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Portuguese Queijadas Recipe

Queijadas: Portuguese Cheesecake Tarts


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4.8 from 10 reviews

  • Author: Rochelle Ramos
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 14-16 queijadas 1x

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

Units Scale

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