Queijadas (Portuguese Custard Cupcakes) Recipe
Delight in these traditional Portuguese custard cupcakes known as Queijadas. Featuring a creamy custard filling with subtle notes of lemon zest and cinnamon, baked to golden perfection in a muffin tin. These tender, flavorful treats are perfect for pairing with coffee, tea, or fresh fruit and make a charming dessert for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 custard cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Portuguese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Custard Filling
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 pinch of salt
Additional
- 12 small tart or muffin tin cups
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners to prepare for baking.
- Heat the Milk: Warm the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and set aside to use shortly.
- Whisk the Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until well combined and slightly frothy, providing a smooth custard base.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and ground cinnamon carefully to infuse the custard with aromatic flavors.
- Combine with Milk: Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking prematurely and ensure a smooth blend.
- Add Flour and Butter: Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour until the mixture becomes smooth. Then add the melted unsalted butter and blend thoroughly.
- Fill the Muffin Tin: Pour the custard mixture into each muffin cup, filling about ¾ full to allow room for the custard to puff slightly as it bakes.
- Bake the Queijadas: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown, slightly puffed, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cupcakes: Remove from the oven and allow the queijadas to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely for best texture and shape.
- Serve and Garnish: Optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant, sweet finish that complements the custard flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the cinnamon quantity if you prefer a stronger spice flavor, adding up to an additional ½ teaspoon.
- Do not overfill the muffin cups—filling about ¾ full helps avoid overflow and ensures even baking.
- Check for doneness by ensuring the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before removing from the tin to maintain their shape.
- Use fresh lemon zest instead of bottled extract for the brightest, most authentic citrus flavor.
Keywords: Portuguese custard cupcakes, Queijadas, Portuguese dessert, custard cupcakes, lemon zest custard, cinnamon dessert, traditional Portuguese sweets, baked custard, easy dessert recipe
