Bolo de Bolacha: Easy Portuguese No-Bake Cookie Cake (57) 2026

Bolo de bolacha is one of the most traditional and beloved desserts in Portuguese baking. Its name literally means "cookie cake," and it lives up to that promise with layers of coffee-soaked Maria biscuits and a smooth buttercream flavored with espresso. It is the kind of dessert that looks impressive but comes together with almost no effort.

What makes this cake so appealing is its simplicity. There is no baking involved, just a handful of good-quality ingredients and a little patience while the layers chill and set. The biscuits soften into a cake-like texture, and the coffee buttercream ties everything together with a rich, aromatic flavor.

It is perfect for a weekend treat, a birthday table, or any time you want a dessert that feels special without turning on the oven. Serve it cold or at room temperature with a cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients for Bolo de Bolacha

This recipe makes 6 servings.

• 200 g unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 200 g powdered sugar, sifted
• 40 ml cold espresso
• 100 ml whole milk
• 1 tablespoon instant coffee
• 42 Maria-style biscuits

How to Make Bolo de Bolacha Step by Step

1. Beat the butter with the powdered sugar

Start by beating 200 grams of unsalted butter at room temperature with 200 grams of sifted powdered sugar for 4 to 5 minutes, until you get a pale and creamy mixture.

2. Add the espresso and mix

Add 40 ml of cold espresso and beat for a couple of minutes until it is fully incorporated into the mixture. Set aside.

3. Mix the milk with the instant coffee

Mix 100 ml of whole milk with 1 tablespoon of instant coffee until it dissolves completely.

4. Dip the biscuits and arrange them

Dip 7 Maria biscuits in the milk for a few seconds and place them on a plate, arranging them in a flower shape, as shown in the photo below.

5. Cover with coffee cream

Put a portion of the cream over the biscuits and smooth it with a spatula. The cream layer should not be too thick.

6. Alternate layers of biscuits and cream

Keep alternating layers of milk-soaked biscuits and cream until you have used all 42 biscuits. You will get 6 layers of biscuits and cream.

7. Cover the cake with cream and chill

When you finish with the biscuits, cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream and smooth it with a spatula. Let the cake rest for at least 1 hour in the fridge so the biscuits settle well with the cream.

8. Decorate and serve

Decorate the cake to your liking, in our case with pieces of biscuit and chocolate chips. You can keep the bolo de bolacha in the fridge and take it out a couple of hours before serving so it comes back to room temperature.

Tips for the Best Bolo de Bolacha

Use good-quality ingredients

Maria biscuits are the base of the dessert, so choose a brand you enjoy. Fresh espresso and real butter make a noticeable difference in the final flavor. The classic recipe sometimes adds two raw egg yolks to the buttercream for extra richness, but this version skips them so the cake keeps longer and avoids any food safety concerns.

Don't oversoak the biscuits

Dip each biscuit in the coffee milk for just a few seconds. If you leave them too long, they will fall apart and the layers will turn mushy. A quick dip is enough to soften them without losing their shape.

Chill before serving

Let the cake rest in the fridge for at least an hour so the biscuits absorb the cream and the layers hold together. For the best texture, take it out about two hours before serving so it returns to room temperature. If you used raw egg yolks in the cream, keep the cake refrigerated and eat it within a day or two.

30 Top Recipes I Keep Coming Back to at Home

Like a lot of home cooks, I like having a go-to lineup that covers cozy classics, dishes from around the world, and sweets that make everyone happy.

When a rich, indulgent craving hits, my picks are usually this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this elegant Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And whenever something fruity and comforting sounds good, this classic French Tarte Tatin recipe is the one I reach for.

Some mornings I want an easy breakfast or a lighter plate, so I'll whip up these fluffy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe, a satisfying Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe, or these fresh Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. And for a gluten-free staple to keep in the pantry, this simple Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe is one I rely on.

For tapas nights and Mediterranean flavors, I bounce between this bold Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, crispy Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, creamy Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and refreshing Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. This crisp Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe also comes out whenever I want to serve something a bit more special.

For filling lunches and cozy dinners, my recommendations are this comforting Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, traditional Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, rich Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and creamy Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. When I'm after something heartier, I'll bake this Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, rustic Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the ultra-comforting French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.

Anytime I'm in the mood for street food or party-style plates, I'll usually make this juicy Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crispy Salchipapas recipe, flavorful Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crunchy Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. These easy Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe also work great as a laid-back appetizer or snack.

And when I'm hosting guests with drinks and a full spread, dinner often gets paired with this refreshing Original Cuban Mojito recipe, this bold Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To fill out the table, I like adding this tangy French Remoulade Sauce recipe on the side or finishing with this striking Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.

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After years of testing and tweaking recipes in my own kitchen, I've come to believe the best dishes are built on simplicity, dependable techniques, and big flavor.

Every recipe in this collection is one I genuinely come back to time and time again—whether it's a fast meal just for me or something special for friends and family.

For dessert, the rich and silky Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is a go-to when I want something elegant yet effortless. Another sweet favorite is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, inspired by the famous Central European chimney cake. If you enjoy baking, knowing how to make syrup for better texture in desserts is useful, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe explains exactly how I prepare it in my own kitchen.

When something fresh and simple is what I'm after, I usually reach for the classic Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a perfectly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For heartier comfort meals, I often point people to the satisfying Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the quick weeknight favorite One Pot Pasta Recipe.

Traditional dishes from around the world are another thing I love to share, including the authentic Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crispy Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the classic Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

Air fryer recipes are another category I cook often, since they save time while still delivering great texture. My go-to options include Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.

And for anyone steering clear of wheat, my comforting Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe shows that classic baked pasta can still be rich, cheesy, and completely satisfying without gluten.

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