Dona Amélia Cheese Tarts

The Queijadas da Dona Amélia are a traditional sweet produced on the Terceira Island, in the Azores archipelago.

This treat has undergone a significant adaptation of a recipe that already existed in the island’s past, known as “Bolo das Índias“. It became famous due to the spices that were very common at the time, brought by sailors on expeditions from India.

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Origin of the Name

The name Queijadas da Dona Amélia originated in 1901, when the ladies of Angra do Heroísmo honored the visit of Queen D. Amélia and King D. Carlos to Terceira Island.

Classified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, the city of Angra do Heroísmo is prominent in its gastronomy, especially during the Age of Discoveries. The queijadas attract attention from all who pass through the city and the entire island. Those who taste them do not regret it; it is considered by many to be a true delight!

Although inspired by a cake, the current preparation has the shape of a cheese tart, presented in this way to the King and Queen.

The main ingredients of this delight are: sugar, eggs, cane honey, cinnamon, butter, cornmeal, wheat flour, raisins, and nutmeg.

It is important to highlight that among these ingredients, cinnamon and nutmeg reference the significance Terceira Island had in the spice trade throughout its history.

Source of the Photo

Where to Buy

It is not difficult to find Queijadas da Dona Amélia; they can easily be found in local shops on the island, as well as in others. You can also find them online – for example – 7.50€ for a box with 6 units, made by Pastelaria O Forno.

Therefore, do not miss the chance to try the traditional Queijadas da Dona Amélia during your stay on Terceira Island (or in any other islands), a true typical sweet from this beautiful Azorean region.

How to Make Queijadas da Dona Amélia – Recipe

After learning about the history and success of Queijadas da Dona Amélia, highly desired by both the locals and the many tourists who visit Terceira Island every year, the question arises: how are these traditional tarts made?

Ingredients

• 500g of sugar;
• 9 egg yolks;
• 4 egg whites beaten until stiff;
• 200g of butter (melted and cooled);
• 200g of cornmeal;
• 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon;
• 6 tablespoons of cane honey;
• 100g of raisins (part of the traditional recipe, but their use can be optional);
• 50g of finely grated lemon zest;
• 1 pinch of salt;
• 1 teaspoon of nutmeg.

Preparation

To start, beat the sugar with the egg yolks until it forms a thick mass, then add the cinnamon, raisins, lemon zest, nutmeg, and salt. Next, continue beating for a bit more and once well combined, add the melted and cooled butter, the beaten egg whites, and finally the flour and honey.

Now, beat the mixture again until everything is well combined. When finished mixing, pour the batter into small greased and floured molds and place them on trays. Once baked, carefully remove the tarts from the molds. Finally, sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Photography by Pedro Jorge

Done! The famous Queijadas da Dona Amélia can now be served and enjoyed. Indulge!