Description
Portuguese Queijadas are small, creamy cheese tarts with a flaky pastry crust and a lightly spiced filling. Traditionally enjoyed warm, queijadas have a soft, custard-like texture that pairs beautifully with the crust.
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp (5g) salt
1 tbsp (15g) unsalted butter, melted
Warm water, as needed (approx. 1/4 to 1/2 cup or 60-120ml)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese or dry cottage cheese
1 cup (250g) cream goat cheese
1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
4 large egg yolks
1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pastry Dough
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour and salt, whisking to mix evenly.
- Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the melted butter.
- Gradually add warm water, a few tablespoons at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to pull together. Continue adding water until a firm, non-sticky dough ball forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight for easier rolling and better texture.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the ricotta cheese, cream goat cheese, and sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add in the egg yolks, flour, and cinnamon, mixing until well incorporated and the batter is smooth. Set aside.
3. Roll Out and Cut the Pastry Dough
- Remove the chilled pastry dough from the refrigerator.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch (3mm) thickness.
- Using a cookie cutter or glass, cut out rounds of dough that fit into your muffin tin molds. Gently press each round into a well-greased muffin tin to form the tart crusts.
4. Fill and Bake the Queijadas
- Spoon the cheese filling mixture into each prepared tart crust, filling about 3/4 of the way full to leave room for expansion as they bake.
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops turn a light golden brown and the filling is set.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before carefully removing each queijada from the tin.
5. Serve
- Serve the queijadas warm for the best texture, or let them cool to room temperature.
Notes
Pastry Dough: Chilling the dough helps it roll out more easily and provides a flakier texture.
Filling Consistency: Be sure to blend the cheeses and sugar until smooth for a creamy filling.
Storage: Store leftover queijadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Portuguese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg