25 Popular Portuguese Desserts
-
Loading... - Emma Jackson
- 06 Jul 2022
- 131 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
If you’re looking for something different for your next movie night, why not try a batch of traditional brigadeiros? Or how about some pastéis de nata?
One thing to keep in mind with these desserts is that they might be sweet, but they’re not overloaded with whipped toppings and frosting.
Instead, they use natural flavors to let the dish shine.
From honey cake and rice pudding to ‘bread of the gods’ and mini-fried donuts, I have some fantastic recipes for you to try.
Let’s dive in! Saúde!
1. Pastéis de Nata (Portuguese Custard Tarts)
Probably one of the most well-known Portuguese desserts, these custard tarts are petite, sweet, and super creamy.
Unlike British custard tarts that use a shortcut pastry, these are made with puff pastry, making the finish flaky and lightly crisp.
The custard is made using warm milk and flour as a thickener. You’ll need to temper the yolks and mix until you get the right consistency.
2. Serradura Dessert (Sawdust Pudding)
Don’t let the name fool you; this simple little dish is definitely worth a try.
It gets its name from the use of crushed cookies, which resemble sawdust when layered in the dish.
Maria cookies are light, thin, crisp, and mildly flavored with vanilla. If you can’t find them, try a shortbread cookie or even graham crackers, if that’s all you have.
3. Pao De Lo (Portuguese Sponge Cake)
Pao de lo is almost like an angel cake in that it is lightened up using whipped eggs.
Needing just six ingredients – eggs, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and lemon zest – this no-fuss cake is great for any occasion.
Typically served with a dusting of powdered sugar, you can easily add fruit or whipped cream to spruce it up a bit.
4. Chocolate Salami
Don’t worry; there’s no meat in this. It gets the name from how it looks – like a slice of salami!
These no-bake cookies are so easy to throw together and are super simple to modify.
I like to use digestive biscuits and hazelnuts, but I’ve also made the recipe with shortbread and pistachios.
Just remember that it needs a good few hours to set in the fridge if you want to get those slices.
I like to include these in my Christmas boxes because I can make them without taking up valuable oven space!
5. Azorean Biscoitos (Portuguese Biscuits Recipe)
These lightly zested cookies are a staple in most Portuguese homes. They’re light and tender and almost like a shortbread.
Their distinctive ring makes them easy to spot, and though they’re not usually served with a glaze, you could easily drizzle something sweet over the top.
6. Portuguese Carrot Cake Recipe
I’ve heard some people complain about carrot cake being too busy with all the nuts and carrots and raisins.
I don’t get it, but I can see how some people may prefer something more straightforward.
This cake is for those few! Again, it needs just six ingredients and will give you such a light sponge.
Where this recipe is different is in the mixing.
You’ll need to put the carrots in a food processor with the eggs, oil, and sugar for at least 2 minutes before mixing in the dry. Read More…
