12 Mouthwatering Dessert Recipes from Portugal You Should Try

If you think Portugal is only popular for its wine and scenery, then you’ll have to try these 12 mouthwatering sweet dessert recipes from Portugal—we’ve tried most of them, and we can’t wait to try them all!

Each dessert has a unique flavor profile that reflects the local ingredients and traditions of the region where it originated. You’ll see them in the bustling streets of Lisbon or the tranquil alleys of Porto, with the aroma of freshly baked pastries and simmering sugar never far away. Let’s take a culinary tour through Portugal’s sweetest delights.

Additional Reads:
– 10 Details About Portuguese Food That Foreigners Can’t Understand
– How To Make Portuguese Gambas a l’Ajilo (Recipe Guide)
– The Most Popular Portuguese Food: How to Make Bacalhau à Brás – An Authentic Bacalhau à Brás (Recipe Guide)
– The Recommended Travel Insurance for Portugal

1. Pastel de Nata: The Iconic Custard Tart

Why You’ll Love It:
Pastel de Nata offers a sublime texture combination with its crispy, buttery pastry and the smooth, rich custard inside.

Recipe Guide:
Ingredients:

• 1 whole egg
• 2 egg yolks
• 115g caster sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 400ml full cream milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 sheet of puff pastry

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 250°C (480°F).
2. Whisk together the egg, egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan until smooth.
3. Gradually add the milk, ensuring the mixture remains smooth.
4. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Roll out the puff pastry and cut into circles that fit into a muffin tin. Press the pastry sheets into the tin.
6. Pour the custard into the pastry-lined tins.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is crispy and the tops are slightly charred.
8. Allow to cool slightly, then sprinkle with cinnamon and powdered sugar before serving.

2. Queijadas de Sintra: Cheese Tarts with a Twist

Why You’ll Love It:
The unique combination of cheese, sugar, and cinnamon offers a sweet yet tangy flavor that is completely irresistible.

Recipe Guide:
Ingredients:

• 250g fresh cheese (like ricotta)
• 250g granulated sugar
• 50g all-purpose flour
• 4 eggs
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Butter, for greasing

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a muffin tin with butter.
2. In a bowl, mix together the cheese and sugar until smooth.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. Sift in the flour and cinnamon, mixing until just combined.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared muffin tin.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until they are golden and set.
7. Let cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then remove and cool on a wire rack.

3. Travesseiros: Pillowy Pastries

Why You’ll Love It:
Filled with a sweet almond cream, these pastries are fluffy, light, and provide a delightful sweetness that is not overpowering.

Recipe Guide:
Ingredients:

• 2 sheets of puff pastry
• 200g granulated sugar
• 100ml water
• 200g ground almonds
• 1 egg white
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a boil without stirring.
3. Reduce the heat and add the ground almonds. Stir until a thick paste forms.
4. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool. Once cooled, add the egg white and mix until smooth.
5. Roll out the puff pastry and spread the almond cream over it.
6. Roll the pastry like a log and cut into 2-inch pieces.
7. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden.
9. Dust with powdered sugar while still warm.

4. Ovos Moles de Aveiro: Sweet Eggs in Edible Shells

Why You’ll Love It:
This traditional dessert combines a rich, sweet egg yolk filling with a unique presentation in edible rice paper shells, offering a taste of Portugal’s conventual sweets heritage.

Recipe Guide:
Ingredients:

• 10 egg yolks
• 250g sugar
• 100ml water
• Edible rice paper (available at specialty food stores)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, dissolve the sugar in the water over low heat until syrupy.
2. In a bowl, beat the yolks well. Gradually add the sugar syrup to the yolks, whisking continuously.
3. Pour the mixture back into the pan and stir over low heat until thickened (do not boil).
4. Remove from heat and let cool.
5. Cut the rice paper into shell shapes using a cookie cutter.
6. Spoon the cooled yolk mixture onto half of the rice paper pieces. Cover with another piece, pressing the edges to seal.
7. Let set until firm.

5. Bolo de Bolacha: The Coffee Lover’s Cake

Why You’ll Love It:
This no-bake cake features layers of Maria biscuits softened with strong coffee and layered with a rich, coffee-flavored buttercream.

Recipe Guide:
Ingredients:

• 400g Maria biscuits
• 2 cups strong brewed coffee
• 200g unsalted butter, softened
• 100g powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp instant coffee dissolved in 1 tbsp boiling water

Instructions:

1. Quickly dip each Maria biscuit into the brewed coffee and lay them out in a layer on a serving dish.
2. Cream the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Mix in the dissolved coffee.
3. Spread a layer of the buttercream over the biscuits.
4. Add another layer of coffee-dipped biscuits, then more buttercream. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of buttercream.
5. Chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
6. Serve as is or with a dusting of cocoa powder.

6. Dom Rodrigo: Algarve’s Hidden Gem

Why You’ll Love It:
This dessert from the Algarve features threads of sweetened egg yolk combined with cinnamon and almonds, offering a rich texture and deep flavors wrapped in colorful foil.

Recipe Guide:
Ingredients:

• 10 egg yolks
• 200g sugar
• 50ml water
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 100g ground almonds
• Colored foil for wrapping

Instructions:

1. Prepare sugar syrup by heating sugar and water in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is clear.
2. Slowly pour the syrup over the egg yolks while whisking vigorously.
3. Return the mixture to the heat and stir continuously until thickened.
4. Remove from heat, stir in the cinnamon and almonds, and allow to cool.
5. Once cool, take small amounts of the mixture and shape into small balls or cylinders.
6. Wrap each piece in colored foil.

