Dish

Travesseiros

Travesseiros are made with a flaky pastry shell that is filled with a sweet almond and egg yolk filling. The filling is made with ground almonds, sugar, and egg yolks, which are cooked together until thick and creamy. The pastry shell is made with flour, butter, and water, and is rolled out thinly before being filled with the almond and egg yolk mixture. The pastries are then baked until golden brown and served dusted with powdered sugar.

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Portuguese cuisine

Pastry› Sweet Pastry

Origins and history

Travesseiros have been a traditional pastry in Sintra since the 19th century. They were created by a local baker who wanted to create a pastry that would showcase the almonds that were grown in the region. The pastry became so popular that it was eventually sold to the public, and it has been a beloved dessert in Portugal ever since.

Dietary considerations

Contains nuts and dairy

Variations

There are no major variations of Travesseiros, but some bakers may add a touch of cinnamon or lemon zest to the filling for added flavor.

Presentation and garnishing

Travesseiros are typically served on a small plate or saucer, and are often garnished with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a small piece of almond. To make the pastries look even more elegant, they can be served on a bed of fresh berries or fruit.

Tips & Tricks

To make the pastry shell extra flaky, use cold butter and water when making the dough. This will create layers in the pastry that will give it a delicious flakiness.