INTRODUCTION

Mantecadas are a type of sweet, fluffy roll, very popular in traditional Spanish and Latin American pastries . Their origins date back to the region of Castile and León in Spain, specifically to the town of Astorga, where they were made with pork lard, hence their name.

Over time, the recipe has evolved, and today they are prepared with butter or vegetable oil, giving them a softer texture and an unmistakable flavor. They are characterized by their tender and fluffy crumb, delicate vanilla aroma, and light sweetness.

This delicious dessert is enjoyed for breakfast, snacks, or as a companion to a good cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Its easy preparation and simple ingredients make it an excellent option to bake at home and delight the whole family.

Mantecadas are a traditional dessert beloved throughout the world, especially in Spain and Latin America . Their soft texture, sweet flavor, and distinctive aroma make them a perfect accompaniment to coffee or as a snack .

Although often confused with magdalenas or muffins, mantecadas have their own unique character, with a more compact crumb and a more intense flavor thanks to the use of butter or oil . They are simple to prepare and require basic ingredients such as eggs, flour, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract .

Over the years, this recipe has been adapted to different regions, incorporating variations such as lemon zest, nuts, or even chocolate . Its popularity has transcended generations, remaining a classic homemade dessert in many cultures.

History of Mantecadas

Mantecadas are a traditional dessert with roots in Spanish pastry, specifically in the town of Astorga , in the region of Castile and León. Their origins are believed to date back to the 19th century, when they were first made with flour, eggs, sugar , and lard , an ingredient that gave them their distinctive name.

Origins in Spain

In Astorga, mantecadas became an iconic product, made in convents and local bakeries. Over time, their popularity grew, and in 2004, they were awarded the Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) , which guarantees that authentic “Mantecadas de Astorga” follow a traditional recipe and production process.

The first written references to mantecadas date back to the 19th century, when they began to be sold in different regions of Spain. Traditionally, they were baked in square paper molds and had a denser texture than muffins or cupcakes, as lard was used instead of butter or oil.

Expansion and adaptation in Latin America

With the arrival of Spanish settlers in America, the mantecadas recipe spread and was adapted in different countries. In Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela , for example, mantecadas are prepared with butter or vegetable oil instead of lard , which makes them softer and fluffier.

Each country has added its own twist to the recipe. Some places add vanilla, lemon zest, or orange zest , while others include ingredients like chocolate, nuts, or honey to give them a more varied flavor.

Mantecadas today

Today, mantecadas are a popular dessert in many bakeries and supermarkets. They are enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or accompanied by coffee and hot chocolate. Thanks to their ease of preparation and simple ingredients, they have become a beloved homemade dessert among families.

Despite modern variations, traditional Astorga mantecadas remain a benchmark of quality and tradition in Spanish pastries, preserving their original recipe and unmistakable flavor.

Mantecadas, with their rich history and delicious flavor, have proven to be a timeless dessert that continues to conquer palates around the world.

INGREDIENTS (Serves 12)

  • 4 eggs
  • 2 1/4 cups flour
  • 3/4 cup cooking oil (or melted butter)
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence

STEP-BY-STEP PREPARATION

1. Prepare the ingredients

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and place cupcake liners in a cupcake pan.

2. Beat the eggs and sugar

In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until you get a foamy, light-colored mixture.

3. Add the oil and vanilla

Add the oil (or melted butter) and vanilla extract. Mix well until the ingredients are combined.

4. Sift the dry ingredients

In another bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt.

5. Mix the dry and liquid ingredients

Add the dry ingredient mixture to the egg mixture, alternating with the milk. Gently fold in until you get a smooth batter.

6. Fill the molds

Pour the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them 3/4 full so that they rise when baked without overflowing.

7. Bake

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the mantecadas comes out clean.

8. Cool and decorate

Let the mantecadas cool on a wire rack before serving. Optionally, you can sprinkle them with powdered sugar or add a touch of honey or jam on top.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Can I substitute oil for butter?

Yes, you can use melted butter in the same amount for a more traditional flavor and denser texture.

2. What type of flour is best to use?

All-purpose wheat flour is recommended . If you want a lighter version, you can use pastry flour.

3. How do I keep mantecadas fresh?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or in the refrigerator for a week .

4. Can I make mantecadas with other flavors?

Yes, you can add lemon or orange zest, cinnamon, chocolate, or nuts to vary the flavor.

5. Can mantecadas be frozen?

Yes, you can wrap them in plastic and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months . To eat them, just let them thaw at room temperature.

