Portuguese desserts are sweet treats that can be found all over the country. When it comes to desserts in Portugal, there are so many delicious options to choose from, it can be hard to decide what to eat. From Pastel de Nata to bolo rei, there’s something for everyone.
So whether you’re going around your list of things to do in Lisbon or enjoying the sun on the beaches of Algarve, make sure to try some of these delicious Portuguese desserts!
What’s Special About Desserts In Portugal?
Portuguese desserts are known for their flavor and variety. Many of the desserts have a subtle sweet and savory flavor combination, which is a result of the Portuguese cuisine’s influence from past history. Portuguese cuisine is greatly influenced by Mediterranean and Iberian cuisine, as well as international dishes.
Most Popular Portuguese Dessert
The most popular out of Portuguese desserts is Pastel de Nata, a custard tart that originates from Lisbon.
Pastel de Nata (Portuguese Egg Tart)
Pastel de Nata is one of the best Portuguese desserts that you will ever try. It is a Portuguese egg tart that is made with a crispy crust and a creamy filling.
The magic is in the custard made with milk, cream, sugar, and eggs and has a creamy consistency. The eggs are beaten and then added to the sugar and mixed well.
The mixture is poured into the puff pastry and then baked. The tarts are usually cooked in a convection oven until they are golden brown and the sugar gives the pastry a crispy texture. The tart is usually served with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
Other Popular Portuguese Desserts
Bolo de Mel
The Bolo de Mel is a honey cake that is made with almonds and spices. The cake is often served with a cup of Portuguese coffee. The Bolo de Mel is a sweet, moist cake that is perfect for dessert.
The cake is made with honey, almonds, and spices, which give it a delicious flavor. The Bolo de Mel is a popular Portuguese dessert that is served with coffee.
The cake is a great way to end a meal, and it is also a good snack to have with coffee. Tourists who visit Portugal should definitely try the Bolo de Mel for dessert.
Arroz Doce (Portuguese Rice Pudding)
Different countries have a version of their rice pudding and Portugal is no exception. One of the most famous desserts in Portugal is Arroz Doce.
This dish has been served in Portugal since the Middle Ages and it’s still a favorite Portuguese dessert to this day. It was first created as a way to use up leftover rice, but now it’s a Portuguese specialty.
Arroz Doce is made with milk, sugar, egg yolks, and lemon zest. It’s usually served with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
Aletria
Aletria is a Portuguese dessert that is made with angel hair pasta, egg yolks, sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes lemon or orange chips. The traditional Portuguese dessert is often served during the Christmas season, but can also be found throughout the year.
Leite de Creme (Egg Custard)
Leite de creme is a Portuguese dessert that is made with milk, eggs, sugar, and cornstarch. The egg custard dessert is often flavored with cinnamon and vanilla and can be decorated with whipped cream and nuts.
The creamy texture and sweet flavor of the dessert make it a popular choice for Portuguese diners.
Pao De Lo
Pao De Lo is a Portuguese Sponge Cake that is made with eggs, sugar, butter, and flour. The cake can also include lemon or vanilla to give it a different flavor. It can be decorated with whipped cream and nuts for a more fancy dish.
The light and fluffy texture of the cake makes it a popular Portuguese dessert.
Bolo Rei (Portuguese King’s Cake)
Bolo Rei is a Portuguese king’s cake that is widely available during the Christmas season. The cake is made with almonds, flour, sugar, and eggs.
Bolo Rei is often decorated with dried fruits and nuts, giving it a festive look. It goes well with a cup of Portuguese coffee. Bolo Rei is a popular Portuguese dessert that is enjoyed by Portuguese people during the Christmas season.
Bola de Berlim
Bola de Berlim is a dessert in Portugal that is essentially a donut with egg custard filling. It is covered with sugar to give some extra sweetness.
The fluffy donut, creamy filling, and subtle crunch of sugar bits create a good combination and make this a fulfilling dessert.
You can easily find these in bakeries throughout Portugal and in beaches.
Brigadeiro
Brigadeiro is a sinful Portuguese dessert that is essentially a ball of chocolate made with chocolate, butter, and condensed milk. The dessert is often flavored with vanilla and cinnamon and can be decorated with sprinkles and nuts.
The chocolatey flavor and creamy texture of the dessert make it a popular choice for extreme sweet tooths.
Queijada
Queijada is a Portuguese dessert from Sintra that is made with milk, sugar, eggs, cream cheese, cinnamon, and orange or almond chips. The dessert is simple to prepare, but very tasty and perfect if you want something different from usual!
Pudim de Ovos
Pudim de Ovos is basically the well-loved Caramel Flan. The dessert can be flavored with cinnamon and vanilla for taste enhancement and served with whipped cream. Sometimes condensed milk is used in the recipe to give a very sweet kick.
It’s perfect for a special occasion or just when you’re in the mood for something sweet but also too heavy.
Chocolate Salami
As a Portuguese dessert, Chocolate Salami is a type of cake that is made with biscuits, nuts, and chocolate. The name is earned through its visual appearance that looks like Salami, but this has no meat whatsoever.
The gooey chocolate with crunchy granulated biscuit and nuts bits makes it a tasty option that is particularly adored by kids. It goes well with a cup of hot drink.
