Bolo De Bolacha Recipe
Discover the luscious world of Portuguese cuisine with our delectable Bolo de Bolacha recipe. A taste of Portugal in every bite!
- Publisher: Crisp Recipe
- Cuisine: Portuguese
- Category: Dessert
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Servings: 8
- Calories: 300 calories
Bolo De Bolacha
Bolo de Bolacha, a beloved Portuguese dessert, is a delightful no-bake cake that combines simplicity with deliciousness. This dessert's name translates to "cookie cake," and that's exactly what it is – layers of sweet, slightly soaked cookies alternating with a creamy filling. Bolo de Bolacha is a classic in Portuguese households, and it's often made for special occasions and family gatherings.
The heart of this dessert lies in its creamy filling. A mixture of sweetened condensed milk, milk, egg yolks, and a touch of vanilla extract is cooked until it thickens, resulting in a luscious custard-like cream. This creamy filling is generously spread between layers of cookies. Maria or Digestive biscuits are traditionally used, and they are briefly dipped in milk to soften them without becoming overly soggy.
One of the best things about Bolo de Bolacha is its simplicity – no baking is required, and it's relatively quick to prepare. After layering the cookies and cream, the dessert is chilled in the refrigerator for several hours, which allows the cookies to absorb the flavors and soften, creating a delightful texture. Before serving, it's common to dust the top with cocoa powder or crushed cookies for a finishing touch.
Bolo de Bolacha embodies the Portuguese love for sweet, comforting desserts. It's a dessert that brings people together, whether for a festive occasion or just as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee. The contrast between the creamy filling and the softened cookies makes it a delightful indulgence that's worth trying for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Recipe
Indulge in authentic Portuguese flavors with our Bolo de Bolacha recipe. Create a delicious dessert that's a sweet slice of Portugal at home!
Ingredients
- 500g of Maria or Digestive biscuits (you can use other plain, sweet biscuits)
- 1 can (400g) of sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups of milk
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Method Instructions
- Begin by making the cream. In a saucepan, mix the sweetened condensed milk, milk, and egg yolks. Dissolve the cornstarch in a little bit of milk and add it to the mixture. Stir well.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the cream thickens. This might take about 10-15 minutes. Once thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool.
- In a shallow dish, pour a small amount of the cream to create a thin layer at the bottom.
- Quickly dip each cookie into milk and arrange them in a layer on top of the cream. You want the cookies to be soaked but not soggy.
- Spread a layer of the cream on top of the cookies. Repeat the process, layering cookies and cream until you run out of ingredients. Make sure to finish with a layer of cream on top.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours or overnight. This allows the cookies to soften and the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, you can dust the top with cocoa powder or crushed cookies for decoration, if you like.
Recipe Video
This is a video about Bolo De Bolacha.
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Recipe Tags: Bolo De Bolacha, Bolo De Bolacha Recipe, Recipe
Servings
Serving Bolo de Bolacha is quite simple and elegant. Here's how to do it:
- Chilled: This dessert is typically served cold, so make sure it has been adequately chilled in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours or overnight. This chilling time allows the cookies to soften and the flavors to meld together.
- Portioning: Use a sharp knife to slice the Bolo de Bolacha into individual servings. It's often served in rectangular or square slices, similar to a cake.
- Plating: Place each slice on a dessert plate or a decorative dish. You can use a flat spatula to transfer the slice neatly.
- Garnish (Optional): To enhance the presentation, you can dust the top of each slice with cocoa powder or sprinkle crushed cookies. This not only adds a decorative touch but also provides a hint of extra flavor.
- Accompaniments (Optional): Bolo de Bolacha is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce if you want to make it extra special.
Tips
- Chill Thoroughly: The key to a great Bolo de Bolacha is to let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the cookies to absorb the flavors and become tender.
- Consistency of Cream: Pay close attention when cooking the cream. It should be thick enough to spread but not overly thick like custard. Stir constantly to avoid lumps.
- Cookie Soaking: When dipping the cookies in milk, make sure to do it quickly. You want them to be moist but not completely soggy, as they'll continue to absorb moisture while chilling.
- Variations: Get creative with your Bolo de Bolacha. You can add a layer of fruit (like sliced bananas or strawberries) between the cookies and cream for added freshness and flavor.
- Decoration: While it's common to dust the top with cocoa powder or crushed cookies, feel free to decorate your Bolo de Bolacha with other toppings, such as chocolate shavings or chopped nuts, for a personalized touch.
- Portion Control: Bolo de Bolacha is rich, so consider smaller portion sizes. A little goes a long way, and smaller slices are often more satisfying.
- Serve with Coffee or Tea: Bolo de Bolacha pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. The slightly bitter note of the beverage complements the sweet and creamy dessert.
- Storage: Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or foil, for a few days. Just be sure to store it properly to maintain its freshness.
- Quality of Ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients, especially the cookies and condensed milk, to enhance the flavor of your dessert.
Ingredient Substitutes
So, if you need to make substitutions for the Bolo de Bolacha recipe due to dietary restrictions or ingredient availability, here are some alternatives:
- Cookies: While Maria or Digestive biscuits are traditional, you can use other plain, sweet biscuits or cookies, such as graham crackers or shortbread cookies. Gluten-free cookies can be used if you require a gluten-free option.
- Milk: You can substitute regular cow's milk with almond milk, soy milk, or any other non-dairy milk if you're lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: If you prefer a dairy-free or vegan option, you can make your own sweetened condensed coconut milk or use a store-bought non-dairy version.
- Egg Yolks: To make the recipe egg-free, you can try using a commercial egg replacer or a mixture of unsweetened applesauce, mashed bananas, or yogurt.
- Cornstarch: If you're avoiding cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a thickening agent.
- Vanilla Extract: Use vanilla bean paste or vanilla flavoring as an alternative to vanilla extract.
- Decoration: Feel free to experiment with toppings for decoration. You can use grated chocolate, powdered sugar, cinnamon, or crushed nuts instead of cocoa powder.
Remarks
As you take that final, blissful bite of Bolo de Bolacha, savor the taste of Portugal. A dessert that unites tradition and delight in every layer. Obrigado for sharing this culinary journey with us!