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Portuguese Coconut Cakes (Bolos de Coco)

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These Portuguese Coconut Cakes are tender, fragrant, and delightfully sweet. Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or dessert, they capture the authentic flavors of traditional Portuguese baking in a simple, approachable recipe.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large eggs
  • 200 grams (1 cup) sugar
  • 150 grams (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
  • 100 grams (1 cup) desiccated coconut
  • 125 ml (½ cup) milk
  • 100 grams (7 tablespoons) butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease cake molds or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy.
  3. Gradually add melted butter and vanilla extract, stirring continuously.
  4. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Fold in desiccated coconut.
  5. Slowly incorporate the dry mixture into the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Begin and end with dry ingredients. Fold gently to avoid overmixing.
  6. Pour batter into molds, filling about two-thirds full.
  7. Bake for 25–30 minutes for individual cakes or 35–40 minutes for a larger cake. Test with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
  8. Let cakes cool in molds for 5–10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle a light coconut glaze before serving.

Notes

Customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or a touch of honey.

Cakes can be prepared the night before and baked the next day.

Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.

  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 40