Bolo de Bolacha

bolo_de_bolacha

Bolo de Bolacha is a traditional Portuguese dessert that has been enjoyed by generations of locals and visitors alike. It’s a no-bake cake made with layers of Maria-style biscuits, and an egg and butter-based cream infused with coffee, cocoa powder, and other flavourings. The result is a light, creamy, and indulgent treat that is perfect for sharing with family and friends.

If you happen to be travelling to Portugal, you may have stumbled upon Bolo de Bolacha in traditional cafes, bakeries, or even supermarkets. This classic dessert is widely recognised as part of the country’s gastronomic heritage, and it is not uncommon for people to have their own recipes and variations passed down from their families. Therefore, it’s no surprise that Bolo de Bolacha is a beloved dessert in the country, and it’s found its way into the hearts of many around the world.

Although the name ‘Bolo de Bolacha’ literally translates to ‘biscuit cake’, it’s not just any ordinary biscuit. The Maria-style biscuit, also known as a Rich Tea biscuit, originated in England in the 1800s and quickly became popular in Portugal. It’s a simple, slightly sweet, and crunchy biscuit that is perfect for layering in cakes and desserts. The biscuit’s versatility makes it perfect for pairing with a creamy and flavourful filling, making it the perfect component in Bolo de Bolacha.

For those looking to recreate this delightful dessert at home, the good news is that it is super easy to make, and requires minimal ingredients. One of the best things about Bolo de Bolacha is that no baking is required, making it the perfect summer dessert. Kids and adults will enjoy building the cake layers with biscuits and filling, that’s why this dessert is a great way to get the entire family involved in the kitchen.

The recipe begins by mixing the cream ingredients in a bowl. The main ingredients you’ll need are unsalted butter, sugar, eggs, coffee, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. The result is a cream that is the perfect balance between sweet and bitter, as the coffee and cocoa powder give the cream a rich and smooth taste. The cream is then layered with the biscuits in a baking pan, creating a structure that becomes a cake when it’s ready.

It’s important to let the Bolo de Bolacha rest in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours before serving, as this will allow time for the cream to soften the biscuits, creating a texture that is firm, yet easy to slice. Once it’s ready, serve the Bolo de Bolacha with a dusting of cocoa powder or finely chopped nuts, and enjoy the rich flavours of Portugal in every bite.

Overall, Bolo de Bolacha is the epitome of simple yet delicious. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s birthdays, holidays, or simply as a well-deserved treat after a long day. Its creamy and indulgent flavour profile appeals to almost everyone, making it an essential cake recipe for anyone interested in Portuguese cuisine. So why not try making your own Bolo de Bolacha today and experience the harmonious blend of biscuit and cream in your own kitchen?

Ingredients:

  • 2 packs of Maria biscuits
  • 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup of strong coffee
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 200g of unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
  • Chocolate sprinkles

Instructions:

  1. Begin by brewing 1 cup of strong coffee and allowing it to cool.
  2. In a saucepan, melt 200g of unsalted butter over low heat.
  3. Once the butter is melted, add 1 can of sweetened condensed milk and stir well until the mixture is smooth.
  4. Beat 2 eggs and add them to the mixture, stirring constantly.
  5. Add 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract to the mixture and mix well.
  6. In a shallow dish, mix the cooled coffee with 1 tablespoon of sugar.
  7. Begin assembling the bolo de bolacha by dipping each Maria biscuit in the coffee mixture for a few seconds and placing them on a flat surface, forming a square.
  8. Once you have formed a square base of biscuits, spread a layer of the butter mixture over the biscuits, covering them completely.
  9. Continue layering the biscuits, coffee mixture, and butter mixture until you have used up all of the biscuits and the butter mixture, making sure to end with a layer of the butter mixture.
  10. Sprinkle chocolate sprinkles over the top of the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  11. Once the cake has set, remove it from the fridge, cut it into squares, and serve.

Enjoy your delicious Bolo de Bolacha!