Do you have a sweet tooth? Are you a dessert lover? If your answer is yes, Portugal is a great destination for you. Portuguese desserts are known for their rich flavours, use of traditional ingredients, and a sweet indulgence that reflects the country's culinary heritage. This country really appreciates food, and desserts are no exception. Pastelarias (pastry shops) and padarias (bakeries) are absolutely everywhere and offer the most amazing treats you can imagine.
What are the most famous desserts in Portugal? We're going to find out by looking at a selection of delicious Portuguese sweets. From iconic pastries to innovative takes on international favourites, the range of Portuguese desserts is endless. Whether you're enjoying a delicate cake, a creamy pudding, or a delicious pie, there’s something to satisfy every sweet tooth. Grab a spoon, a fork or just use your hands to dig into the 12 most popular Portuguese desserts.
Arroz doce (rice pudding)
This beloved Portuguese dessert is well-known around the world, with many variations found in different cultures. In Portugal, this is a staple dessert at family gatherings, holidays and special meals. Rice, milk, sugar and cinnamon make up the base of this sweet dish and each family has its own recipe with different twists like vanilla, lemon zest and even egg to thicken the mixture. Once it's cooked, it is decorated with different patterns, usually created with cinnamon.
Pudim ovos
"Pudim de Ovos" in Portugal refers to a traditional Portuguese egg pudding or flan. It's a popular dessert enjoyed throughout the country, and it has a smooth and creamy texture with a rich caramel sauce. You can find it on most restaurant dessert menus and at family gatherings.
Aletria
Aletria is a traditional dessert that you can find on many Portuguese Christmas tables but also prepared all year round. Made from vermicelli pasta (“angel hair” pasta), milk, sugar, egg yolks, cinnamon and lemon or orange zest, it is a comforting dessert, decorated with cinnamon, just like rice pudding, and is one of Portugal's most traditional dessert recipes.
Rabanadas
A delightful Portuguese twist on French toast, Rabanadas are slices of bread soaked in a rich mixture of milk and eggs, fried to a golden perfection, and then generously sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. Traditionally enjoyed during the Christmas season, these sweet treats are a true Portuguese delicacy that capture the essence of festive indulgence.
Baba de Camelo
With its amusing name (Baba de Camelo, which translates to “camel’s drool”), this Portuguese dessert is perfect for those moments when you need a quick yet impressive treat. It’s remarkably simple to make, so take note—you never know when you'll want to wow your guests with a delicious dessert in just minutes. Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks and whisking the whites until stiff. Strain the yolks and mix them with condensed milk, then fold in the egg whites. Refrigerate, and voilà! This delightfully easy cold dessert is a crowd-pleaser, and a fantastic go-to Portuguese recipe when you're short on time.
Leite creme
Leite creme is the Portuguese cousin of “créme brulée”, prepared on the stove instead of in the oven. Leite Creme is a rich custard dessert with a caramelised sugar topping. It's often infused with vanilla or lemon to add extra flavour.
Natas do Céu
This layered dessert has a very fitting name: Natas do Céu or “Cream from Heaven”. On the top layer will find a delicious thick egg custard, followed by a mixture of cream, egg whites and sugar and, on the bottom, a crunchy crumble made with shredded Maria biscuits. A spoonful of happiness in every bite!
Bolo de Bolacha
Traditional Maria biscuits are the star of another famous Portuguese dessert, Bolo de Bolacha. This cold cake-like treat has different recipes across the country and every cook adds their own little touch like cream or condensed milk. The traditional version is prepared with biscuits soaked in strong black coffee and then stacked up with a little help from some buttercream, made with sugar, butter and more coffee.
Bola de Berlim
If you've ever been to a Portuguese beach, especially in the Algarve, chances are you've seen men walking around selling “Bolas de Berlim”. These fried pastries, with a doughnut-like consistency and taste, can be eaten in their plain version (just sprinkled with sugar), or filled with the same egg cream you’ll find in so many Portuguese desserts. After a long day at the beach there is nothing better than this sweet doughnut and these days you can even find alternative versions like chocolate or carob cream-filled Bolas de Berlim.
Pão de Deus
This Portuguese dessert name literally means “God’s Bread” and it sure is heavenly. This moist brioche-like roll of dough is perfectly portioned and topped with a coconut crumble, too scrumptious to resist. You can find it in most “pastelarias” and it is the perfect companion to a great cup of coffee.
Toucinho do Céu
Speaking about desserts from heaven, Toucinho do Céu, literally meaning “Bacon from Heaven” is a delicious almond cake, made with pork lard, hence the word bacon in the name. It was created by the nuns of the Santa Clara Convent, in the north of the country, and it is one of the most popular Portuguese desserts you can find. Don’t be put off by the name because the taste is incredible!
Pastéis de Belém/Pastéis de Nata
Perhaps the most famous Portuguese dessert, Pastel de Nata or Pastel de Belém is a custard tart pastry with a crisp, flaky crust and a creamy custard filling. This is a true icon when it comes to dishes to try in Portugal. The famous store and factory in Lisbon still holds the secret recipe for these little custard pies but many pastry shops and bakeries have presented their own take on it and sell “Pastéis de Nata”.
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