
To achieve the right consistency, it’s essential to temper the yolks carefully and mix until you reach the perfect balance.
Serradura Dessert (Sawdust Pudding)
Rest assured, this seemingly humble dessert is well worth giving a shot, despite its unassuming name. Its name originates from the use of crushed cookies, which take on a texture akin to sawdust when layered in the dish, creating an almost rustic appearance. Maria cookies are known for their light, thin, crisp nature and mild vanilla flavor. However, if you’re unable to find them, alternatives like shortbread or even graham crackers can be used as substitutes.
Pao De Lo (Portuguese Sponge Cake)
Undoubtedly one of the most appealing aspects of Pao de Lo is its use of whipped eggs to create an airy and light texture similar to angel cake. Utilizing only six simple ingredients – eggs, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and lemon zest – this easy-to-make cake is perfect for any occasion or gathering. Typically, it’s presented with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar, but you can easily elevate its presentation by adding fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream.
Chocolate Salami
Keeping in mind the unique name, there’s no actual meat involved in making these cookies. The name ‘salami’ comes from their resemblance to sliced salami. One of the great things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to prepare and can be easily modified to suit personal preferences. I’ve experimented with different ingredients, such as digestive biscuits and hazelnuts, or shortbread and pistachios.
Just remember that these no-bake cookies require a good few hours to set in the fridge before they’re ready to slice. This makes them perfect for busy bakers who don’t want to dedicate oven space, which is why I love including them in my Christmas gift boxes.
Azorean Biscoitos (Portuguese Biscuits Recipe)
Crumbling into perfect little rings, these lightly zested cookies are a beloved staple in many Portuguese households. Their delicate texture is similar to shortbread, making them a delight to snack on. One of their most distinctive features is the ring shape that forms as they bake, making it easy to identify them on a platter or tray.
Portuguese Carrot Cake Recipe
Taking into account some individuals’ aversion to complex flavors, I’ve come across those who criticize carrot cake as being overly busy due to its abundance of nuts, carrots, and raisins. This may seem perplexing to me, but I can understand why certain people might prefer a more straightforward taste experience. For those with this preference, this recipe is tailor-made, requiring only six essential ingredients that result in an incredibly light sponge.
What sets this recipe apart from others is its unique mixing technique. To achieve the desired consistency, you’ll need to blend the carrots with the eggs, oil, and sugar for at least 2 minutes using a food processor before incorporating the dry ingredients.
Bolo Nega Maluca (Brazilian Chocolate Cake)
You’ll notice that this cake has a sweeter taste profile than most chocolate cakes due to the type of cocoa used in its recipe. While traditional baking cocoa is usually unsweetened and rich, this particular recipe calls for a sweeter alternative such as drinking cocoa like Nequick. However, feel free to stick with your ordinary baking cocoa if you prefer – it will still yield delicious results either way.
Arroz Doce (Portuguese Rice Pudding)
Love for rice pudding knows no bounds! I’ve been enjoying it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, experimenting with different toppings to satisfy my cravings. Whether it’s warm or cold, paired with coconut milk, cinnamon, fruit, or even chocolate chips, this versatile dessert has become a staple in my diet – I’m utterly obsessed! This unique recipe takes it up a notch by incorporating lemon peel into the mixture, resulting in a subtle yet delightful citrus note that elevates each bite.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try substituting orange peel for a different twist, especially when combined with dark chocolate chips. While you can technically use any type of rice for this recipe, it’s worth noting that short-grain rice is the preferred choice due to its creamy texture and ability to hold onto flavors.
Honey Cake
Generally speaking, my travels have shown me that many European countries incorporate natural, homegrown honey into their baking traditions. This is in stark contrast to the processed honey often found in stores. The distinct flavor profile of pure honey elevates baked goods, making them truly special. In this recipe, we’re also using olive oil; however, if you prefer, you can substitute it with a neutral-tasting oil, which will amplify the sweetness of the honey even further.
For an added touch of authenticity, consider purchasing honey directly from a local farm.
Bolo Rei (Portuguese Kings Cake)
Just as many European countries celebrate King’s Day on January 6th, there are also numerous other festivals taking place in the first week of January. While Christmas Eve is still an important holiday, these events offer a welcome distraction from the festivities surrounding it. One traditional treat that often features at these gatherings is a sweet bread, typically made with yeast and loaded with candied fruits, nuts, wine, and lemon zest.
