Description
Queijadas are traditional Portuguese custard cupcakes that combine a creamy cheese filling with a delicate lemon flavor. These sweet, tender treats are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a light snack. They feature a smooth, slightly tangy custard baked to golden perfection in individual molds, delivering a delightful balance of sweetness and citrus zest.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup fresh cheese or ricotta
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
Other
- Butter or oil, for greasing molds
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin or individual custard molds thoroughly with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
- Mix Eggs and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy, ensuring the sugar starts to dissolve and the eggs aerate for a smoother custard.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the milk, fresh cheese or ricotta, melted butter, vanilla extract, and lemon zest to the egg mixture. Mix continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and evenly combined.
- Incorporate Flour: Slowly stir in the all-purpose flour, ensuring the batter remains smooth and free of lumps for a fine texture in the final product.
- Fill Molds: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared molds, filling each about three-quarters full to allow space for the custard to set and gently rise during baking.
- Bake: Place the molds in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tops turn lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the queijadas from the oven and let them cool in the molds before carefully taking them out. This helps them set properly and makes handling easier.
Notes
- Use fresh cheese or ricotta for the authentic creamy texture; low-fat varieties may alter taste and texture.
- Lemon zest adds a fresh aroma and flavor, but can be adjusted or omitted per preference.
- Make sure the molds are well greased to ensure easy removal of the custard cupcakes.
- These queijadas are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cheese with suitable plant-based alternatives, but this will change the flavor profile.
