Cavacas - Portuguese Delight

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
• For the glaze: For the glaze:
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration (optional) Sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 31g, 18g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until well combined.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
5. 5.
   Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each.
6. 6.
   Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the Cavacas are golden brown and cooked through.
7. 7.
   While the Cavacas are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
8. 8.
   Once the Cavacas have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top of each pastry. Decorate with sprinkles or colored sugar, if desired.
9. 9.
   Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Eggs — Make sure the eggs are at room temperature before using them in the recipe to ensure better incorporation into the batter.
• Lemon zest — Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the batter.
• If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add a little more powdered sugar to achieve the desired sweetness.
• To make the Cavacas more festive, use colored sprinkles or sugar for decoration.
• Serve the Cavacas with a cup of Portuguese coffee for an authentic experience.
• Store any leftover Cavacas in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Serving advice

Serve the Cavacas as a delightful treat alongside a cup of coffee or tea. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack throughout the day.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Cavacas on a decorative platter, allowing the glaze to glisten in the light. Sprinkle some colored sugar or sprinkles on top for an extra touch of charm.