Portugal is famous for its rich culinary traditions, and its desserts are no exception. With flavors that range from creamy custards to nutty pastries, Portuguese sweets bring a sense of warmth and indulgence to any table. These beloved treats are steeped in history, often made from simple ingredients that yield complex flavors and textures.
Contents
Pastéis de Nata
To make these iconic custard tarts, start by lining a muffin tin with pre-made puff pastry and preheat your oven to 475°F. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, a cinnamon stick, and lemon zest, then bring to a boil until it thickens slightly. Separately, whisk together 6 egg yolks with 1 1/2 cups of milk and 1 tablespoon of flour until smooth, then slowly pour in the hot syrup. Pour this custard into the pastry cups and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are caramelized. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, caramelized goodness that has made pastéis de nata a world favorite.
Arroz Doce
This creamy Portuguese rice pudding requires 1 cup of Arborio rice, 4 cups of milk, a cinnamon stick, and lemon peel for subtle flavoring. Start by boiling the rice in water for about 10 minutes, then drain and set aside. In a separate pot, bring milk to a simmer with the lemon peel and cinnamon stick, then add the rice and stir constantly until creamy. Sweeten with 1 cup of sugar near the end, stirring until dissolved, and sprinkle cinnamon on top before serving. This dessert is a comforting, mildly sweet treat that’s perfect warm or cold.
Bolo de Bolacha
To make this simple coffee-flavored cake, you’ll need 2 packs of Maria biscuits, 2 cups of strong coffee, and 1 1/2 cups of whipped cream. Start by soaking the biscuits in coffee, then layer them with whipped cream in a springform pan, alternating layers until the ingredients are used up. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the flavors meld. Decorate with crushed biscuits or a dusting of cocoa powder before serving. This no-bake dessert offers a rich, creamy taste with a pleasant hint of coffee.
Queijadas de Sintra
These delightful cheese tarts start with a mix of 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 cup flour, 3 eggs, and 1/2 cup soft cheese like ricotta. Preheat your oven to 350°F, and whisk all ingredients together until smooth. Pour the mixture into greased muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden on top. Let the tarts cool slightly before removing them from the tins. These small, sweet cheese tarts have a soft texture and mild flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Portuguese Sponge Cake
This airy Portuguese sponge cake requires 6 eggs, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup flour. Start by whisking the eggs with sugar for about 10 minutes until light and fluffy, then gently fold in the flour. Pour the batter into a greased round cake pan and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before slicing and serving. With its light, fluffy texture, Pão de Ló makes a wonderful treat with tea or coffee.
Aletria
For this Portuguese vermicelli pudding, you’ll need 1 cup of thin vermicelli noodles, 3 cups milk, 1/2 cup sugar, a cinnamon stick, and lemon zest. Cook the noodles in boiling water until soft, then drain. In a separate pot, bring the milk, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon zest to a simmer, then add the noodles and cook until creamy. Serve topped with ground cinnamon for a comforting, spiced dessert that’s reminiscent of rice pudding but with a unique texture.
Travesseiros de Sintra
To make these flaky pastries, use 1 pack of puff pastry, 1 cup almond paste, 1/4 cup sugar, and 2 egg yolks. Roll out the pastry and cut it into rectangles, then mix the almond paste, sugar, and egg yolks for the filling. Place a spoonful of filling on each rectangle, fold, and seal the edges. Bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes, or until golden and puffed. These almond-filled pastries are light, sweet, and deliciously flaky.
Salame de Chocolate
This chocolate “salami” requires 1 cup crushed biscuits, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup melted butter, and 1/4 cup milk. Mix all ingredients together until smooth, then roll into a log shape using parchment paper. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, then slice before serving. This no-bake dessert is simple yet satisfying, with a fudgy texture and chocolatey flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
This article originally appeared on RetailShout.
More From RetailShout
The 24 Hottest Pre-Black Friday Deals at Costco This November
November is here, and with it comes the excitement of shopping for the best deals before Black Friday! Costco is known for its incredible savings, and this month, they’re rolling out some fantastic offers that you won’t want to miss. Read More.
26 Sam‘s Club’s Hottest November Deals You Shouldn’t Pass Up
If you’re ready to save big this November, Sam’s Club has some amazing deals lined up that you don’t want to miss. These deals are some of the best you’ll find at Sam’s Club this November, perfect for keeping your pantry stocked and your kitchen holiday-ready! Read More.
14 Comforting Soup Recipes to Warm You Up This Season
As the cool breeze of autumn settles in, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to bring comfort and coziness to your day. Each spoonful tells a story of warmth and comfort, making them perfect companions for chilly evenings. Read More.