According to tradition, slices of this bread may even contain surprises such as a fava bean or small toy hidden within, adding an extra layer of excitement to the experience.
Portuguese Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe
Crafted with simplicity in mind, this cheesecake recipe shares many similarities with others in its class. It boasts a delicate biscuit base, a rich no-bake filling, and a sweet strawberry topping that’s sure to satisfy any dessert craving. In fact, the use of a traditional Portuguese ingredient, Maria biscuits, lends a lighter taste to the base compared to the more common graham crackers.
Furthermore, the addition of gelatin in the strawberry topping allows for clean, precise slices that add an extra layer of visual appeal.
Orange Roll
Personally, I’m quite excited to have stumbled upon this recipe as it’s yielded an extremely moist outcome – something that’s often challenging for me to achieve in my baking endeavors. The incorporation of orange flavor adds a refreshing twist, and I believe we often overlook its potential in sweet treats. This cake is incredibly tender, almost to the point where you could skip adding frosting altogether, although a simple vanilla glaze would still complement its delicate flavors nicely.
Eggless Chocolate Mousse
Keeping in mind my recent mishap with eggs in chocolate mousse, I was determined to find an eggless alternative for our next dinner gathering. Little did I know that a simple and delicious solution would be just around the corner. This recipe is incredibly rich, boasting an intensely chocolatey flavor that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. The best part? It’s astonishingly quick to prepare – all you need to do is melt some chocolate and whip up some cream.
Just remember to hold back on the booze if you’re serving a pregnant guest, as this treat still packs a bit of a kick.
Caramelized Apple Cake
People often rave about caramelized upside-down cakes because they not only look stunning when flipped over, but the sweet and tangy caramel sauce also gets absorbed into the cake, making it incredibly moist and aromatic. If you can’t find liquid caramel in stores, a simple alternative is to use a layer of brown sugar on the bottom or even make your own caramel from scratch.
A dollop of whipped cream, although not necessary, adds an extra dimension to the fruit flavors and takes the overall experience to the next level.
Classic Caramel Flan
Certainly, flan’s lack of popularity in the US is an interesting anomaly when considering its widespread presence on menus abroad. I’ve savored it in various international destinations, including the UK, Spain, Italy, Hong Kong, and Thailand – yet rarely come across it in local American eateries. It’s time to change this trend! Flan boasts a rich texture that is both silky smooth and sweetly indulgent, accompanied by an unmistakable caramel flavor.
If you’re already enamored with crème brûlée, then this recipe will likely become your new obsession. One crucial tip: keep a watchful eye on the caramel as it’s cooking – I’ve lost count of how many batches have been ruined due to my own impatience.
Xadrez Cake (Checkerboard Cake)
Oftentimes, people are intrigued by the name ‘xadrez’ and its connection to the classic game of chess. This delightful cake design might appear intricate at first glance, but with practice, it becomes quite manageable. One aspect that adds a touch of elegance is the contrast between the rich chocolate and creamy vanilla cakes. Feel free to experiment with different flavors, such as strawberry or red velvet, to create a visually appealing combination.
Optimizing the cutting process is key to achieving smooth, even layers. To do this effectively, it’s essential to freeze your cakes beforehand. Not only will this make cutting easier, but it will also help prevent crumbling. When you’re ready to cut, look for a large enough cutter to minimize strain and maximize precision.
Bolo de Amêndoa (Portuguese Almond Torte)
Often, when we’re looking for gluten-free options, we come across cakes that sacrifice taste and texture. However, this almond and lemon cake is an exception to the rule. It’s incredibly moist but also surprisingly dense, which I find quite endearing despite its departure from traditional cake textures. While it may not be the lightest option out there, the whipped egg whites do provide a subtle lift, and the almonds add a delightful crunch that complements the flavors perfectly.
Serving it with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh fruit adds an extra layer of enjoyment to this already impressive dessert.
Receita De Gelado Com Morangos (Portuguese Strawberry Ice Cream)
For those who think making ice cream at home requires an elaborate setup or advanced culinary skills, this recipe is here to prove them wrong. Instead of cooking eggs or relying on a fancy ice cream maker, all you’ll need to do is whip up some cream and condensed milk, which can then be left to freeze.
