Dish

Bolo de mel

Honey Cake

Bolo de mel is a rich and dense cake that is made by mixing honey, sugar, eggs, and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. The mixture is then combined with flour and baked until golden brown. Bolo de mel is a popular dessert in Madeira and is often served during the Christmas season.

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Portuguese cuisine

Dessert› Cake

Origins and history

Bolo de mel originated in Madeira and has been a traditional dessert on the island for centuries. It was originally made by local farmers as a way to preserve honey throughout the year.

Dietary considerations

Contains gluten and eggs. Not suitable for people with gluten or egg allergies.

Variations

Variations of Bolo de mel include adding chopped nuts or dried fruit to the mixture before baking. Some recipes also call for the addition of alcohol such as Madeira wine or rum.

Presentation and garnishing

To prevent the cake from sticking to the pan, it is important to grease the pan with butter or oil before baking. Once the cake is baked, it can be presented on a plate and garnished with powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey.

Tips & Tricks

Bolo de mel is a dense cake, so it is important to bake it thoroughly to ensure that it is cooked all the way through. It can also be stored in an airtight container for several days to allow the flavors to develop.