Name: Irresistible Queijadas: Delightful Portuguese Custard Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 38 min
Total time: 68 min
Ingredients: 1 stick Butter (cut into chunks); 3.5 cups Whole Milk; 1.5 cups Flour (all-purpose flour); 0.25 tsp Baking Powder; 4 large Eggs; 3.25 cups Sugar; 1 tsp Vanilla Extract; 2 pieces Lemon Zest (zest of)

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There’s a distinct charm in the act of baking, a kind of joy that fills the air with warmth and sweetness. Just the thought of Queijadas—those delightful Portuguese custard cupcakes—sparks memories of cozy afternoons spent in my kitchen. Picture this: the rich aroma of melted butter mingling with the zesty freshness of lemon filling your home. It’s irresistible!

I discovered this recipe during my quest for something different to serve at a family gathering. The moment I took the first bite, I was captivated. These little treats manage to be both simple and sophisticated, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or someone who simply adores homemade food, these cupcakes come together effortlessly and taste absolutely divine.

With a blend of creamy milk, rich eggs, and a hint of vanilla, Queijadas elevate the ordinary into the extraordinary. So, join me as we dive into crafting these sweet delights that will surely impress your friends and loved ones, all while chasing away the fast-food blues!

Why are Queijadas a must-try dessert?

Delightful flavors: The harmonious blend of creamy milk, zesty lemon, and sweet vanilla creates a taste sensation that is both refreshing and comforting.

Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a tray of these delicious cupcakes without any culinary expertise.

Perfect for sharing: These delightful treats are ideal for family gatherings, parties, or even just a cozy night in—everyone will be reaching for seconds!

Versatile serving options: Enjoy them chilled or at room temperature; they taste great no matter how you serve them.

Crowd-pleaser: Queijadas are the perfect way to impress your friends and loved ones, providing a unique experience that stands out in a world full of fast food.

For even more delectable ideas, check out our guide on baking essentials.

Queijadas Ingredients

• Let’s gather the essentials for these delightful Portuguese Custard Cupcakes!

For the Cupcakes

Butter – 1 stick (8 tbsp.), cut into chunks; this adds richness and depth to your Queijadas.
Whole Milk – 3 1/2 cups; the creaminess balances the sweetness and helps create that custard-like texture.
Flour – 1 1/2 cups; use standard all-purpose flour for the best structure.
Baking Powder – 1/4 tsp.; this little leavening agent gives your cupcakes a slight rise.
Eggs – 4 large; they are key to achieving the creamy custard consistency.
Sugar – 3 1/4 cups; this might seem like a lot, but it’s essential for that sweet indulgence!
Vanilla Extract – 1 tsp.; a splash of vanilla adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
Lemon Zest – Zest of 2 lemons; this brightens things up and adds a refreshing zing to your Queijadas.

Enjoy the process of making these delicious cupcakes, and remember, your homemade efforts are a heartfelt way to treat yourself and others!

How to Make Queijadas

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray standard-size muffin pans with cooking spray, ensuring you have enough for a 30-count batch. This helps prevent sticking and ensures easy removal!
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add in the whole milk, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This mixture should feel cozy and inviting before you whisk in the other ingredients.
Whisk together the flour and baking powder in a small bowl, and set it aside. This step helps ensure an even mix and eliminates any lumps.
Beat the eggs in a deep mixing bowl for about 1 minute. Gradually add the sugar, one cup at a time, continuing to beat for an additional minute after the last addition until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the vanilla extract and lemon zest to the egg-sugar mixture. Blend it in well—this will infuse the batter with beautiful, aromatic flavors!
Gradually combine 1 cup of the warm milk and melted butter mixture on medium speed. Beat for 30 seconds until incorporated, soaking up all that delicious richness.
Mix in half of the flour mixture, followed by another cup of the milk mixture, beating for 30 seconds after adding the milk. The batter will come together beautifully!
Incorporate the remaining flour and half of the remaining milk next. Beat for 1 minute; you’ll notice the batter’s texture becoming a bit splashy and watery—don’t worry, that’s perfect!
Finish off by adding the last bit of milk and mixing for another 30 seconds to ensure everything is combined evenly. Your batter should now be smooth and silky!
Fill the muffin pans with batter until they are 3/4 full. This allows room for them to rise without overflowing during baking.
Bake for 35–38 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set. A lovely golden hue indicates they are ready!
Cool your cupcakes slightly; they may sink in the center as they stand, which is completely fine. It gives them that classic charm!
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and serve them chilled or at room temperature. They taste delightful either way!

Optional: Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Queijadas are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance, storing it covered in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. Simply mix the ingredients as directed, and instead of baking immediately, refrigerate the bowl. When ready to bake, give the batter a gentle stir and fill your muffin pans before popping them in the preheated oven. For a longer option, you can also bake the Queijadas and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They taste just as delicious whether served chilled or at room temperature, ensuring you have scrumptious cupcakes ready when you need them!

