Description
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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Ingredients
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
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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: Portuguese