Description
Experience the authentic flavors of Portugal with Queijadas, traditional Portuguese Custard Cupcakes featuring a creamy custard filling with fresh cheese and a tender, slightly sweet crust. Perfect for sharing, these elegant cupcakes blend rich, comforting textures with aromatic hints of cinnamon and lemon zest, making any occasion special and inviting.
Ingredients
Scale
Custard Filling
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup fresh cheese (Requeijão or ricotta)
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (freshly grated)
Crust
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard Filling: Gently heat the whole milk in a saucepan with lemon zest and a pinch of cinnamon to infuse flavor. Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, fresh cheese, and all-purpose flour until smooth. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously to prevent curdling and achieve a silky custard base.
- Make the Crust: Combine the flour, softened butter, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Mix gently until the dough comes together smoothly. Roll out the dough and cut into circles about the size of your cupcake tin molds. This tender crust will frame the custard filling perfectly.
- Assemble the Queijadas: Place each dough circle into the cupcake molds, pressing gently to cover the bottom and sides. Pour the prepared custard filling into each crust-lined cup, filling them approximately three-quarters full to prevent overflow during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the queijadas for 25 to 30 minutes or until the custard is set and the crust turns golden. Monitor them closely towards the end to prevent over-browning.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cupcakes to cool slightly in the tins before carefully removing. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best experience, enjoying the creamy custard inside the delicate crust.
Notes
- Use eggs and fresh cheese at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing and custard texture.
- Strain the custard mixture through a fine sieve before filling to remove lumps.
- Handle the crust dough gently and avoid overmixing to maintain a tender, flaky texture.
- Check baking time closely as oven temperatures vary; avoid drying out the custard.
- Zest lemon fresh just before use to maximize its bright aroma and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 55 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg