🥥 Portuguese Coconut Cakes (Bolos de Coco) – Easy & Delicious Recipe You’ll Love!

If you’re looking for a soft, moist, and coconut-filled dessert that’s easy to make and full of tropical flavor, you’re going to fall in love with these Portuguese Coconut Cakes, also known as Bolos de Coco.

This recipe is simple, quick, and perfect for anyone—whether you’re new to baking or a coconut lover searching for something truly satisfying.

Let’s make a sweet treat that’s cozy, comforting, and unforgettable.

🌍 What Are Bolos de Coco?

Bolos de Coco means “coconut cakes” in Portuguese. These mini cakes are a popular dessert in both Portugal and Brazil. They’re usually baked in small molds or cupcake tins, making them perfect for tea time, parties, or as a sweet snack.

They’re light, fluffy, and full of coconut flavor. Best of all—they’re super easy to make at home!

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make these little coconut gems:

3 large eggs (room temperature)
1 cup (200g) sugar
½ cup (120ml) milk
½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
1½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup (100g) shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
A pinch of salt
Extra coconut for topping (optional)

🧁 Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowls
Whisk or hand mixer
Muffin tin or cupcake molds
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula
Paper cupcake liners (optional)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s bake together:

Preheat Oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your muffin tin with paper cups or grease with oil/butter.
Mix Eggs & Sugar: In a bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Milk & Oil: Pour in the milk and oil. Mix until smooth.
Add Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this to your wet mixture. Stir gently.
Add Coconut: Fold in the shredded coconut. The batter should be slightly thick.
Fill & Bake: Spoon batter into molds (¾ full). Sprinkle extra coconut on top if you like.
Bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool & Enjoy: Let them cool a bit before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

💡 Expert Tips

Always preheat your oven for even baking.
Use room temperature eggs for fluffier cakes.
If using sweetened coconut, reduce the sugar slightly.
Don’t overmix the batter—it makes cakes dense.
Want a little crunch on top? Sprinkle extra coconut before baking.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Old baking powder won’t give a good rise. Use fresh.
Overbaking makes them dry. Start checking at 18 minutes.
Removing too early from the pan can break the cakes. Let them cool for 5 minutes first.

🍽️ How to Serve

Here are some fun ways to enjoy your coconut cakes:

Dust with powdered sugar
Serve with whipped cream or yogurt
Add a slice of mango or pineapple on top
Pair with hot tea, iced coffee, or tropical juice
Include in a dessert tray with other sweets

🔄 Easy Variations to Try

Add lemon or lime zest for a citrus twist.
Drizzle with sweetened condensed milk for a Brazilian touch.
Use almond flour for a gluten-free option (partially).
Make a glaze using coconut milk and powdered sugar.

❄️ How to Store Coconut Cakes

Room Temp: Airtight container for up to 3 days
Fridge: Store for 5 days—just warm before serving
Freezer: Freeze for 2 months; thaw overnight

They’re great for meal prepping or gifting too!

🍓 What to Serve With Coconut Cakes (No Alcohol)

Fresh fruit like banana, mango, kiwi
Iced hibiscus or mint tea
Coconut whipped cream
Simple cucumber-strawberry salad for freshness

These combos make your dessert feel fancy and tropical.

❓ FAQ – Quick Answers

Can I use coconut milk instead of regular milk?
Yes! It makes the cakes extra rich.

Can I make this as a full-size cake?
Absolutely! Use a loaf pan and bake for 30–35 minutes.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Totally! They’re soft, sweet, and perfect for lunchboxes.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for best results.

❤️ Final Thoughts

These Portuguese Coconut Cakes (Bolos de Coco) are the kind of treat you’ll want to make again and again. They’re soft, tropical, and made with love—just like desserts should be.

If you love coconut, simple recipes, and delicious homemade baking, this one’s a must-try. Share with your family, serve at gatherings, or enjoy with your favorite tea.

👉 Tried the recipe? Leave a comment below and tell us how it turned out!
💌 Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more cozy bakes, tropical desserts, and easy recipes from around the world.