Sweets and Desserts in the Algarve

15-11-2022

The Algarve is famous for its sweets and desserts. From honey cake and almond cake to rice pudding and empanadilhas, these traditional desserts will delight your senses. If you’re heading to this region of Portugal for your next vacation, be sure to try some of the many delicacies prepared there. These tasty desserts are inspired by the region’s Moorish past and have been passed down through the generations.

dom rodrigos

Dom Rodrigos is a traditional dessert made from eggs, cinnamon, almonds and sugar. True icons of Algarve confectionery, these tiny cakes are usually decorated with regional motifs.

Queijinhos de Amendoas

Queijinhos de amendoas or “little almond cheeses” are made with eggs, sugar and almonds. It is an easy recipe that you can try at any time. This delicious dessert comes under many different forms and names, and can be found in a wide variety of restaurants, from cafes and pubs to fine dining.

dumplings

Also known as sweet potato fritters, empanadilhas are a delicious dessert covered in dough and fried to perfection. Its flavor is similar to sweet potato pie. The recipe contains flour, mashed potatoes, fresh whole milk ricotta, salt, cinnamon, and sugar.

Twelve rice

Arroz Doce is a must for Christmas parties. This popular rice pudding is a delight to end any meal. Contains white rice, whole milk, sugar, eggs and fresh lemon peel. The dessert is usually decorated with cinnamon.

Morgadinhos of Amendoa

Morgadinhos de Amêndoa or almond cake is a typical Algarve dessert. These sweets are made with marzipan, almond dough and eggs. Shape them the way you want and paint them with food coloring.

children

Filhós or Portuguese fried fritters are a traditional Christmas dessert in the Algarve. Varieties of this recipe can be found all over the country. They are usually made with flour, eggs, fresh yeast, cinnamon and sugar. You can also add milk and lemon zest. Many families prepare this dessert throughout the year.

Figo’s complaint

This tasty delicacy is made with fresh figs that grow abundantly in the Algarve. Although its name means “fig cheese,” this recipe doesn’t even call for cheese. To prepare the Queijo de Figo you need dried figs, almonds, sugar, water, anise seeds, powdered chocolate, cinnamon and lemon peel. These little cakes look like little wheels of cheese. They are very easy to make and a perfect complement to your daily menu.