As a Brit who relocated to Portugal, I quickly discovered that the Portuguese love their desserts just as much as we do back in the UK. Whether it’s the world-famous pastéis de nata or little-known convent sweets, there’s always something sweet to celebrate. On Portugal Made Easy, I’ve shared guides to settling in, from sorting your NIF to understanding internet options, and believe me, navigating bakers in Portugal is just another part of that same comforting journey.
Portuguese desserts often trace back to convents (the so-called doces conventuais), elaborate recipes born in monasteries, using egg yolks (the whites went to starch), sugar, almonds, and cane. These rich concoctions echo traditions of celebration and community. After all, sweets here aren’t just treats, they’re stories on a plate.
Pasteis de Nata (The Famous Custard Tart)
No article on Portuguese desserts would be complete without honoring the legendary pastel de nata. This flaky pastry filled with creamy custard is Portuguese dessert royalty. My favourite find? A small pastelaria in Belém where locals queue early every morning. A piping hot tart dusted with cinnamon alongside a strong Portuguese coffee? Irresistible.
Ask for it warm. Dust it with cinnamon and powdered sugar. Pair it with a bica (espresso), and never use a fork, just dig in with your hands. Locals usually eat them mid-morning or as a post-lunch treat.
Travesseiros de Sintra
On a day trip to Sintra (a must-visit if you’re moving to Portugal), I stumbled upon travesseiros at the famous Piriquita bakery. Translating to “pillows,” these pastries are long, puffed rectangles filled with almond and egg cream.
Soft, flaky, and not overly sweet, they’re best enjoyed with a panoramic view of the Palácio da Pena and a warm cup of tea. Honestly, it’s worth the train ride just for these alone.
Queijadas de Sintra and Évora
Also native to Sintra, queijadas are small cheese tarts made with fresh cheese, sugar, eggs, and cinnamon. Don’t be misled by the word “cheese”, these are far more dessert than savoury snack.
Other regions have their own takes. Queijadas de Évora are denser and spicier, perfect for a cool afternoon in the Alentejo region.
Bola de Berlim
Move over jam doughnuts. In Portugal, it’s all about Bola de Berlim, a fried dough ball split open and stuffed with thick yellow egg custard. And the best place to get one? The beach.
During the summer months (especially Portugal in July), vendors roam the sands of Algarve and Cascais shouting “Bola de Berlim!” from their carts. Eating one while the sea laps at your feet is practically a rite of passage for every expat.
Toucinho do Céu
Despite the name, there’s no actual bacon. The name refers to its convent origin, where the richness was seen as heavenly. Made with almond flour, sugar, and egg yolks, this dense cake tastes like marzipan and caramel had a beautiful baby.
You’ll often see it served in triangular slices with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Seasonal & Festive Sweets
Living in Portugal, I quickly learned that every celebration has its own dessert.
Christmas
From rabanadas (similar to French toast) to sonhos (fried dough balls), the Christmas table is packed with delights. Christmas in Portugal also includes bolo rei, a ring-shaped cake full of dried fruits and nuts, topped with candied fruits.
Easter & Other Festivals
Easter brings folar de Páscoa, a sweet bread often with a whole egg baked into its crust. It symbolizes rebirth and is given as a gift to godparents.
Saints Festivals & Summer Fairs
During Portugal in June, the Santos Populares celebrations include grilled sardines and heaps of sweets. Markets serve up filhós, malassadas, and other fried goodies under festive bunting and lively music.
My British Perspective & Sweet Culture Shock
Back in the UK, puddings and jammy slices were everyday fare. Here, I found butter-rich obsessiveness, nougat textures, and a proud dessert ritual. It’s part of the charm of moving to Portugal, you gradually learn to appreciate these subtleties, much like navigating the NIF or setting up broadband (Internet in Portugal guidance saved me many times!).
Portugal’s Desserts Through the Months
Planning your move or visit? Here’s what to expect each month in terms of sweets:
| Month | Desserts to Look For |
|---|---|
| January | Rabanadas, Bolo Rei leftovers |
| March | Queijadas, almond cakes |
| April | Folar de Páscoa |
| June | Santos Populares sweets |
| August | Bola de Berlim (beach!) |
| October | Chestnut cakes, honey cookies |
| December | Bolo Rei, sonhos, rabanadas |
Where to Enjoy & Explore
Whether you’ve just arrived from the UK, USA, or Canada, you’ll want to venture into Lisbon’s pastelarias, Porto cafés, or Sintra’s pastry shops. For tips on smoother relocations, see these guides: Moving to Portugal from UK, from USA, and from Canada. Delight in each region’s take on custard tarts and almond cakes.
Saving on Sweets When Migrating
Desserts can be budget-friendly! Supermarkets have trays of pastéis de nata for under €1 each. Independent pastelarias can be pricier, but also tastier. If you’re budgeting for a Golden Visa or D2 visa, and counting costs, sweet treats can fit into your lifestyle budget very easily.
As a British guy navigating life in Portugal, discovering pastéis de nata was one of those comfort moments that made everything feel just right. With every flaky bite, you taste centuries of history and warmth. Whether you’re sorting visas, schooling, or setting up utilities after moving to Portugal, don’t forget to pause for a dessert, you’ll cherish it as much as I do.