Questions and other information about mantecadas

1. What is the difference between mantecadas, magdalenas and muffins?

Mantecadas are usually denser than muffins because they contain more fat, giving them a softer and moister texture. Compared to muffins, mantecadas are sweeter and fluffier, while muffins can be drier and don’t always contain sugar.

2. What are the essential ingredients of mantecadas?

Basic ingredients include:
Eggs
Wheat flour
Sugar Milk
Butter
or oil
Baking powder
Vanilla essence

3. How can the mantecadas be customized?

Mantecadas can be varied according to each person’s taste. Some ideas include:
adding orange or lemon zest for a citrus touch.
Incorporating chocolate chips or nuts.
Substituting some of the sugar with honey or brown sugar for a more rustic flavor.
Adding a little cinnamon for a spicy touch.

4. How long do mantecadas last once baked?

If stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they can last 3 to 5 days . For extra freshness, they can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to a month .

5. Can I make gluten-free mantecadas?

Yes, you can substitute wheat flour with almond flour, rice flour, or gluten-free blends . It’s recommended to add a little xanthan gum to improve the texture.

Texture and flavor

Mantecadas are characterized by their spongy, moist, and slightly dense texture , with a tender crumb that melts in the mouth. They have a consistency similar to that of a sponge cake or muffin, but with a richer flavor thanks to the use of lard or butter (hence their name). The flavor is smooth and milky, with hints of vanilla and, sometimes, a slight citrus or almond undertone, depending on the regional recipe. Their sweetness is balanced, just enough to accompany a hot drink without being overpowering.

Consumer context

They are traditionally eaten for breakfast or as a snack , especially accompanied by coffee, hot chocolate, or milk. They are very popular in Mexico and Spain , where they are even sold in local bakeries and supermarkets. They are served at family gatherings, school lunches, picnics, or as a sweet treat at any time of day. Their convenience and flavor make them perfect for taking with you or giving as gifts.

Visual appearance

Mantecadas are usually served in rectangular or round paper molds, with a golden, slightly cracked surface. They are golden yellow on the inside, thanks to the use of eggs and butter. Some versions are dusted with powdered sugar or decorated with nuts, but most maintain a simple, rustic appearance, which highlights their homemade flavor.

Curiosities

  • Mantecadas have their origin in Spain , particularly in the region of Astorga (León) , where they even have a designation of origin: Mantecadas de Astorga .
  • In Mexico, they are a classic bakery bread, often confused with muffins because of their shape, but their flavor and texture are unique.
  • Although the name comes from “lard,” many recipes today use butter or even vegetable oil.
  • They can be flavored with orange zest, cinnamon, or even chocolate chips or dried fruit for a modern twist.

Estimated nutritional value (per medium 60g shortbread)

  • Calories : 240–300 kcal
  • Total fat : 12–16 g
  • Saturated fat : 6–8 g
  • Carbohydrates : 30–35 g
  • Sugars : 15–20 g
  • Protein : 3–5 g
  • Cholesterol : 40–60 mg
  • Sodium : 150–200 mg

Other interesting information

  • They keep well at room temperature for several days in an airtight container.
  • They are ideal for freezing and lightly reheating in the oven or microwave.
  • In modern versions, they can be made gluten-free , using alternative flours such as almond or oat flour.
  • You can easily turn them into a more sophisticated dessert by adding a jam, pastry cream, or dulce de leche filling.

CONCLUSION

Mantecadas are a classic and delicious dessert that has endured over time thanks to their simplicity and unparalleled flavor. Their fluffy texture and sweet aroma make them a perfect choice for any occasion.

With basic ingredients and an easy preparation process, anyone can make them at home and enjoy a traditional treat. Whether to accompany a morning coffee, as a snack, or to share at family gatherings, mantecadas are always a delicious option.

Mantecadas are a versatile and easy-to-prepare dessert that has endured over time thanks to their simplicity and delicious flavor. From its origins in Spain to its adaptations in Latin America, this cake has conquered palates around the world .

Their popularity is due not only to their flavor and texture, but also to their ease of customization. They can be prepared in different ways, with different ingredients, creating classic or innovative versions.

Whether for a family gathering, a special breakfast, or just to indulge in a sweet treat, mantecadas are a delicious option that never goes out of style. Try making them and discover why they remain a baking classic!

Go ahead and prepare them and enjoy their unmistakable homemade flavor!