Portugal By Food Enthusiasts · 6 min read

National Dish Portugal: Queijadas de Sintra (Recipe)

Queijadas de Sintra cheese tartlets dusted with cinnamon

In this article

Discover Queijadas de Sintra, one of Portugal’s most cherished sweet treats! These dainty little tarts hail from the romantic town of Sintra and combine a delicate curd-cheese filling with the warm fragrance of cinnamon and a bright lift of lemon zest. Tender, lightly spiced and utterly moreish, they are the perfect companion to an afternoon coffee or a special celebration. Bring a taste of the Portuguese pastry tradition straight to your own kitchen.

About Queijadas de Sintra

Queijadas de Sintra are traditional Portuguese sweets that trace their origins to the picturesque town of Sintra. These small, tender tartlets are defined by their sweet filling of curd cheese, sugar and cinnamon. The combination of these ingredients creates an intense, comforting flavour that delights locals and visitors alike. They are ideal for anyone keen to explore Portuguese cuisine, and they make a wonderful afternoon snack or an elegant addition to any special occasion.

Ingredients (serves 1–2)

100 g curd cheese
100 g sugar
2 eggs
50 g plain flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
Butter, for greasing the tin

Shopping for the ingredients

Before you start preparing your Queijadas de Sintra, make sure all the ingredients you need are fresh and of good quality. Pick up the curd cheese from a well-stocked supermarket or a local dairy. Choose fresh eggs and good-quality sugar, as both have a noticeable effect on the flavour of the tartlets. Organic cinnamon is usually easy to find in any supermarket and lifts the aroma of the Queijadas considerably. If you fancy a fruit-based dessert next, the same care over fresh produce pays off in dishes like Bananas fritas.

Preparing the dish

To make truly delicious Queijadas de Sintra, a little careful preparation goes a long way. Start by preheating the oven to 180°C so it reaches the right temperature by the time you are ready to bake. Grease your baking tin with butter to stop the tartlets sticking. Have all the ingredients within easy reach so the whole process runs quickly and smoothly.

Step-by-step instructions

In a large bowl, mix the curd cheese with the sugar until you have a smooth mixture.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well to achieve a uniform batter.
Sift the flour, cinnamon and baking powder into the mixture and fold them in carefully.
Pour the batter into the prepared tin and spread it out evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
Leave to cool before serving and, if you like, dust with a little icing sugar.

Gluten-free / lactose-free version

If you would like to make Queijadas de Sintra gluten-free or lactose-free, a few simple swaps will do the trick. Replace the wheat flour with a gluten-free flour of your choice, such as almond or rice flour. For the lactose-free version, choose an alternative curd or cheese option, or use a plant-based yoghurt product instead. These alternatives mean everyone can enjoy these lovely tartlets without missing out on flavour.

Tips for vegans and vegetarians

The tartlets are naturally vegetarian, and for a vegan version the Queijadas de Sintra are easy to adapt so everyone can share in the treat. Replace the eggs with an egg alternative such as apple purée or soaked chia seeds. These options help keep the batter bound together. Start with the same quantity as you would use for the eggs and you will end up with a delicious vegan variation.

More tips and tricks

One secret to making Queijadas de Sintra even tastier is to add a little lemon zest or orange zest to the filling. These citrus notes complement the sweetness and aroma beautifully, giving the tartlets a refreshing touch. Be sure to grate only the outer skin so no bitterness creeps in. Play around with the baking times too, to find the perfect texture for your personal taste.

Adapting the recipe to your taste

One of the best things about Queijadas de Sintra is how versatile they are. You can vary the filling by adding fresh fruit or nuts for a special accent. A dash of vanilla extract can lend the batter another dimension of flavour as well. Do not be afraid to get creative and experiment to suit your own preferences — the spirit of inventiveness that runs through Portuguese cuisine is yours to enjoy.

Ingredient substitutions

There are plenty of ways to swap the ingredients in Queijadas de Sintra. Instead of sugar you could use honey or stevia to cut down on the sugar content. If you would like a nut-free version, try replacing the curd cheese with a plant-based product that binds well. That way you can shape the tartlets around your own individual needs while still enjoying a delicious dessert — much as you might tailor a sweet rice pudding such as Pudim de Ovos.

Drink pairing ideas

The perfect partners for these delightful Queijadas de Sintra are drinks that echo their flavours. A fine espresso or a fragrant rooibos tea pairs wonderfully with the tartlets, drawing out their sweet notes. Alternatively, a lightly chilled port wine makes for a special indulgent moment. Either way, you create a harmonious match between coffee or tea and these sweet little treats.

Serving and presentation ideas

Queijadas de Sintra can be served attractively for all sorts of occasions. Arrange the tartlets on an elegant cake stand or in small serving boxes for special events. A decorative dusting of icing sugar also gives them an inviting look that will impress your guests. Use fresh berries or mint leaves as a garnish to create a beautiful overall presentation.

A bit of history

Queijadas de Sintra have a long tradition rooted deep in Portuguese culture. These tartlets were originally made by the monks of the convent of Nossa Senhora da Consolação and stand as a symbol of Sintra’s culinary heritage. The combination of curd cheese, sugar and spices reflects the rich history and the many influences that shape Portuguese cooking. Today they remain a much-loved delicacy that brings joy to visitors and locals alike, often served at celebrations and festivities.

More recipe ideas

Summary: Queijadas de Sintra

Queijadas de Sintra are a delicious and versatile dessert that is simple to make and easy to adapt to your own preferences. With a blend of curd cheese, sugar and cinnamon, they offer a unique flavour that feels both traditional and modern. Whether you bake them just for yourself or to mark a special occasion, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds. Let the tradition and rich aromas inspire you, and give these lovely tartlets a try today!