Irresistible Cavacas Portuguese Popovers

When I was visiting Providence last spring, I wandered into a little Portuguese bakery tucked between a florist and an antique shop. The scent of warm sugar and butter floated into the street, and I couldn’t resist stepping inside.

A tray of golden, puffed pastries caught my eye—crispy on the outside, soft and airy in the middle, dusted lightly with sugar. The baker smiled and told me they were called cavacas, a traditional Portuguese popover that locals adore.

I bought two, one for me, one for my brother, and we sat on the curb outside with our coffee. The first bite was a surprise: light yet slightly chewy, sweet but not overpowering. It felt like eating a cloud that had been kissed by sunshine. That moment has stuck with me, so much so that I started testing my own version once I got back home.

After a few messy attempts (my first batch sank like tiny pancakes!), I finally landed on a recipe that works beautifully in a standard muffin tin. These Cavacas Portuguese Popovers puff up golden and airy, making them a fun and simple treat to whip up for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet afternoon snack. And the best part? You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to make them.

Short Description

Cavacas are light, golden Portuguese popovers made with flour, eggs, milk, and a touch of sugar. They bake into puffed, airy bites with crisp edges, perfect dusted with powdered sugar and enjoyed warm.

Key Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for greasing the pan)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Tools Needed

• Muffin tin
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire rack

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin generously with melted butter to help the cavacas puff without sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until the mixture looks even.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the milk and eggs until frothy. This step helps the cavacas rise tall and airy.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry, stirring gently. The batter should be smooth, but don’t overmix—this can make them dense.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin
Pour the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.

Step 6: Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes until the tops are puffed and golden brown. The edges should look crisp while the centers stay soft.

Step 7: Cool and Serve
Cool slightly on a wire rack, then dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm for the best texture.

Tip: If your cavacas deflate too quickly, try letting them bake an extra 2–3 minutes for more structure.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Light and Puffy: Crisp edges with a soft, airy interior.

Simple Ingredients: All pantry staples, nothing fancy.

Quick Bake: Ready in under 40 minutes from start to finish.

Versatile Treat: Enjoy as a breakfast pastry, snack, or dessert.

Crowd-Pleaser: Elegant enough for guests but easy enough for everyday.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overmixing the batter: Makes the cavacas heavy. Stir gently until just combined.

Under-greasing the muffin tin: Causes sticking. Always use butter or nonstick spray generously.

Opening the oven too early: Cavacas can collapse. Wait until the 25-minute mark before peeking.

Overfilling the cups: Leads to overflowing. Stick to two-thirds full.

Skipping the frothy eggs: Without whisking them properly, the cavacas won’t puff as much.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Cavacas shine when served warm with a light dusting of powdered sugar. Pair them with:

Fresh fruit like berries or citrus slices

A drizzle of honey for natural sweetness

Coffee, cappuccino, or black tea

A small scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert-style indulgence

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

To freeze, wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month.

Reheat in a 325°F oven for 5–7 minutes until warmed through and lightly crisp again. Avoid microwaving—it makes them rubbery.

FAQs

1. Can I make cavacas ahead of time?
Yes, but they taste best fresh. You can bake them in the morning and reheat in the oven before serving.

2. Do I need a special pan?
No, a regular muffin tin works perfectly. Traditional Portuguese bakers use small molds, but muffin tins give great results.

3. Can I use skim or almond milk?
Whole milk gives the best texture, but almond milk works for a lighter version. Avoid skim, it won’t puff as well.

4. Why did my cavacas deflate?
They may have been underbaked or the oven door opened too soon. Make sure they’re golden and firm before removing.

5. Can I add flavors?
Absolutely! Try adding a teaspoon of vanilla or lemon zest for a twist.

Tips & Tricks

Let the eggs come to room temperature before whisking for better puff.

Use a whisk, not a spoon, to keep the batter light.

Place the muffin tin on the middle rack for even baking.

For extra crisp edges, brush the tops lightly with butter right after baking.

Recipe Variations

Lemon Cavacas: Add 1 tsp lemon zest to the batter and a squeeze of juice to the powdered sugar before dusting.

Vanilla Glazed Cavacas: Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tbsp milk and a splash of vanilla. Drizzle over warm cavacas.

Savory Cavacas: Skip the sugar, add a pinch of black pepper and shredded cheese before baking for a cheesy popover twist.

Coconut Cavacas: Stir 2 tbsp shredded coconut into the batter and sprinkle a little on top before baking.

Final Thoughts

Their golden puff and delicate sweetness feel like a little celebration each time they hit the table. I love that they come together so quickly yet never fail to impress guests. My brother devours them by the handful, and even Chili sits in the kitchen watching the oven like he knows something special is happening.

Cavacas are the kind of treat that bridge cultures and moments, simple yet rich with tradition. I hope when you make them, your kitchen fills with the same warmth and joy mine does. And if you do bake a batch, don’t forget to savor the first bite slowly—it’s the best way to appreciate these little Portuguese treasures.