These Traditional Portuguese Queijadas are like little clouds of creamy goodness in cupcake form! Made with cheese, eggs, and a touch of cinnamon, they are sweet and comforting.
Every bite feels like a warm hug! I love serving them up with a cup of coffee for a perfect snack. Trust me, you’ll want to share, but you might just keep them all to yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: This provides richness to the queijadas. If you prefer a lighter option, you can use 2% milk or even almond milk, but the flavor will slightly differ.
Granulated Sugar: This is crucial for sweetness. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia, but make sure to check the ratio to ensure proper sweetness.
Fresh Cheese: Traditional recipes may use queijo fresco, but ricotta works perfectly too. If you’re dairy-free, consider using a plant-based cream cheese; just keep the texture in mind.
Cinnamon: This adds warmth to the flavor. If you want to try something different, nutmeg can give a lovely twist, though be cautious with the amount as it can be potent!
How Do You Ensure the Custard Isn’t Lumpy?
To achieve that smooth custard texture, it’s important to combine the sugar and flour first. This prevents the flour from clumping when it hits the warm milk.
- Warm your milk but don’t boil it! Boiling can change its properties and affect how it mixes.
- Whisk continuously while adding the warm milk to the sugar and flour mix. This helps create a smooth custard base.
- When cooking the mixture, keep stirring to avoid sticking and burning at the bottom. This is key for that creamy texture!
By using these tips and recognizing the importance of each ingredient and technique, your queijadas will turn out wonderfully delicious!
Traditional Portuguese Queijadas – Creamy Custard Cupcakes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
Flavor Enhancers:
- 200 g fresh cheese (such as ricotta or fresh farmer’s cheese)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, plus extra for dusting
For Baking:
- Butter or oil for greasing the cupcake tins
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and an additional 25-30 minutes for baking. Make sure to allow for some cool-down time before serving, which could take an extra 10-15 minutes. All together, you’ll spend about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your muffin or cupcake tins with a bit of butter or oil. This ensures that your queijadas don’t stick.
2. Warm the Milk:
In a saucepan, warm the whole milk over medium heat until it’s just warm, not boiling. Once warm, take it off the heat and set aside.
3. Mix Sugar and Flour:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and all-purpose flour until well combined. This step is important to prevent lumps when you add the milk.
4. Combine Milk and Thickening Mixture:
Slowly add the warm milk to the sugar and flour mixture, whisking constantly to avoid any clumps. Afterward, return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat. Keep stirring continuously until it thickens into a creamy custard. This can take about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, allow to cool slightly.
5. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a separate bowl, lightly beat the two eggs. Add in the fresh cheese, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and ground cinnamon. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
6. Combine Mixtures:
Carefully fold the warm custard mixture into the cheese and egg mixture. Stir gently until it’s smooth and fully blended.
7. Fill the Tins:
Pour the batter evenly into the greased cupcake tins, filling each about 3/4 full to allow for rising during baking.
8. Bake the Queijadas:
Now, pop them in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll want to check that the tops are set and slightly golden, but the centers should remain custardy.
9. Cool:
Once baked, remove the queijadas from the oven. Let them cool in the tins for around 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
When they’re cool, sprinkle with powdered sugar and a dash of cinnamon if desired. These queijadas can be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled. They are perfect with a cup of coffee or tea!
Have fun baking these creamy delight cupcakes! Enjoy every bite of your Traditional Portuguese Queijadas!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Traditional Portuguese Queijadas
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While fresh cheese like ricotta works best, you can substitute with farmer’s cheese or even a soft cream cheese. Just aim for a mild flavor and a creamy texture for the best results.
How Do I Store Leftover Queijadas?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can be enjoyed cold or gently reheated in the microwave. Just remember not to overheat them, as that can change their texture!
Can I Make These Queijadas Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure the blend you choose is suitable for baking to maintain the right texture and rise.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer your queijadas less sweet, feel free to reduce the sugar by up to 1/4 cup without compromising the overall texture. You can also experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, adjusting the liquid slightly to maintain balance.
Feel free to reach out with any additional questions as you whip up these delicious treats! Enjoy your baking adventure!
