Traditional Portuguese Queijadas

Name: Traditional Portuguese Queijadas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 pieces
Cuisine: Portuguese
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup whole milk (at room temperature); 3 large eggs (at room temperature); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled); 1 cup all-purpose flour (sifted); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

55 min 12 pieces Medium

All Recipes

Delight in these sweet, creamy Portuguese queijadas, a perfect treat for any occasion.

Prep

15 min

Cook

30 min

Total

55 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Queijadas are a beloved Portuguese pastry known for their creamy texture and subtly sweet flavour. These little tarts have a perfectly crisp outer shell and a soft, custard-like filling that melts in your mouth. This recipe captures the essence of traditional queijadas, using simple ingredients to create a delightful dessert. The balance of creaminess and sweetness makes them irresistible, whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or as a standalone treat. Ideal for those who appreciate classic European pastries, this version of queijadas is both authentic and accessible, ensuring that even novice bakers can achieve delicious results.

Instructions

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or non-stick spray.

Pro tip: Ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking for even cooking.

Mix dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the sifted flour and sugar. Whisk together until evenly mixed.

Pro tip: Sifting the flour helps prevent lumps in the batter.

Prepare the wet mixture

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Pro tip: Make sure the butter is cooled to avoid cooking the eggs.

Combine mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.

Pro tip: Overmixing can result in dense queijadas.

Fill the muffin tin

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full.

Pro tip: Use a ladle for easy and even distribution.

Bake the queijadas

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Pro tip: If the tops are browning too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.

Cool and serve

Remove the queijadas from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Carefully remove them and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro tip: Running a butter knife around the edges can help release them easily.

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Tips & Tricks

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing.
Use a muffin tin for perfectly shaped queijadas.
Allow queijadas to cool completely before removing from the tin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are queijadas?

Queijadas are traditional Portuguese pastries with a creamy, custard-like filling inside a crisp shell.

How many calories are in a queijada?

Each queijada contains approximately 150 calories.

Can I make queijadas ahead of time?

Yes, you can make queijadas ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.

How do I store queijadas?

Store queijadas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Can queijadas be frozen?

Yes, queijadas can be frozen. Wrap them individually and store in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Do queijadas need to be refrigerated?

While they can be kept at room temperature for a few days, refrigeration extends their freshness for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

Serve queijadas slightly warm or at room temperature to enjoy their full flavour. They pair wonderfully with a hot espresso or a dessert wine. To make ahead, bake the queijadas and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. Gently reheat in the oven before serving to refresh their texture.