Best Portuguese Coconut Cakes

Craving a bite of something sweet, moist, and irresistibly coconutty? These Portuguese Coconut Cakes, also known as Queijadinhas de Coco, are little golden treats that melt in your mouth. With a creamy texture, crispy tops, and rich coconut flavor, they’re a beloved dessert in Portuguese-speaking countries—and once you try them, you’ll understand why!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple Ingredients – Just a few pantry staples and you’re ready to bake.
Naturally Gluten-Free – No flour needed in the traditional recipe.
Deliciously Moist – Made with eggs and sweetened condensed milk for the ultimate soft texture.
Perfectly Portable – Great for lunchboxes, picnics, or afternoon coffee.
Bursting with Coconut Flavor – A coconut lover’s dream dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need (makes 12 cakes)
1 can (14 oz / 400 g) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
3 large eggs
1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
½ cup whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowl
Whisk or hand mixer
Muffin tin
Paper liners or silicone cups
Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease silicone molds.

Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs until slightly foamy.
Add sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth.
Fold in the shredded coconut until well combined.

Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
Let sit for 5 minutes to allow the coconut to absorb some of the liquid (this helps with texture).

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the tops are golden and lightly crisp.
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.

Step 5: Cool & Serve
Let the cakes cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips for the Best Coconut Cakes
Use Good Quality Coconut – Unsweetened and finely shredded coconut gives the best texture.
Don’t Overmix – Gently stir to keep the batter light.
Watch the Tops – The crispy golden top is the signature—don’t let them overbrown.
Use Paper Liners – Makes cleanup easy and prevents sticking.
Serve Chilled or Room Temp – Great either way, depending on your preference.

Serving Suggestions
With Coffee – The perfect bite to go with an espresso or café latte.
Dessert Platter – Add to a mix of Portuguese sweets like Pastéis de Nata.
For Brunch – A lightly sweet treat that pairs beautifully with fruit.
Gift Idea – Wrap them up in a box for a homemade edible gift.
With Ice Cream – Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream.

How to Store & Reheat
Storing:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate: Keeps for 5–6 days in the fridge.
Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature.

Reheating:
Oven: Warm at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
Microwave: Heat gently for 15–20 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut condensed milk and plant-based milk (like almond or oat), and swap butter for coconut oil.

Can I use sweetened coconut?
You can, but reduce the condensed milk slightly or skip any added sugar—it may get too sweet.

Are they gluten-free?
Yes! Traditional Queijadinhas are naturally gluten-free—no flour needed.

Can I make them bigger or smaller?
Yes, just adjust the baking time. Mini versions bake in about 18 minutes.

Do I need a mixer?
Nope! A simple whisk or spoon is all you need for this easy batter.

Final Thoughts
These Portuguese Coconut Cakes are small in size but big in flavor. Moist, chewy, and perfectly sweet with a crackly golden top, they’re an easy dessert that tastes like a bite of sunshine. Whether you’re a fan of coconut or just want something new and delicious, these little cakes are sure to win hearts.
Try them out and share your batch—I’d love to see your coconut creations!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: Portuguese

Nutritional Information (Per Cake):
Calories: 180 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 60mg

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