Home

Brazilian Quindims

17/11/2023

Quindim is a delightful and very simple to prepare Brazilian typical sweet. Its consistency is soft, and its main characteristic is the rich taste of coconut with a delicious caramelized topping. Here is how to prepare it.

Ingredients

  • 12 egg yolks
  • 250 g of sugar
  • 50 g of butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
  • 100 g of grated coconut
  • Butter and sugar (for dusting the mold)

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C and prepare individual molds for Quindim by brushing them with butter and sprinkling with sugar. If you do not have individual molds, you can use a larger mold.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until you get a light and fluffy mixture.
  3. Add the melted butter and continue whisking until the butter is well incorporated.
  4. Add the vanilla extract and grated coconut, mix until uniform.
  5. Pour the mixture into the prepared molds, filling them to the brim.
  6. Place the molds in a larger pan and fill the pan with boiling water to create a bain-marie. The water should reach halfway up the molds.
  7. Bake in the oven for about 30-40 minutes or until the dessert takes on a golden color and the surface appears slightly caramelized.
  8. Let the Quindim cool in the mold for at least 4 hours, then run the blade of a knife around the edges to facilitate extraction.
  9. Flip the mold onto a plate to serve, they should come out easily if the mold has been well prepared.
  10. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Trivia

Quindim has its roots in Portuguese cuisine but has been adapted with local ingredients in Brazil, such as coconut. Its name comes from the term “kinkim”, which in an African language means “delicate” or “pleasant”. In addition to being delicious, this dessert is also an example of the fusion of cultures that characterizes Brazilian cuisine.

Finally, to add an Italian touch, you might try adding a bit of orange liqueur to further flavor the dessert, perhaps substituting some of the melted butter with limoncello to enhance the aromatic profile. Citrus pairs very well with coconut and the sweetness of the egg yolks.