Sweets and desserts

Cavacas

Light, crisp biscuits finished with a white sugar glaze.

RegionBeiras / Nationwide
DifficultyMedium
Total time50 min
Yield16 units
Photo of Cavacas - traditional Portuguese sweet
Photo of the traditional Portuguese recipe.

Editorial content from Empório Portugal. Traditional recipes may vary by region, family and cook.

About the recipe

Cavacas appear in several Portuguese regions, with shapes and textures that vary with local tradition.

In this editorial version they stay light, with a white sugar coating and the feel of a village feast.

Ingredients

  • 4 eggs
  • 180 g of flour
  • 80 ml mild olive oil or oil
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 250 g icing sugar
  • Lemon juice, as needed
  • Optional lemon zest

Method

  1. Beat the eggs until pale and airy.
  2. Add the oil and flour gradually.
  3. Shape small portions on a baking tray.
  4. Bake until set and lightly golden.
  5. Mix the icing sugar with lemon juice to make the glaze.
  6. Glaze the cooled cavacas and leave to dry.

Tips from Empório Portugal

  • An airy batter keeps the cavacas light.
  • The glaze should be thick enough to coat.
  • Allow them to cool completely before glazing.

Possible substitutions in Brazil

  • Neutral oil replaces mild olive oil.
  • Sicilian lemon can perfume the frosting.

Pairing

Coffee or tea. No mandatory alcoholic beverage.

Editorial note from Empório Portugal

This recipe is part of the editorial curation of Empório Portugal, developed from Portuguese culinary tradition. Like every traditional recipe, it may vary by region, family and cook.

Do you have a Portuguese family recipe?

Send it to the Empório Portugal community. Submitted recipes are reviewed before any publication.

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Quick facts

Prep
25 min
Cooking
25 min
Total time
50 min
Yield
16 units
Difficulty
Medium
Occasion
Parties, coffee, sweet snack

Pairing

Coffee or tea. No mandatory alcoholic beverage.

Empório tip

An airy batter keeps the cavacas light.

Carta de Portugal

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