If there’s one snack that has a way of disappearing faster than you can blink, it’s the Bolinho de São Bento, also known as São Bento Mini Cakes. Every time I make these little treats, friends, neighbors, and family immediately ask for the recipe. They’re soft, fluffy, slightly cheesy, and packed with flavor — perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a little snack anytime you’re craving something comforting and delicious.
In this post, I’ll share the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, tips for baking perfection, and a few variations to make them your own. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a complete beginner, these mini cakes are surprisingly easy to make, and the results are always crowd-pleasers.
Why São Bento Mini Cakes Are So Special
You might be wondering what makes the Bolinho de São Bento different from other mini cakes or cheese bread recipes. Well, it’s all about the texture and flavor balance. The base of this recipe is polvilho azedo, or sour starch, which gives the cakes their unique chewiness and slightly airy texture. When combined with eggs, milk, and a touch of oil, it creates a batter that bakes into a soft, melt-in-your-mouth delight.
Adding grated cheese gives the cakes a savory edge that complements their natural sweetness. And if you decide to add small cubes of white cheese in the center, you get little pockets of gooey, cheesy goodness that make every bite even more irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get into the steps, here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:
- 2 cups (chá) of polvilho azedo – This is the key ingredient for texture. You can find it in Brazilian grocery stores or online.
- ¾ cup (chá) of soybean oil – This keeps the mini cakes moist. You can also use another neutral oil if preferred.
- 1 cup (chá) of milk – Milk gives richness to the batter and helps it blend smoothly.
- 3 eggs – These provide structure and fluffiness.
- Grated cheese, to taste – Parmesan is traditional, but you can experiment with mozzarella or a mild white cheese.
Optional: small cubes of white cheese to add into the batter for extra cheesy pockets.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Blend the Ingredients
Start by placing all the ingredients — polvilho azedo, oil, milk, eggs, and grated cheese — into a blender. Blend until you get a smooth, homogeneous batter. The mixture should be creamy but slightly thick, not runny. This is essential for the mini cakes to rise properly and achieve their signature soft texture.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Molds
Next, take large mini tart molds or a muffin tin and grease them generously with a little oil. This ensures the cakes come out cleanly after baking. Fill each mold to the top with the batter — don’t worry if it looks full; these cakes will rise beautifully in the oven.
Step 3: Optional Cheese Cubes
For an extra touch of flavor, drop a small cube of white cheese into the center of each mini cake before baking. This step is optional, but it creates a delightful surprise when you bite into the soft cake.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the molds in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the mini cakes are golden brown on top and firm to the touch.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the mini cakes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These cakes are best enjoyed warm, when their texture is at its softest and the cheese is still slightly melty.
Tips for Baking the Perfect São Bento Mini Cakes
Even though this recipe is simple, a few little tips can take your mini cakes from great to absolutely irresistible:
- Use fresh eggs and milk – This helps the batter rise properly and keeps the cakes moist.
- Don’t overfill the molds – Filling them to the top is perfect, but overfilling can make the cakes spill over during baking.
- Preheat your oven – Starting with a hot oven ensures the cakes bake evenly and develop a lovely golden crust.
- Experiment with cheese types – Parmesan gives a sharp flavor, mozzarella provides gooey softness, and mild cheeses give a subtler taste.
- Serve immediately – While you can store these mini cakes, they’re best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about Bolinho de São Bento is how versatile it is. Here are a few variations to try:
- Herb-Infused Mini Cakes: Add a teaspoon of dried oregano or parsley to the batter for a fragrant twist.
- Spicy Cheese Cakes: Mix in a pinch of paprika or cayenne for a subtle kick.
- Sweet & Savory Version: Sprinkle a little sugar on top before baking for a lightly sweet crust that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
- Mini Cake Muffins: Use a standard muffin tin to make individual-sized portions perfect for lunchboxes or parties.
How to Store and Reheat
If you have leftovers (though that’s rare!), store the mini cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 4 days, but they might lose a little softness.
To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5–10 minutes, or use a microwave for 20–30 seconds. This will revive their warm, soft texture and make them taste freshly baked again.
Why Everyone Loves This Recipe
There’s something undeniably charming about Bolinho de São Bento. Maybe it’s the golden color, the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, or the cheesy flavor that hits just the right note. Perhaps it’s the way it pairs so well with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a cold glass of milk.
This recipe is also incredibly accessible. You don’t need complicated techniques or rare ingredients — everything you need is simple and easy to find. That’s part of why these mini cakes are loved by beginners and experienced bakers alike.
Serving Suggestions
Bolinho de São Bento can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Breakfast Treat: Pair with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy morning.
- Snack or Tea Time: Serve warm with a small spread of butter or cream cheese.
- Party Appetizer: Place in a decorative tray for guests; they’ll disappear fast!
- Picnic Snack: These mini cakes are portable and perfect for outdoor gatherings.
Final Thoughts
The São Bento Mini Cakes are a classic Brazilian treat that’s easy to make, endlessly versatile, and absolutely delicious. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with cheese, herbs, or spices, these mini cakes are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
So next time someone asks you for a snack recipe that’s simple, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing, share this one — and get ready for the compliments to roll in