Queijadas Customization Ideas

Dive into a world of flavor and creativity by making these delightful cupcakes your own!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for an equally scrumptious experience. Your gluten-free friends will thank you!
Dairy-Free: Opt for coconut milk and a dairy-free butter alternative. The coconut adds a tropical twist to the classic flavor.
Flavor Boost: For an extra zing, try replacing lemon zest with orange or lime zest. It adds a refreshing citrus kick that delights the palate!
Nutty Addition: Mix in 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, for a delightful crunch in every bite. The texture contrasts beautifully with the creamy custard.
Cocoa Love: To switch things up, incorporate 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. The result is a luscious chocolate version that will satisfy any chocolate lover!
Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or even a hint of nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor that makes these treats perfect for cozy nights.
Fruity Delight: Stir in 1 cup of fresh berries or diced fruit before baking. Strawberries and blueberries add a juicy burst of flavor and vibrant color!
Sweet Swirl: Top each cupcake with a dollop of sweetened cream cheese frosting or a warm chocolate ganache for indulgent finishing touches. They’ll be a show-stopping dessert!

How to Store and Freeze Queijadas

Fridge: Store your queijadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh and ready for a sweet snack at any time!
Freezer: If you want to save some for later, freeze the queijadas in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before wrapping!
Thawing: To enjoy frozen queijadas, simply transfer them to the fridge overnight to thaw, or leave them at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating: If you prefer them warm, heat the queijadas in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. They’ll be delightfully soft and creamy, just like when they were fresh!

Tips for the Best Queijadas

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and milk are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture.
Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing once you add the flour. Too much mixing can lead to dense cupcakes instead of the light, airy queijadas you desire.
Check Doneness: Use a toothpick to test for doneness. Insert it into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it.
Cooling Stage: Allow the queijadas to cool slightly before removing them from the muffin pans. This minimizes the risk of them sticking or breaking apart.
Custom Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with flavorings like almond extract or even a touch of cinnamon to put your unique twist on these Portuguese custard cupcakes!
Storage Tips: Keep uneaten queijadas in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for several days and are perfect for quick treats!

What to Serve with Queijadas?

Building the perfect meal around these delightful Portuguese cupcakes brings everyone to the table for a shared experience of warmth and happiness.

Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries and raspberries balances the sweetness of the Queijadas, creating a harmonious flavor duo. Serve them on the side, and you’ll have a refreshing, colorful addition!
Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, whipped cream adds a luxurious touch to your cupcakes. A dollop on top or a side scoop will elevate their indulgent charm.
Citrus Salad: A zesty citrus salad made with oranges, grapefruits, and a hint of mint offers a bright contrast that enhances the lemony notes in the Queijadas. This pairing is light, refreshing, and utterly delightful!
Coffee or Espresso: What’s better than enjoying your Queijadas with a rich cup of coffee? The deep, robust flavors perfectly complement the sweet, custardy texture of the cupcakes, making each bite more enjoyable.
Dark Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling some velvety dark chocolate sauce over your Queijadas creates a decadent treat that is simply hard to resist. It adds richness while contrasting with the light texture of the cupcakes.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Pairing a slice of cold vanilla ice cream alongside your warm Queijadas introduces a delightful temperature contrast, creating an ultimate comforting dessert experience for all.
Sparkling Wine: For celebratory moments, consider a glass of bubbly sparkling wine. Its effervescence lightens the palate and perfectly complements the sweetness of your Queijadas, making special moments even more memorable.
Coconut Flan: For a lovely dessert trio, serve a slice of creamy coconut flan with your Queijadas. The coconut flavor adds an exotic twist while enhancing the overall sweetness.

Enjoy crafting a meal that resonates with sweetness, joy, and your love for homemade food!

Queijadas Recipe FAQs

What kind of milk should I use for Queijadas?
Absolutely! Whole milk is ideal as it contributes to that rich, custard-like texture that makes Queijadas so delightful. However, if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can also use 2% milk, but keep in mind that it may alter the creaminess just a bit.

How should I store leftover Queijadas?
Very well! To store your delicious Queijadas, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Enjoy them chilled or at room temperature—both options are delicious!

Can I freeze Queijadas, and if so, how?
Definitely! To freeze your Queijadas, first ensure they’ve completely cooled down. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper if needed, to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just remember to label them with the date for easy tracking!

What should I do if my batter is too watery?
No worries! It’s perfectly normal for the batter to be on the watery side—it’s what helps give Queijadas their signature texture. However, if it seems excessively liquidy, you may have accidentally added too much milk or eggs. Try to add a bit more flour (start with a tablespoon at a time) to thicken it up gently without compromising the lovely custard effect!

Are there any dietary considerations for Queijadas?
Good question! Since Queijadas contain dairy and eggs, they are not suitable for those with lactose intolerance or egg allergies. For substitutions, consider using dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk and aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as an egg replacer in a 3:1 ratio. They may change the flavor slightly but can still yield tasty results.

What does the baking time look like for these cupcakes?
Great inquiry! Bake your Queijadas for about 35–38 minutes at 350°F. Keep an eye out for golden edges and a set center to gauge doneness. If a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re good to go! Adding a few extra minutes may be necessary if your oven runs cool—just check often.