Sweets and Desserts

Dona Amélia

Azorean sweet made with almond, spices, and eggs — a tradition associated with royal visits and the culinary memory of the Azores.

RegionAzores / regional sweet
DifficultyMedium
Total Time1 h 5 min
Yield16 units
Photo of Dona Amélia - traditional Portuguese recipe
Photo of the traditional Portuguese recipe.

Editorial content from Empório Portugal. Traditional recipes may vary by region, family, and cook.

About the Recipe

Dona Amélia is a traditional sweet from the Azores, dark in color and with an intense aroma of spices and almond.

It is linked to historical memory and festive sweets in the islands.

As with many Portuguese recipes, there are variations by region, family, and cook.

Ingredients

  • 250 g of ground almond
  • 200 g of sugar
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cloves
  • Grated lemon zest
  • Butter for greasing

Preparation Method

  1. Mix almond, sugar, spices, and zest.
  2. Add eggs and honey; obtain a thick batter.
  3. Place spoonfuls on a greased tray.
  4. Bake at 180 °C until firm and golden.
  5. Cool before unmolding.
  6. Serve in small portions with tea or coffee.

Tips from Empório Portugal

  • Spices should be fresh for a balanced aroma.
  • Do not overbake — the inside should remain moist.
  • Honey enhances color and flavor.

Possible Substitutions in Brazil

  • Nuts can partially replace almond.
  • Cane honey can replace flower honey.

Pairing

Black tea or Azorean liqueur. Content intended for those over 18 years old. Drink in moderation.

Editorial Note from Empório Portugal

This recipe is part of the editorial curation of Empório Portugal, developed from Portuguese culinary tradition. Like all traditional recipes, it may vary according to region, family, and cook.

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