Rabanadas
Christmas is a time of year when many families get together to celebrate. One popular Portuguese dessert that is often eaten during Christmas is Rabanadas.
Rabanadas are made from bread that is dipped in an egg and milk mixture and then fried. They are usually served with sweet syrup or honey.
Rabanadas are a delicious Portuguese dessert that you should try when you are visiting Portugal. They are a great way to experience the local culture and food. Portuguese desserts are known for
Sonhos de Abóbora
Sonhos de Abóbora is a Portuguese dessert made of pumpkin. The pumpkin is mixed with sugar and spices, then formed into small balls and deep-fried.
They have an orange color and a sweet flavor. Tourists need to try Sonhos de Abóbora for dessert in Portugal because they are a Portuguese specialty, and are very different from any other desserts that are available in the country.
They are also very tasty and will give tourists a unique look into desserts in Portugal.
Natas do Céu
The Portuguese are known for their desserts, and Natas do céu is no exception. This heavenly dessert is a Portuguese classic that is made from egg whites, sugar, and cream.
It is like a cocktail of heaven with the creamy mousse contrasting a crumbly biscuit base. Although sweet and creamy, Natas do céu is a relatively light dessert with the small portion size they usually come in.
Bolo de Arroz
Bolo de Arroz is a Portuguese dessert that is made with rice. The rice is boiled in water until it softens, and then it is mixed with sugar, eggs, butter, and milk. The mixture is poured into a cake pan and baked until it becomes golden brown.
A sprinkle of sugar before baking gives them a golden, caramelized crust. They can be enjoyed as a sweet breakfast or a light afternoon snack which perfectly pairs with milk, coffee, or tea.
Bolo de Arroz is a simple dessert to make, but it is very tasty and perfect if you want something light.
Tarte de Alfarroba
The Tarte de Alfarroba is a Portuguese dessert that is made with almond paste and eggs. The eggs are whipped and then mixed with the almond paste to create a smooth and creamy texture.
The mixture is then poured into a pastry crust and baked until it is golden brown. This Portuguese dessert is typically served with a dusting of powdered sugar on top, but can also be served with a scoop of ice cream.
Bolo Xadrez
Bolo Xadrez is a dessert in Portugal known for its interesting design that resembles a checkerboard.
The cake is made by layering yellow and chocolate sponge cake in alternating grid forms separated by cream, creating the checkerboard design. The cake is then coated in a delicious chocolate layer.
Baba de Camelo
Baba de Camelo is a Portuguese dessert that has a delicious flavor. Weirdly known as Caramel drool, it is made with condensed milk and eggs, giving it a creamy texture.
It often comes with almond or cookie toppings. The flavors combine to create a rich and delicious taste that is sure to please any sweet tooth.
Torta de Laranja
Torta de Laranja is an orange Swiss roll that is a Portuguese dessert. It is made with layers of orange-flavored cake and then filled with whipped cream and orange-flavored filling. The torta is then topped with icing and served chilled.
The orange-flavored cake and filling are both very flavorful, and the torta itself is very pretty to look at. It is the perfect dessert for any occasion and is very refreshing.
Figos com Amêndoa
Figos com amêndoa is a Portuguese dessert that consists of fresh figs wrapped in almond paste and then fried. The dessert is then dusted with sugar and served with a dollop of whipped cream.
This is a must-try Portuguese dessert for those who are looking to get a taste of the local cuisine. The dessert is not too sweet, and it has a subtle almond flavor that goes well with the figs.
It’s a perfect dessert for those who are looking for something light and refreshing.
Pêras Bêbedas
If you’re looking for a Portuguese dessert to try, look no further than Pêras bêbedas. These wine pears are a traditional Portuguese dessert that is both delicious and beautiful to look at.
Pêras bêbedas are made by poaching pears in red wine, sugar, and spices. The result is a sweet and fragrant dessert that is perfect for any occasion. And because they’re so easy to make, you can enjoy them any time you want.
So if you’re looking for a unique Portuguese dessert to try, be sure to give Pêras bêbedas a go.
Port Wine
No list of Portuguese desserts would be complete without the mention of port wine. This fortified wine is perfect for enjoying after a meal or as an accompaniment to dessert.
Port wine is a Portuguese dessert that is made with red wine. It is often served as a dessert wine and is a type of fortified wine. Port wine is made with grape varieties that are native to the Douro Valley in Portugal. The name “port” comes from the Portuguese city of Porto, which is located in the Douro Valley.
Port wine has a sweet taste and a higher alcohol content than regular red wines. It is usually served after a meal as a dessert wine. Port wine is also used in cocktails and mixed drinks.
Discovering Desserts In Portugal
If you’re looking for a delicious and unique Portuguese dessert to try, be sure to check out the options we’ve listed above. These are just some of the more popular Portuguese desserts that you can find, and it barely scratches the surface of what’s on offer.
From wine pears to caramel drool, these desserts are definitely worth trying! And don’t forget about port wine! This fortified red wine is perfect for enjoying after a meal or as an accompaniment to dessert.
Don’t forget to give Portuguese desserts a try while taking a break from visiting the iconic landmarks in Portugal.
