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Queijadinha (Bahian coconut and cheese cakes)
Queijadinha: little baked cakes of coconut, condensed milk, egg and cheese with a golden crust
In Salvador's Pelourinho and on the steps of the Largo do Pelourinho, baianas in white lace sell queijadinhas from wooden trays alongside cocadas: little paper cases of coconut and cheese that bake into a chewy, golden top over a soft, custardy layer. They are sweet with a salty edge from the cheese, perfect with a strong coffee in the afternoon. They contain egg and milk. Traditional Parmesan is made with animal rennet, so choose a hard cheese labelled vegetarian. Chef's tip: bake them until the tops are properly golden; pale queijadinhas never get their crusty top layer.
- Total time
- 45 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 12
Ingredients
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk1 tin
- 3 ½ oz desiccated coconut
- 1 ¾ oz vegetarian hard cheese (Parmesan style)finely grated
- 1 tbsp buttermelted
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Method
0/5 doneStep 1: Heat the oven to 350°F (325°F fan) and set 24 mini paper cases in a mini muffin tray.
5 minStep 2: Mix 14 oz sweetened condensed milk, 3 ½ oz desiccated coconut, 3 egg yolks, 1 ¾ oz vegetarian hard cheese (Parmesan style) and 1 tbsp butter until evenly combined.
3 minStep 3: Fill the cases three-quarters full. Common mistake: filling to the top; the mixture bubbles over and catches.
5 minStep 4: Bake for 20–25 minutes, until deep golden on top and at the edges and set when gently shaken.
25 minStep 5: Cool completely in the tray, about 30 minutes, so the soft layer underneath sets. They keep for 3 days in an airtight box.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 200 kcal
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbs
- 21 g
- Fat
- 11 g
- Fibre
- 2 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does queijadinha (Bahian coconut and cheese cakes) take?
- About 45 minutes in total: 20 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 12 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegetarian?
- Yes. It has no meat or fish.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk?
- Oat, soy or almond milk, same amount (use unsweetened for savoury dishes).
- What can I use instead of butter?
- The same weight of ghee or coconut oil (for frying and most baking).
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