Olá! Luís here and today, I’d like to take you on a journey through some of my favourite Portuguese sweet treats. While the Pastel de Nata is undeniably the most popular Portuguese pastry, there are plenty of other sweet treats that'll have you licking your lips.
Bola de Berlim
Let’s start with a personal favourite, Bola de Berlim. This Portuguese take on the doughnut brings back fond memories of summer trips to the beach, where you’ll often find locals selling them right on the sand.
Buy 20x Bola de Berlim with extra filling
Bola de Berlim is a fluffy, golden doughnut filled with a rich, creamy custard. Unlike the American doughnut, which typically has a hole in the middle, Bola de Berlim is filled to the brim with the custard and dusted with a light coating of sugar. The custard inside is what makes it uniquely Portuguese, often infused with a hint of lemon or vanilla that gives it a distinct and irresistible flavour.
Whether enjoyed as a mid-morning treat or an afternoon indulgence, Bola de Berlim is a true crowd-pleaser.
Patas de Veado
Another gem of Portuguese patisserie is the Patas de Veado, which translates to “Deer’s Hoof.” The name comes from the crescent shape the cake takes on after it’s rolled and sliced.
Patas de Veado is a rolled sponge cake filled with a sweet egg cream (doce de ovos) and often topped with a layer of coconut or a sugary glaze. The cake is light and moist, with a delicate texture that pairs perfectly with the rich, velvety filling. The name comes from the crescent shape the cake takes on after it’s rolled and sliced.
This treat is a favourite at family gatherings and celebrations, often served in small slices that leave everyone coming back for more.
Guardanapos
If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll fall in love with Guardanapos, a simple yet divine treat that is as charming as its name, which means “napkins” in Portuguese.
Guardanapos are small, triangle-shaped sponge cakes filled with a thick, creamy egg custard. The cake is then folded over the filling, resembling a folded napkin—hence the name. The sponge is light and airy, providing the perfect contrast to the rich and smooth custard inside.
Guardanapos are the kind of treat that can turn an ordinary coffee break into a special moment. Their simplicity is part of their charm, and they have a way of bringing a smile to anyone’s face with just one bite.
Rice Cake Panidor
One of the lesser-known but equally delicious Portuguese sweets is the Rice Cake Panidor. This treat is a wonderful example of how Portuguese bakers have mastered the art of using humble ingredients to create something truly special.
Rice Cake Panidor is a traditional Portuguese cake made primarily with rice flour, giving it a unique texture that is both dense and moist. The cake is subtly sweet, often flavoured with a hint of lemon or cinnamon, and has a beautiful golden colour.
This cake is perfect for those who appreciate a dessert that isn’t overly sweet but still satisfying. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a lovely choice for an afternoon snack or a light dessert after a meal.
Bolo Xadrez
Last but certainly not least is the Bolo Xadrez, or “Checkerboard Cake.” This treat looks and tastes great, perfect for special occasions when you want to impress your guests.
Buy 16x portions of Bolo Xadrez
Bolo Xadrez is a cake that features an intricate checkerboard pattern when sliced. This effect is achieved by alternating layers of vanilla and chocolate sponge cake, assembled in a way that creates the checkerboard design. The cake is often covered in a rich layer of chocolate ganache or icing, adding an extra touch of indulgence.
Making Bolo Xadrez requires a bit more skill and patience, but the result is well worth the effort.
Why Choose Divino.je for Your Portuguese Sweet Treats?
At Divino, we love bringing you the best of Portuguese cuisine, including these delightful sweet treats. There are plenty of great bakeries in Jersey where you can sample each of the treats I mentioned above. But if you’re looking to cater for more than a handful of people, our flash frozen, bulk buys are a great way to save money.