Queijadas (Portuguese Custard Cupcakes)

Introduction

Queijadas (Portuguese Custard Cupcakes) are the perfect combination of rich, creamy custard and delicate pastry. These traditional Portuguese treats are a delightful balance of sweetness and creaminess with a hint of citrus. The soft, slightly crispy edges contrast with the smooth custard filling, creating a texture that’s utterly satisfying. The addition of lemon zest or cinnamon brings a subtle aromatic touch that takes these cupcakes from simple to spectacular.

I first discovered Queijadas during a trip to Portugal, and I was instantly captivated by their charm. They were served fresh from the oven at a local bakery, and the warm aroma of custard and pastry wafted through the air. Taking the first bite was a revelation—the buttery crust and velvety custard paired so beautifully, and the citrus zest added just the right amount of brightness. From that moment, I knew I had to recreate them at home.

Queijadas are an ideal dessert for gatherings or special occasions, but they’re also perfect for a quiet afternoon treat with a cup of coffee. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them solo, these cupcakes are bound to leave an impression. Their lightness and elegance make them a refreshing alternative to heavier desserts. If you’re in the mood for something sweet but not overwhelmingly rich, Queijadas are the perfect choice—every bite is a little piece of Portugal on a plate!

Perfect for:

Family gatherings
Afternoon tea
Special celebrations
Holiday desserts
Dessert buffets

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Queijadas will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire:

Irresistible Creamy Filling: The custard center is rich and smooth, with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice from the cinnamon and lemon zest.
Golden, Flaky Crust: The tender pastry crust offers a delightful contrast to the creamy filling, making each bite an indulgent experience.
Versatile and Easy to Make: Despite their elegant appearance, Queijadas are surprisingly simple to prepare, and their small size makes them easy to serve.
Authentic Portuguese Flavor: These cupcakes capture the essence of Portuguese pastry, offering a unique and delicious flavor profile that’s sure to impress.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Queijadas can be baked in advance and stored, allowing the flavors to meld and the cupcakes to develop even more richness.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (plus cooling time)
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Calories per serving: Approximately 180-200 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Queijadas:

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
12 small tart or muffin tin cups
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

Whole Milk: Provides the necessary creaminess to the custard filling, contributing to the smooth texture.
Lemon Zest: Adds a fresh, citrusy note that brightens up the rich custard flavor.
Ground Cinnamon: A touch of cinnamon in the batter complements the custard’s sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: The flour helps create the structure of the custard cupcakes while maintaining a light and delicate texture.
Butter: Melted butter adds richness to both the custard filling and the pastry crust, making the cupcakes extra indulgent.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Custard Filling:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
Heat the Milk: In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and set aside.
Whisk the Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until well combined and slightly frothy.
Add the Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and ground cinnamon to the egg mixture.
Combine with Milk: Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.
Add the Flour and Butter: Stir in the flour until smooth, followed by the melted butter. Mix until fully incorporated.

Prepare the Muffin Tin:

Fill the Muffin Tin: Pour the custard mixture into each muffin cup, filling them about ¾ full. The batter should be slightly runny, which is perfect for achieving the custard texture.
Bake the Queijadas: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden and slightly puffed, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cupcakes: Allow the Queijadas to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve and Garnish:

Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the cupcakes have cooled, dust with powdered sugar, if desired, for a beautiful and sweet finishing touch.

How to Serve

Queijadas are perfect for serving in various ways:

As Individual Treats: Serve them as individual portions for a delightful and convenient dessert at parties or gatherings.
With Coffee or Tea: Pair with a cup of Portuguese coffee or a delicate tea for a perfect afternoon snack.
With Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside fresh berries or citrus slices for a refreshing contrast to the sweet custard.
For Special Occasions: These cupcakes make an excellent dessert for special occasions, such as birthdays or holiday feasts.
With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Pair with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a luxurious treat.

Additional Tips

Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, feel free to add an extra ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the batter.
Don’t Overfill the Cups: Be sure to only fill the muffin tins about ¾ full to ensure that the cupcakes bake evenly and don’t overflow.
Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the cupcakes as they bake. The tops should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Allow to Cool Completely: Let the cupcakes cool completely before removing them from the tin to ensure they set properly and maintain their shape.
Use Fresh Lemon Zest: For the best flavor, use fresh lemon zest instead of bottled lemon extract.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations you can try for Queijadas:

Chocolate Queijadas: Stir in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the custard mixture for a rich chocolate flavor.
Almond Queijadas: Add ¼ cup of finely ground almonds or almond meal to the batter for a nutty twist.
Coconut Queijadas: Stir in shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical flavor that complements the custard.
Spiced Queijadas: Experiment with adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger for a spiced version of the classic.
Berry Queijadas: Add a handful of fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries to the batter for a fruity variation.
Lemon-Lavender Queijadas: For a floral touch, add 1 teaspoon of dried lavender buds and extra lemon zest.
Pistachio Queijadas: Incorporate finely chopped pistachios into the batter for a unique and flavorful twist.
Maple Queijadas: Replace the vanilla extract with maple extract for a warm, earthy sweetness.
Orange Queijadas: Use orange zest instead of lemon zest for a citrusy variation with a sweet, fragrant twist.
Caramel Queijadas: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the tops of the Queijadas for extra sweetness.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: You can freeze the fully baked Queijadas. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Storage: Store leftover Queijadas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Queijadas easier:

Muffin Tin: A 12-cup muffin tin is ideal for baking individual Queijadas.
Wire Rack: A cooling rack ensures that the Queijadas cool evenly and stay crisp.
Whisk: A whisk is essential for mixing the custard filling smoothly without lumps.
Measuring Spoons and Cups: Accurate measurements are key to getting the perfect balance of flavors in the custard.
Sifter: A sifter can be used to dust the tops of the Queijadas with powdered sugar for a delicate finish.

FAQ Section

Can I make Queijadas ahead of time?
Yes, Queijadas can be baked the day before and stored in an airtight container. They also taste great after the flavors have had time to meld.
Can I use a different type of flour?
You can try using almond flour for a gluten-free version of Queijadas. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Can I freeze Queijadas?
Yes, Queijadas freeze well. Wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I make these without lemon zest?
If you don’t have lemon zest, you can substitute with a bit of orange zest or simply omit it for a more neutral flavor.
What can I use instead of cinnamon?
If you prefer, you can substitute cinnamon with nutmeg or cardamom for a different spiced flavor.

Conclusion

Queijadas (Portuguese Custard Cupcakes) are a delectable treat that brings a touch of Portuguese charm to any occasion. These little cupcakes feature a rich, creamy custard filling encased in a light, slightly crisp pastry shell, offering a delightful contrast of textures with every bite.

What truly sets these sweet delights apart is their perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess, with a subtle hint of lemon zest that brightens the flavor. They are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for a cozy afternoon tea, a festive gathering, or simply a sweet indulgence after a meal.

Whether you enjoy them with a cup of coffee or as a dessert to share with friends and family, Queijadas will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. I hope you enjoy making these delicious Portuguese treats as much as I did! Don’t forget to share your creations—I can’t wait to see how you bring these lovely cupcakes to life! Enjoy every creamy, comforting bite!