Name: The Light and Fluffy Portuguese Easter Cake (Pão de Ló) You’ll Love
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Portuguese
Ingredients: 6 large eggs; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup all-purpose flour (or cake flour for a softer texture); Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

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If you’ve never had Pão de Ló, you’re in for a treat! This traditional Portuguese Easter cake is unbelievably light, slightly custardy in the center, and just the right amount of sweet. It’s made with just a few simple ingredients—eggs, sugar, and flour—but the magic is in how it’s whipped to perfection, creating a delicate, airy texture. Whether you serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with a side of fresh fruit, it’s a simple yet stunning dessert that belongs on your Easter table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Made with just 3 ingredients – No butter, oil, or leavening agents!
Light and fluffy – The whipped eggs make it incredibly airy.
Perfect for Easter – A Portuguese tradition that’s easy to make.
Versatile – Enjoy it plain, with fruit, or a drizzle of honey.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a few simple pantry staples—full list is below.

Eggs – The key to this cake’s fluffy texture.
Sugar – Helps create that delicate sweetness.
Flour – Just enough to give structure without weighing it down.

Step-by-Step Directions

Beat the Eggs and Sugar

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the eggs and sugar together for about 10-15 minutes until the mixture is pale, thick, and tripled in volume.

Fold in the Flour

Gently sift the flour over the egg mixture and fold it in carefully with a spatula. Be gentle to keep the air in the batter!

Bake Until Golden

Pour the batter into a parchment-lined cake pan and bake at 350°F for about 30-35 minutes. The center should still be slightly soft for that classic custardy texture.

Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool before removing from the pan. Dust with powdered sugar or serve as is!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Whip the eggs long enough – This is what makes the cake light and airy.
Use cake flour if possible – It makes the texture even softer.
Don’t overmix – Fold in the flour gently to avoid deflating the batter.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Add citrus zest – A little lemon or orange zest adds a bright flavor.
Make it chocolate – Fold in a bit of cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
Use different sugars – Swap white sugar for a mix of brown sugar for a deeper flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

With fresh berries – Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries complement it beautifully.
Drizzle with honey – A light honey drizzle enhances the sweetness.
With coffee or tea – The perfect afternoon treat.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Room temp – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Fridge – If you like it chilled, keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Pão de Ló dense?

The eggs may not have been beaten long enough, or the flour was overmixed and deflated the batter.

Can I bake this in a regular cake pan?

Yes! A springform pan or parchment-lined cake pan works best.

Should Pão de Ló be slightly underbaked?

Traditional Portuguese Pão de Ló has a soft, custardy center. If you prefer it fully baked, just leave it in the oven a few minutes longer.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors settle.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a simple yet elegant Easter dessert, Pão de Ló is a must-try. It’s light, fluffy, and so easy to make with just a few ingredients. Whether you’re keeping it traditional or adding your own twist, this Portuguese Easter cake is a delicious way to celebrate the holiday.

The Light and Fluffy Portuguese Easter Cake (Pão de Ló) You’ll Love

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Pão de Ló is a traditional Portuguese Easter cake known for its incredibly light and airy texture with a slightly custardy center. Made with just three simple ingredients—eggs, sugar, and flour—this cake is naturally leavened by whipping the eggs to perfection. It’s an elegant yet easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for Easter or any special occasion. Serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with fresh fruit for a delightful treat.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Portuguese
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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6 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour (or cake flour for a softer texture)
Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cake pan or springform pan with parchment paper.
Beat the Eggs and Sugar: In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, beat the eggs and sugar on high speed for 10-15 minutes until pale, thick, and tripled in volume.
Fold in the Flour: Sift the flour over the egg mixture and gently fold it in with a spatula, taking care not to deflate the batter.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. The center should remain slightly soft for a custardy texture.
Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool before removing from the pan. Dust with powdered sugar or serve as is.