🍰 Bolo Rei and Bolo Rainha: The “King’s cake” and “Queen’s cake”can be found in each and every pastelaria during the Christmas season and even after that. The cake is traditionally served on Christmas Eve in Portugal and is made of brioche dough with lots of dried fruits and nuts. However, it is good to note that Bolo Rainha, “Queen’s cake” is made without the dried fruits, which many people prefer.
Even though it is included in Portuguese Christmas traditions, it has not always been served. It all started in the beginning of the 19th century when the oldest pastelaria Confeitaria Nacional introduces it to the public. The Bolo Rei is an adaptation of the French King’s cake which is served during Christmas season.
🧇 Rabanadas: The Rabanadas are another desert made on Christmas Eve, which is basically a French toast, but the bread is soaked in Port wine. I know! That sounds a bit weird, buuuut to be quite honest – it tastes amazing!
🥞 Sonhos: Sonhos are literally a DREAM come true when it comes to Christmas sweets. These mouthwatering little doughnuts with sugar and cinnamon will make every foodie drool. Fun fact, the name of the sweets “Sonhos” literally translates as “dreams”. How cute is that?! 🤤
🍩 Filhós: The Filhós is a type of stretched fried dough that resembles and is coated with sugar and cinnamon. In fact, the desert originated from Madeira island and was later spread through the mainland of Portugal.
🥧 Aletria: This noodles pudding serves as a proof how much Portugal and the region has been influenced by the Moorish people. The desert was introduced to the land long time ago and is a typical Arabic desert. It is usually prepared in huge trays and consists of lots of noodles, milk, butter, a hint of lemon and cinnamon.
🍪 Azevias: Okay, so if you want to try something different and interesting in taste you can opt for the Azevias! These are the “Portuguese fortune cookies” filled with a fillings of chickpeas and ground almonds. Again, they are coated with sugar and cinnamon and taste amazing! Not too sweet, not too salty. Absolutely delish!