Grandma Recipe: Maria Cookie Cake

The Maria biscuit might just be one of the most iconic ingredients in Portugal.

Mildly sweet and slightly dry, it’s the base of one of the most beloved homemade desserts: bolo de bolacha: the Portuguese version of tiramisu.

Every family has their own way of making it, but the idea is always the same.

Watch the full video here!

Ingredients:

Maria biscuits | Butter | Sugar | Egg yolks | Espresso coffee

Steps:

1. Start by preparing the buttercream: mix butter with sugar and egg yolks until smooth and creamy

2. Prepare an espresso and let it cool slightly

3. Dip each Maria biscuit quickly in the coffee and start arranging them on a plate (usually in a flower-like shape)

4. Once the first layer is ready, spread the cream on top and repeat the process: biscuits → cream → biscuits → cream

5. Finish by covering the entire cake with cream and adding crushed biscuits on top

6. Let it chill in the fridge for 12 hours before serving

It’s simple, nostalgic, and one of those desserts that almost every Portuguese person grew up with. When will you try it?

Learn more about Portuguese food traditions 🇵🇹

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