Description
Traditional Portuguese queijadas are creamy custard cupcakes with golden edges, a soft center, and a gentle lemon aroma that makes them comforting and nostalgic.
Ingredients
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into chunks
3 ½ cups whole milk
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon baking powder
4 large eggs
3 ¼ cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 2 lemons
Cooking spray or melted butter for greasing muffin tins
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a standard muffin tin.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, add the milk, and stir until warmed through. Remove from heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs for about 1 minute. Gradually add the sugar, one cup at a time, beating until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
- Beat in one cup of the warm milk mixture, then alternate adding the flour mixture and remaining milk, mixing briefly after each addition until the batter is thin and smooth.
- Fill muffin cups about three-quarters full.
- Bake for 35–38 minutes, until edges are deeply golden and centers are set.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Notes
The batter is intentionally thin to achieve a custardy texture.
The centers may sink slightly as they cool, which is traditional.
Orange zest can be substituted for lemon zest.
A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds subtle warmth.
Best enjoyed within four days when refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 38 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Portuguese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
