Portuguese Dessert
Queijadas de Sintra
Small cinnamon-scented fresh-cheese tarts in crisp pastry shells.
45 minsPrep time
30 minsCook time
Serves 12Servings
HardDifficulty
Nutrition
Estimated nutrition per serving
These figures are estimates per serving. Actual nutrition can vary with the brands and exact amounts you use, how much oil, dressing or sauce is absorbed, any substitutions or added extras, and the portion size served.A practical guide for comparing recipes and planning meals.
410Calories
7gProtein
52gCarbs
21gFat
Ingredients
What you need
- 300 plain flour
- 60 butter
- 400 fresh cheese, well drained
- 250 caster sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 Cinnamon
- 1 lemon zest
Method
Step-by-step method
Follow the recipe in order, tasting and adjusting seasoning where needed.
- Mix flour, butter, a pinch of salt and 140 ml water into a firm dough. Knead 5 minutes, cover and rest 30 minutes.
- Drain fresh cheese thoroughly and mash smooth. Beat with sugar, eggs, cinnamon and lemon zest.
- Roll pastry very thin, about 1 mm, and line twelve greased tart moulds with slight pleats.
- Fill three-quarters full. Bake at 200°C conventional or 180°C fan for 22–28 minutes until browned at the edges and set.
- Cool in moulds for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
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Tips, storage and serving advice
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Ingredient quality
Common mistakes
Chef’s tips
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Make ahead
Storage and reheating
Wine pairing
What to drink with Queijadas de Sintra
These are wine-style pairings, so you can choose any bottle in that style rather than needing one exact producer. Look for the grape, region or style name on the label.Pairings are chosen around the dish’s flavour, texture, richness, acidity and cooking style, not just the country it comes from.
#1
Excellent match
Fortified
Tawny Port
Why it works:
- Flavour bridge: honeyed, floral or dried-fruit notes complement baked and creamy flavours
- Acidity: Acidity provides lift through sweetness and richness
- Body: Body is proportionate to the dessert's weight
- Tannin: Minimal tannin keeps the finish soft
- Sweetness: The wine is at least as sweet as the dish
- Best for: Dinner, entertaining or recipe pairing
#2
Great match
Dessert
Sweet Muscat
Why it works:
- Flavour bridge: honeyed, floral or dried-fruit notes complement baked and creamy flavours
- Acidity: Acidity provides lift through sweetness and richness
- Body: Body is proportionate to the dessert's weight
- Tannin: Minimal tannin keeps the finish soft
- Sweetness: The wine is at least as sweet as the dish
- Best for: Dinner, entertaining or recipe pairing
#3
Interesting match
Dessert
Sauternes / Botrytised Sweet Wine
Why it works:
- Flavour bridge: honeyed, floral or dried-fruit notes complement baked and creamy flavours
- Acidity: Acidity provides lift through sweetness and richness
- Body: Body is proportionate to the dessert's weight
- Tannin: Minimal tannin keeps the finish soft
- Sweetness: The wine is at least as sweet as the dish
- Best for: Dinner, entertaining or recipe pairing
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