Portugal’s dessert scene is as rich and diverse as its history, offering a wide range of sweet treats that perfectly reflect the country’s culture and culinary tradition. From crispy pastries to creamy custards, there’s something for every sweet tooth. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, trying these desserts is a must when exploring the heart of Portuguese cuisine. Below are 26 must-try desserts that showcase the best of Portugal’s sugary delights.

1. Pastel de Nata

Arguably the most famous Portuguese dessert, the pastel de nata is a custard tart with a crispy, flaky crust and a creamy filling. The best ones are baked fresh, with the custard slightly caramelized on top. Although it originated in the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, you can find variations throughout the country. A visit to Pastéis de Belém, the birthplace of this iconic treat, is highly recommended.

2. Arroz Doce

Arroz doce, or Portuguese rice pudding, is a comforting dessert made with short-grain rice, milk, sugar, and eggs, infused with a hint of cinnamon and lemon zest. This simple, creamy treat is perfect for those who enjoy classic, wholesome flavors.

3. Rabanadas

This Portuguese version of French toast is made by soaking slices of bread in milk, sugar, eggs, and lemon zest, then frying them to golden perfection. Rabanadas are especially popular during Christmas and Easter and are often sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar for added flavor.

4. Queijada

Queijada is a traditional Portuguese cheesecake made from eggs, sugar, cheese, and a hint of lemon. Often baked in tart shells, this simple but delicious dessert is especially famous in the Azores, where it has a long history.

5. Pão De Deus

Pão de Deus, or “Bread of God,” is a sweet bread originating from Sintra. Made with eggs, butter, sugar, and sometimes raisins or citron, it has a light, airy texture and a delightful balance of sweet and salty flavors. This treat has been a favorite in Portugal for centuries.

6. Serradura

Serradura, or “sawdust,” is a dessert made with crushed Maria cookies layered with whipped cream and condensed milk, sometimes flavored with vanilla. It’s simple to make but incredibly indulgent, with a satisfying mix of creamy and crunchy textures.

7. Travesseiro

Travesseiro, meaning “pillow,” is a delicate puff pastry filled with an almond mixture and dusted with powdered sugar. This dessert, originating in Sintra, offers a delightful contrast between flaky pastry and a rich, nutty filling.

8. Suspiros

Suspiros, or “sighs,” are meringue-based cookies that are light, airy, and slightly chewy on the inside. These simple treats are often flavored with lemon zest or dipped in chocolate for added indulgence.

9. Bolo De Arroz

This rice cake is a light, fluffy dessert made with rice flour, sugar, and eggs. Often served as a snack with coffee, bolo de arroz is subtly sweet and has a delightful texture that sets it apart from other Portuguese cakes.

10. Bolo Rei

Bolo Rei, or “King Cake,” is a traditional Portuguese cake typically enjoyed during Christmas. Made with a sweet, rich dough and filled with candied fruits, nuts, and raisins, Bolo Rei is a symbol of abundance and good fortune for the new year.

11. Folar De Pascoa

Folar de Páscoa is an Easter bread that comes in both sweet and savory varieties. The sweet version often includes citrus zest and anise, while the savory kind features cured meats and a hard-boiled egg in the center, symbolizing rebirth.

12. Bolo De Bolacha

Bolo de bolacha, or “cookie cake,” is a no-bake dessert made by layering coffee-soaked Maria biscuits with a rich custard filling. This treat is simple to prepare yet incredibly satisfying, with the coffee adding a perfect balance of bitterness to the sweet custard.

13. Baba de Camelo

Baba de Camelo, or “Camel’s Drool,” is a rich, caramel-flavored mousse made with egg whites and sweetened condensed milk. Often served chilled, this indulgent dessert is creamy, airy, and absolutely delicious.

14. Leite Creme

Leite Creme is Portugal’s answer to crème brûlée. This custard dessert is made with eggs, sugar, and milk, and topped with a caramelized sugar crust. The contrast between the creamy custard and the crunchy caramel is simply divine.

15. Natas do Céu

Natas do Céu, or “Creams of Heaven,” is a layered dessert made with whipped cream, meringue, and crumbled cookies. It’s light and fluffy, with each bite offering a mix of creamy sweetness and a hint of crunch from the cookies.

16. Toucinho do Céu

Toucinho do Céu, or “Bacon from Heaven,” is an almond-based cake made with egg yolks, sugar, and ground almonds. Despite its name, there’s no bacon involved—just a dense, sweet cake with a rich, nutty flavor.

17. Sericaia

This custard-like dessert from the Alentejo region is infused with cinnamon and sometimes lemon zest. Baked until set, Sericaia is often served with sweet preserved plums, adding a fruity contrast to the creamy dessert.

18. Farófias

Farófias are fluffy meringue clouds poached in a sweetened milk sauce. With a soft, marshmallow-like texture and a delicate vanilla or lemon flavor, Farófias are a comforting and light dessert.

19. Pudim de Ovos

Pudim de ovos is a classic Portuguese egg custard, similar to flan. Made with eggs, sugar, and milk, it’s baked until smooth and silky, with a light caramelized top that adds depth to the flavor.

20. Mousse de Chocolate

Mousse de chocolate is a rich, creamy chocolate mousse made with dark chocolate, eggs, and butter. Its smooth, velvety texture and deep chocolate flavor make it a favorite among chocolate lovers.

21. Morgado do Bussaco

Morgado do Bussaco is a luxurious dessert made from almond filling layered between ladyfingers and topped with meringue. This indulgent treat offers a combination of textures, with the soft, nutty filling contrasting beautifully with the light meringue.

22. Encharcada de Ovos

Encharcada de ovos, or “Drenched in Eggs,” is a sweet, egg-based dessert made with egg yolks, sugar, and water. The result is a syrupy, custard-like treat with a rich, golden hue.

23. Salame de Chocolate

Salame de chocolate is a no-bake dessert made with dark chocolate, Maria cookies, and butter. The mixture is shaped into a log, chilled, and then sliced to reveal a delicious combination of chocolate and cookies.

24. Pão De Ló

Pão de ló is a light, airy sponge cake made with eggs, sugar, and flour. It’s incredibly moist and soft, making it a perfect base for layered desserts or simply enjoyed on its own with a cup of coffee.

25. Bolo De Berlim

Bolo de Berlim is a Portuguese version of the German Berliner donut. Filled with a rich, eggy custard and dusted with sugar, this sweet treat is a beloved snack, especially in coastal areas.

26. Ovos Moles

Ovos moles de Aveiro is a unique dessert made with egg yolks, sugar, and water, cooked into a thick syrup and encased in a delicate wafer shell. These treats are a specialty of the Aveiro region and are both sweet and luxurious.

Conclusion

Portugal’s desserts are a true reflection of the country’s rich culinary history and resourceful kitchens. From creamy custards to light pastries, these 26 desserts offer a delightful journey through the flavors of Portugal. Whether you’re indulging in a traditional treat like pastel de nata or trying something new like ovos moles, there’s no shortage of sweet delights to enjoy.