7. Pão de Ló: The Sponge Cake with a Legacy

Why You’ll Love It:
This airy, moist sponge cake is often enjoyed with a dusting of powdered sugar and is sometimes served slightly undercooked for a deliciously gooey center.

Recipe Guide:
Ingredients:

• 8 eggs
• 250g sugar
• 200g flour
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Whisk eggs and sugar together until pale and tripled in volume.
3. Gently fold in the flour using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
4. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. The center should be slightly undercooked if you prefer it gooey.
5. Cool in the pan, then turn out onto a serving plate. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

8. Folar de Chaves: More Than Just a Bread

Why You’ll Love It:
Traditionally eaten around Easter, this sweet or savory bread is enriched with eggs, sugar, and various spices, making it a versatile treat for any time of day.

Recipe Guide:
Ingredients:

• 500g all-purpose flour
• 100g sugar (omit if making savory version)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 3 eggs
• 100ml milk
• 100g butter, melted
• Optional: Cured meats for savory version

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar (if using), baking powder, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and melted butter.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed. If making the savory version, fold in chopped cured meats at this stage.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Arroz Doce: Comfort in a Bowl

Why You’ll Love It:
This traditional Portuguese rice pudding is infused with lemon zest and cinnamon, offering a comforting warmth and creamy texture that’s perfect for any season.

Recipe Guide:
Ingredients:

• 1 cup short-grain rice, rinsed
• 4 cups milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 strips lemon zest
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Ground cinnamon for sprinkling

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine rice, milk, sugar, lemon zest, and cinnamon stick.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until the rice is tender and the mixture has thickened (about 30-40 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and discard lemon zest and cinnamon stick.
4. Spoon into serving dishes and sprinkle with ground cinnamon.
5. Serve warm or chilled, according to preference.

10. Serradura: The “Sawdust” Pudding

Why You’ll Love It:
This simple yet elegant dessert features layers of whipped cream and crushed biscuits, offering a delightful texture and a taste that balances sweetness with a touch of sophistication.

Recipe Guide:
Ingredients:

• 500ml heavy cream
• 100g powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 200g Maria biscuits, finely crushed

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whip the cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
2. In serving glasses, layer crushed biscuits followed by a layer of whipped cream. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cream.
3. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the biscuits to soften.
4. Serve chilled, perhaps dusted with a little more crushed biscuit.

11. Torta de Azeitão: A Rolled Delight

Why You’ll Love It:
This traditional rolled sponge cake is filled with a creamy, sweet egg yolk paste, making it a luxurious treat perfect for pairing with a glass of local Moscatel wine.

Recipe Guide:
Ingredients:

• 6 eggs, separated
• 150g sugar
• 100g flour
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• For the filling:
  • 10 egg yolks
  • 200g sugar
  • 50ml water

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
2. In a bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, beat egg yolks with sugar until pale and thick.
3. Fold the yolks into the whites. Sift in the flour and fold gently to combine. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden and springy to the touch.
5. Meanwhile, make the filling: Cook sugar and water in a saucepan until it reaches soft-ball stage. Slowly pour over beaten egg yolks, whisking continuously until thickened.
6. Spread the filling over the cooked sponge while both are still warm, then roll the cake up from the short end.
7. Let cool completely before slicing.

12. Almendras de Portalegre: Almonds Elevated

Why You’ll Love It:
These delightful sugar-coated almonds offer a satisfying crunch and a hint of sweetness, making them an ideal snack or a beautiful gift thanks to their colorful presentation.

Recipe Guide:
Ingredients:

• 300g blanched almonds
• 300g sugar
• 150ml water
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. In a saucepan, heat sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add food coloring if desired.
3. Add the almonds to the syrup and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the syrup crystallizes around the almonds.
4. Spread the almonds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool. Separate any clumps.
5. Once cool, store in an airtight container.

Practical Tips for Your Dessert Quest

• Pace Yourself: With such an array of sweets, it’s easy to overindulge. Share desserts to enjoy a broader variety without feeling overwhelmed.
• Ask the Locals: For the most authentic and delicious experiences, get recommendations from local residents.
• Check Bakery Hours: Many traditional bakeries have specific operating hours. Plan your visits to avoid missing out.
• Mind Allergies and Dietary Restrictions: Many Portuguese desserts include eggs, nuts, and gluten. Check ingredients carefully if you have dietary restrictions.
• Embrace Local Dining Customs: Desserts are often enjoyed with coffee or tea, sitting down to savor the flavor and atmosphere.
• Take a Class: Many culinary schools and some bakeries offer cooking classes. Learn to make your favorites for a lasting souvenir.

Exploring Portugal through its desserts is not only a journey of flavors but also a pathway into the heart of Portuguese culture and history. Each bite tells a story, from the simple pleasures of a rice pudding to the complex layers of a Travesseiro. So, as you traverse this beautiful country, remember to taste as much as you see, turning each moment into a memory to be savored.

Your adventure through the sweet side of Portugal is sure to be as enriching as it is delightful. Enjoy every morsel and every moment, and may your travels be sweet and inspiring!