Some desserts come along due to nostalgia, and the others are made due to sheer indulgence. Although it comes with a different name, Torta Holandesa is as Brazilian as it may be. This rich, creamy-filled, chocolate-topped no-bake dessert is always a hit during birthday parties, Sunday meals, and festive sets served in different areas of Brazil. It is fancy enough to be shocked by, yet comfortable enough to feel at home, which is the beauty of this delicious snack
A Dessert with a Story: Not Dutch, But Delicious
You would expect a name like Torta Holandesa (literally the Dutch Pie) to have originated in Europe. However, in actuality, this dessert originated in Brazil in the late 20th century, and it is believed that a baker was inspired by European desserts. The name is Dutch, but love for creamy, sweet and chocolate-coated desserts is so much Brazilian
It began to be seen in the bakeries and households in the 90s, and following it shortly after became a classic. This buttressed combination of the buttery cookie crust with the contrast of the velvety filling and the shiny chocolate topping made it a hit at once.
Ingredients
The ingredients you would need (and their easy alternatives)
Here’s what goes into a traditional Torta Holandesa:
For the Crust
- 200g vanilla tea biscuits (like Maria biscuits)
- 100g unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (395g)
- 200g heavy cream works perfectly, but if you can find creme de leite (Brazil’s go-to cream), grab it!
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for added structure)
For the Topping
- 200g semi-sweet chocolate (chopped or chips)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Optional Edge Decoration
Chocolate-covered cookies (like Calipso or Digestive) — to press around the edge of the pie
Ingredient Substitutes:
- Can’t find Maria biscuits? Use graham crackers or digestive biscuits
- No table cream? Whipping cream works fine
- Want it egg-free? Skip the yolks and increase the cream slightly
- Prefer darker chocolate? Use 70% cacao for a bittersweet finish
Best Time to Prepare
No Brazilian party is complete without Torta Holandesa—this decadent dessert (with Dutch roots!) always steals the show. Birthdays, Christmas, a Saturday and a Sunday get-together, or simply because it is a Wednesday and you want something sweet. It can be prepared a day before and this tastes amazing in the fridge, thus ideal when you have guests over.
Step 1 : Put the biscuits in a food processor and crush or put it in a zip bag and crush with a rolling pin.Mix the butter and crumbs until sandy and moist. Then, press firmly into the pan, smoothing it into a uniform layer
Refrigerate while you prepare the filling
Step 2 : Combine condensed milk, egg yolks, vanilla, and cornstarch (if using) in a saucepan over low heat. Stir slowly and steadily for a silky texture.
Bring to a boil and take off the heat, allow cooling a little.Add the heavy cream by folding. Blend to make smooth.Pour into the chill crust and keep back to freeze (at least 2-3 hrs)
Step 3 : Place cream in the pot and heat until it is bubbling and then pour it over the chopped chocolate.Let the mixture rest for 2 minutes, then whisk vigorously until glossy and smooth
After the brief cooling down allow the ganache to be poured slowly on the cream layer.Press out flat and put back in the fridge again, another hour
Step 4 : Before the topping sets completely, place chocolate-covered cookies upright around the outer edge of the pie
Serving Tips
- Cut using a hot knife, in which case the cut is clean
- Serve done and preferably with a cup of coffee or espresso
- In case you enjoy sweet-salty balance, spread a couple grains of sea salt on it as the garnish
Precautions
- Never hurry the cooling time, it takes time to set the filling
- The ganache: use a decent quality chocolate, it is enormous!
- When the eggs yolks are used, stir continuously over a low heat to avoid curdling
- To make cleaner slices it is advisable to put the pie into the freezer 15 minutes prior to cutting
More About Torta Holandesa
In conclusion Thomson attributes the differing political climates in the two countries to history and no longer to the same rule of thumb. Torta Holandesa is the evidence that simple thing and elegant one may coexist. It is sweet without being too rich, fluffy yet mild and at any table is a table stopper. This takes just about 10 minutes and is just as delicious whether you are preparing it to share with a special person or even just as a treat to yourself. There is that unbearable feeling of comfort and celebration every bite brings whoever is taking it but all in that Brazilian style.
