15 Feb World Recipe: Mantecados
Bolivian mantecados are a classic sweet treat from the Andean highlands, loved for their soft texture and rich, buttery flavour. They are perfect to enjoy with an afternoon cup of tea or coffee, or to share at home with family. This traditional Bolivian recipe stands out for its simplicity and for yielding several portions of these light, tender cakes, baked until lightly golden on the outside and soft on the inside.
Ingredients:
- 300 g butter
- 300 g sugar
- 700 g wheat flour
- 100 g cornflour (maize starch)
- 5 to 6 eggs
- 4 tablespoons water
- 30 g baking powder
Preparation steps:
Preheat the oven and prepare paper cupcake cases or small baking moulds so they are ready while you make the batter.
In a large bowl, beat the butter with the sugar until the mixture is smooth, creamy and well combined. This step gives the mantecados their characteristic soft texture.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well each time to ensure they are fully incorporated before adding the dry ingredients.
Gradually add the wheat flour, cornflour and baking powder, alternating with the water. Mix until you get a fairly thick batter—firm but not dry, similar to a thick cake mixture.
Spoon the mixture into the prepared cases, filling them about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
Sprinkle a little sugar on top and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until the mantecados are lightly golden and give off a sweet, inviting aroma.
Once ready, these Bolivian mantecados are ideal for sharing at family gatherings or enjoying as an afternoon snack. Make them at home and bring a taste of Bolivia into your kitchen.
