Share
Sericaia with Elvas Plums
Sericaia with Elvas plums is perhaps the most iconic and renowned sweet from the Alentejo. Of convent origin, it was created in the convents of Elvas and Évora and became inseparable from Elvas plums in syrup, with which it forms one of the most perfect combinations in Portuguese confectionery.
Made with eggs, sugar, flour and plenty of cinnamon, sericaia has a unique texture - firm on the outside, creamy on the inside, with a golden, cracked surface that is its hallmark. Simple to prepare and impossible to resist.
Serves: 6 to 8 people
Preparation: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: about 55 minutes
Ingredients for the sericaia
- 6 eggs (whites and yolks separated)
- 250 g sugar
- 125 g wheat flour
- 500 ml milk
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Ground cinnamon as needed (for sprinkling)
- Butter as needed (for greasing)
Ingredients for the Elvas plums in syrup
- 500 g of Extra Plum Jam or Elvas plums in syrup
How to make sericaia with Elvas plums
- Prepare the infused milk. Heat the milk with the cinnamon stick and lemon zest. When it comes to a boil, remove from the heat and leave to cool. Strain and set aside.
- Mix the base. In a bowl, mix the sugar with the flour. Add the egg yolks one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Gradually add the infused milk in a thin stream, stirring continuously until you have a smooth mixture.
- Beat the egg whites. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold them into the previous mixture, using smooth bottom-to-top movements so as not to lose the air.
- Bake. Grease a low, wide baking dish with butter. Pour in the mixture and sprinkle generously with ground cinnamon. Bake in a preheated oven at 200 °C for 30 to 35 minutes, until the surface is golden and cracked.
- Serve. Allow to cool slightly. Serve the sericaia warm or at room temperature, generously accompanied by Elvas plums in syrup.
The secret to perfect sericaia
The baking dish should be low and wide - sericaia should be no more than 3 to 4 cm high so it bakes evenly. The cracked, golden surface is a traditional and desirable feature, not a mistake. Do not open the oven during baking, as this will cause the batter to sink.
Tips for a traditional result
Cinnamon is the central element of this recipe - don't skimp on it. Sprinkle generously before placing it in the oven and, if you like, also when serving. Elvas plums in syrup are irreplaceable in this combination - their sweet acidity contrasts perfectly with the richness of the sericaia.
Wine to accompany sericaia
We suggest Herdade do Estacal's Vidigueira DOC White Fortified Wine, served chilled at 10 to 12 °C. Its notes of dried fruit and honey complement the cinnamon and the sweetness of the plums, creating a classic and memorable pairing.
Storage
Sericaia keeps in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, covered with cling film. It can be served cold or gently warmed in the oven. The plums in syrup should be stored separately and added when serving.
Indicative nutritional information
Per serving (1/8 of the recipe, without plums):
- Energy: 220 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fibre: 0.5 g
- Salt: 0.2 g
The values shown are estimates calculated based on the quantities indicated and may vary according to the ingredients used. This information is provided for guidance only.
Frequently asked questions
Can sericaia be made gluten-free?
Yes. Replace the wheat flour with rice flour or cornflour in the same quantity. The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious.
Can I use fresh plums instead of Elvas plums in syrup?
Elvas plums in syrup are traditional and irreplaceable in this recipe. Alternatively, you can prepare a simple syrup with fresh plums, sugar and a little Port or fortified wine.
Should sericaia be served hot or cold?
Traditionally, it is served warm or at room temperature. Avoid serving it straight from the refrigerator - you may lose some of its aroma and texture.
Bring this Alentejo tradition to the table
Prepare this recipe and enjoy it with Herdade do Estacal's Vidigueira DOC White Fortified Wine.
Discover our Almond Cake from the Convent of Vidigueira too, another Alentejo convent sweet.
A traditional Alentejo recipe, adapted by Herdade do Estacal for the "À Mesa com o Alentejo" blog, while fully preserving the original methods and ingredients.
