Sweets and desserts

Toucinho do céu

Conventual sweet made from egg yolks, sugar and almonds, dense and delicate.

RegionConvent pastry / several regions
DifficultyMedium
Total time1 h
Yield10 slices
Photo of Toucinho do céu — traditional Portuguese recipe
Photo of the traditional Portuguese recipe.

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

About the recipe

Toucinho do céu belongs to Portugal’s convent pastry tradition, marked by egg yolks, sugar and almonds.

The curious name refers to old preparations, although many current versions do not carry bacon.

It is an intense sweet, served in small slices.

Ingredients

  • 250 g sugar
  • 120 ml water
  • 250 g of ground almonds
  • 8 gems
  • 2 whole eggs
  • 1 tablespoon of butter
  • Optional cinnamon
  • Powdered sugar

Method

  1. Prepare syrup with sugar and light water.
  2. Add almonds and butter, mixing until it forms a paste.
  3. Let cool slightly.
  4. Add beaten egg yolks and eggs, stirring constantly.
  5. Take the pan greased and lined with paper.
  6. Bake until firm and finish with sugar.

Tips from Empório Portugal

  • Do not mix eggs into the very hot syrup.
  • The candy should be moist, not dry.
  • Serve in small portions.

Possible substitutions in Brazil

  • Almond flour can replace ground almonds.
  • Unsalted butter maintains clean flavor.

Pairing

Tawny Port or coffee. Content intended for adults 18+. Drink responsibly.

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.

Submit my recipe

Quick facts

Prep
25 min
Cooking
35 min
Total time
1 h
Yield
10 slices
Difficulty
Medium
Occasion
Celebration dessert

Pairing

Tawny Port or coffee. Content intended for adults 18+. Drink responsibly.

Empório tip

Do not mix eggs into the very hot syrup.

Carta de Portugal

Receive Portuguese recipes, guides and stories.

An editorial selection from Empório Portugal, without exaggerated promises and with respect for your privacy.

Subscribe to the newsletter