This unique dessert features a layer of crushed biscuits nestled within the creamy base, topped off with a simple yet sweet strawberry and sugar puree that adds a pop of color and flavor to this already tantalizing treat.
Queijadas (Portuguese Cheesecake Tarts)
Most notable about queijada is its unique single-serve cheesecake presentation, boasting a heavenly caramelized top that sets it apart from other desserts. While it may share some similarities with pastéis de nata, there are distinct differences to be aware of. Firstly, the pastry used in queijada is more akin to a traditional tart shell, made with a simple shortcrust that doesn’t require additional sweetening.
In terms of the filling, rather than the typical egg custard found in pastéis de nata, you’ll create a tangy ricotta and goat cheese mixture, perfectly balanced by the addition of sugar and cinnamon.
Walnut and Apple Cake
Delightful Portuguese desserts often rely on simplicity, and this cake is no exception – requiring just six ingredients and under half an hour of your time. Coffee and walnut cake has long been a favorite of mine, so when I came across this fruity variation, I knew I had to give it a try. The walnuts play a crucial role in the flavor profile, offering a deeper, more buttery taste compared to ground almonds.
To ensure the apple slices don’t sink too far into the cake during baking, make sure to cut them thinly and evenly – thinness is key here.
Pão de Deus (Portuguese Bread)
Packed with unique flavors, Pão de Deus is indeed a culinary delight. The presence of lemon zest, vanilla, and a hint of rum in the dough contributes significantly to its heavenly taste. Furthermore, the coconut crust that turns golden brown in the oven adds an extra layer of flavor and texture. While these sweet treats are often enjoyed as a dessert, they can also serve as a surprisingly good accompaniment to dinner, particularly when paired with dishes that balance sweet and salty flavors.
Bolos De Arroz (Gluten Free Portuguese Rice Cake)
Often, a dense gluten-free cake can be a letdown, but luckily, there’s an alternative that will surely satisfy your cravings. This rice cake is a game-changer, made with rice flour that gives it a light and airy texture, making it perfect for those who want a sweet treat without the guilt. The added bonus of extra sugar sprinkled on top adds a delightful crunch that elevates this snack to the next level.
Made in single servings, these bite-sized treats are easy to make at home using your regular muffin tin, making them an ideal option for anyone looking for a quick and delicious gluten-free dessert.
Sonhos (Portuguese Doughnuts)
Wrapped in a layer of sweetness and indulgence, donuts have long been considered the ultimate dessert delight. Whether it’s their vibrant colors, airy texture, or irresistible charm, there’s something undeniably dreamy about these tasty treats. In fact, the Portuguese seem to agree with me on this front, as they’re affectionately known as sonhos… dreams. Upon closer inspection of a traditional recipe, you may notice that it bears a striking resemblance to another popular pastry.
And for good reason – these bite-sized morsels are actually just little balls of choux pastry (cream puff), expertly fried and then coated in a generous helping of sugar. The best part? They’re remarkably quick to prepare, require no yeast, and are at their absolute best when served warm.
Traditional Brigadeiros (Brazilian Fudge Balls)
Many food enthusiasts may not realize that brigadeiros are among the most well-known and beloved Portuguese desserts. These small, rich treats have gained immense popularity worldwide, with countless variations popping up in different regions.
However, for those who are new to this sweet delight, it’s essential to start from scratch with a classic recipe, which typically consists of just a few simple ingredients: sweet condensed milk, chocolate powder, and butter (occasionally accompanied by egg). The mixture must be carefully cooked until it reaches the perfect consistency, after which it can be rolled into bite-sized balls once cooled enough to handle without sticking.
Portuguese Lemonade Recipe
Elevate your summer gatherings with a refreshing twist on classic lemonade. The warm weather months are just around the corner, making this the perfect time to experiment with new recipes and flavors. A homemade version of lemonade is not only cost-effective but also allows you to control what goes into it, ensuring that you can avoid any unwanted additives or preservatives. This particular recipe combines the brightness of lemons and limes for a truly exceptional citrus taste experience.
For a more adult-oriented take, consider adding a splash of vodka or white rum to give your drink an extra kick.
25 Popular Portuguese Dessert Collection
Instructions
Taking your sweet tooth to the next level, start by selecting one of your go-to recipes that you know and love. Next, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients organized and within reach. With a bit of planning and some quick prep work, you can whip up a delicious Portuguese dessert in under 30 minutes!
