Name: Queijadas (Portuguese Custard Cupcakes)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Portuguese
Ingredients: 3 large eggs; 2 cups milk; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/8 tsp salt

Why You’ll Love Queijadas (Portuguese Custard Cupcakes) Recipe

These classic Portuguese treats combine a rich, velvety custard interior with lightly caramelized tops and edges that provide a subtle textural contrast. They’re sweeter than many traditional desserts, making them perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth, and they’re simple enough to bake for both everyday treats and special occasions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 stick (8 tbsp.) butter, cut into chunks
3 1/2 cups whole milk
1 1/2 cups all‑purpose flour
1/4 tsp. baking powder
4 eggs
3 1/4 cups sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Zest of 2 lemons

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare standard muffin pans by spraying them with cooking spray.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and add the whole milk, heating until warm. Remove from heat.
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs for about 1 minute, then slowly add the sugar, 1 cup at a time. Continue to beat after the last addition.
Add the vanilla extract and lemon zest to the egg and sugar mixture.
Gradually pour in 1 cup of the warm milk and butter mixture on medium speed, beating for about 30 seconds.
Slowly add half of the flour mixture, then another cup of the milk mixture, beating after each addition.
Continue by adding the rest of the flour mixture, followed by half of the remaining milk. Beat for about a minute.
Add the remaining milk and beat for another 30 seconds. The batter will be thin and watery.
Fill each muffin cup about three‑quarters full with batter.
Bake for 35–38 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
Allow the queijadas to cool slightly; they will sink a bit in the center. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

Servings: Makes about 30 queijadas
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Coconut Queijadas: Add 1/2 cup of shredded sweetened coconut to the batter for a tropical twist.
Cinnamon Dusting: Lightly dust the tops with cinnamon before or after baking for added warmth.
Orange Zest Instead of Lemon: Swap lemon zest with orange zest for a different citrus flavor.
Mini Queijadas: Use mini muffin tins for bite-sized treats—reduce baking time to about 20–25 minutes.
Cheese Version: For a more traditional twist, add a small amount of soft cheese like ricotta to mimic other regional queijada styles.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover queijadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To serve, you can enjoy them cold or let them come to room temperature. If you prefer them slightly warmed, heat gently in a low oven (about 300°F / 150°C) for a few minutes, being careful not to overheat and dry them out.

FAQs

What are queijadas?

Queijadas are Portuguese custard‑like cupcakes or milk tarts that are sweet, creamy, and baked until they have caramelized edges.

Do queijadas contain cheese?

This specific style of queijadas does not contain cheese; it’s a custard made with milk, eggs, flour, sugar, and butter.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Yes — if you find the original version too sweet, reducing the sugar by up to 1 cup still yields delicious results.

Why do they sink in the center?

It is normal for queijadas to sink slightly in the center as they cool because of their custardy texture.

Can I use paper liners in the muffin pan?

Because the batter is very liquid, paper liners may stick. Grease the pans well if you choose not to use liners.

Can I make queijadas gluten‑free?

You can try substituting gluten‑free flour, but results may vary; test with a small batch first.

Are queijadas served hot or cold?

They can be enjoyed either chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference.

Can I skip the lemon zest?

Yes, but the lemon zest adds a subtle citrus note that balances the sweetness.

How do I reheat refrigerated queijadas?

Warm them gently in a low oven or let them sit at room temperature before serving.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake them the day before and store them refrigerated; serve chilled or warmed slightly before serving.

Conclusion

Queijadas are a delightful Portuguese dessert that brings together a creamy custard filling and a lightly caramelized exterior. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe yields irresistible treats perfect for dessert lovers everywhere.