22 Best Portuguese Desserts

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From custard tarts to sponge cakes or rice pudding, there is a long list of delectable Portuguese Desserts you simply must try. Here are some of the best ones we have found that you’ll definitely want to try out for yourself. 

Pastéis de Nata (Portuguese Custard Tarts)

Pastéis de Nata (Portuguese Custard Tarts)
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You’ve undoubtedly seen or tasted traditional Pastéis de Nata before. If so, then you know this custard tart is crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and 100% delicious. Find out how you can make your own at home.

Serradura Dessert (Sawdust Pudding)

Serradura Dessert (Sawdust Pudding)

Also known as Sawdust Pudding, Serradura is a simple Portuguese treat that is easy for even a novice baker to prepare. Made with “Maria” biscuits, condensed milk, whipped cream, and a hint of vanilla, this dessert is sure to please.

Pao De Lo (Portuguese Sponge Cake)

Pao De Lo (Portuguese Sponge Cake)

A sponge cake with a moist and chewy texture, Pao de Lao is simple and easy. All you need is flour, sugar, and eggs and just like that, this fluffy cake is ready.

Azorean Biscoitos (Portuguese Biscuits Recipe)

Azorean Biscoitos (Portuguese Biscuits Recipe)

A staple in any Portuguese household, Azorean Biscoitos are simple to make and taste delicious. Whether you are familiar with Portuguese traditions or not, these cookies are a delectable treat.

Arroz Doce (Portuguese Rice Pudding)

Arroz Doce (Portuguese Rice Pudding)

Rice pudding is simple. All you need is cooked rice, sugar, milk, eggs, cinnamon, and lemon zest. You’ll love how easy this Portuguese recipe is to make.

Pão de Deus (Portuguese Bread)

Pão de Deus (Portuguese Bread)

Translated into “God’s Bread,” Pão de Deus is a dough with a hint of lemon zest, topped with coconut pieces and rum. Similar to brioche, this bread is sweet, fluffy, and tasty.

Honey Cake

Honey Cake

Made with honey and cinnamon, the smell of this sweet cake is absolutely divine. Looking for something quick, simple, and delicious to serve to guests? This honey cake is the perfect recipe to turn to.

Bolo Rei (Portuguese Kings Cake)

Bolo Rei (Portuguese Kings Cake)

This spiced Christmas cake is loaded with fruits and nuts. It is also known as Kings Cake and is both delicious and simple to make. Impress your guests this holiday season with this tasty dessert.

Portuguese Chocolate Mousse

Portuguese Chocolate Mousse

A genuine chocolate mousse, this cake is a tasty treat with a hint of Porto wine flavor.

Caramelized Apple Cake

Caramelized Apple Cake

This apple upside down cake with a Portuguese twist is easy to make and looks like it was made by a pro. Impress your guests with this tasty recipe any time.

Portuguese Carrot Cake

Portuguese Carrot Cake

A moist and tasty treat, this carrot cake is easy to make and good to the last bite.

Classic Caramel Flan

Classic Caramel Flan

Don’t be intimidated. It may look fancy but we promise, this caramel flan is very easy to prepare. It’s tender, sweet, delicious, and swimming in a mouthwatering caramel sauce you won’t be able to resist.

Xadrez Cake (Checkerboard Cake)

Xadrez Cake (Checkerboard Cake)

This cake is fun to make and easier than you think to prepare. It’s a combination of two flavors in one delicious cake and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Bolo de Amêndoa (Portuguese Almond Torte)

Bolo de Amêndoa (Portuguese Almond Torte)

Made with almonds, cinnamon, and lemon zest, this Portuguese torte is a flourless cake with loads of flavor. It’s a gluten-free dessert you’ll love.

Receita De Gelado Com Morangos (Portuguese Strawberry Ice Cream)

Receita De Gelado Com Morangos (Portuguese Strawberry Ice Cream)

Ice cream hits the spot when the mercury rises. And what could be better than your own homemade strawberry ice cream? In just 20 minutes, you can prepare the tastiest Portuguese ice cream that will keep you cool this summer…and will satisfy your sweet tooth, too.

Queijadas (Portuguese Cheesecake Tarts)

Queijadas (Portuguese Cheesecake Tarts)

Looking for the perfect dessert to enjoy with your espresso? This Portuguese cheesecake is topped with creamy caramel and it’s as delicious as it sounds.

Walnut and Apple Cake

Walnut and Apple Cake

Made with walnuts, apple, and espresso buttercream icing, this tasty cake is the Portuguese version of coffee cake.

Orange Roll

Orange Roll

If you’re looking for a sweet treat and love the taste of fresh oranges, this is the recipe for you.

Bolos De Arroz (Azorean Rice Cake)

Bolos De Arroz (Azorean Rice Cake)

If you’ve been to a Portuguese bakery, you’ve seen Azorean rice cakes. This gluten-free dessert recipe is simple to prepare and just as delicious. When you can’t get to a bakery to pick up some Bolos de arroz, you can make your own in a snap. 

Sonhos (Portuguese Doughnuts)

Sonhos (Portuguese Doughnuts)

Light, fluffy Portuguese doughnuts covered in white sugar…need we really say more?

Chocolate Salami

Chocolate Salami

Chocolate salami is a crunchy Portuguese treat that pairs perfectly with your freshly brewed cup of joe. Plus, it’s a cinch to prepare.

Bolo Nega Maluca (Brazilian Chocolate Cake)

Bolo Nega Maluca (Brazilian Chocolate Cake)

A Brazilian treat more specifically, this chocolate cake is seriously delicious. Lathered with chocolate sauce and loaded with decadent flavor, this sweet treat is a Portuguese delight you’ll love to make – and eat!

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From custard tarts to sponge cakes or rice pudding, there is a long list of delectable Portuguese Desserts you simply must try. Here are some of the best ones we have found that you’ll definitely want to try out for yourself.

Best Portuguese Dessert Collection

By: Izzy
From custard tarts to sponge cakes or caramel flan, there is a long list of delectable Portuguese Desserts you simply must try. Here are some of the best ones we have found that you’ll definitely want to try out for yourself.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients 

  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk, (14-oz)
  • 1 ¼ cup whole milk
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare a 7-inch round pan and a large baking dish. Set them aside.
  • Place a skillet over medium-heat. Add sugar, stirring constantly until it completely melts and turns into syrup.
  • Remove from heat, and pour the syrup into a 7-inch round pan. Spread the syrup evenly to cover the entire bottom of the pan. Set it aside and let it cool down and harden.
  • Whisk together eggs, condensed milk, whole milk and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl.
  • Pour the mixture into the syrup coated pan. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
  • Place the pan in a large baking dish. Then pour water into the dish. You need enough water to reach halfway up the pan.
  • Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 1 hour.
  • Remove the dish from the oven, and lift the pan out of the baking dish. Then remove the aluminum foil. Let it cool to room temperature.
  • Once cooled, cover with another piece of aluminum foil. Place in the fridge for 4-6 hours.
  • When you’re ready to serve, remove the foil. Slide a knife along the edges of the pan.
  • Then place a plate on top of the round pan. Carefully flip it. Then lift the pan. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.

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About Izzy

I'm Izzy, a food lover and photographer. Here you’ll find a collection of simple recipes that are perfect for busy people. My blog aims to help you make and enjoy delicious and healthy food at home.

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