Visit The Portuguese Kitchen Shop ›
Tuga Pops − Friday, November 13, 2020, 6 Years ago in Bread Recipes
4 out of 5 with 58 ratings

Bolo do Caco Recipe | Authentic Madeira Sweet Potato Bread

Try making bolo do caco at home! This soft sweet potato bread from Madeira is awesome with garlic butter.
3 h 50 min 8 servings Moderate Prep time 20 min Cooking Time 30 min

Why you will love this Bolo do Caco Recipe | Authentic Madeira Sweet Potato Bread

Get ready to whip up some delicious bolo do caco right at home! This fluffy flatbread is packed with flavor and doesn’t require any fancy equipment. Try letting the dough ferment overnight for an extra depth of taste. Plus, if you want a vegan twist, just swap out the butter for a tasty garlic herb spread. It's a treat you won't want to miss!


Ingredients

2.2 lbs (1000 gr) of all-purpose flour1.65 lbs (750 gr) of sweet potatoes2 tablespoons (28 gr) of active dry yeast1 pinch of salt0.63 cups (150 ml) of water

Equipment:

Large mixing bowlPotato masherHeavy skillet or griddlePastry brush

With all your ingredients and equipment gathered, you are ready to get started!

Directions

  1. Peel the sweet potatoes, boil until tender, and mash into a smooth, consistent puree.
  2. Dissolve the yeast and salt into the lukewarm water, stirring until fully incorporated.
  3. Mound the flour on a clean work surface, create a deep well in the center, and add the warm sweet potato puree and yeast mixture.
  4. Knead the ingredients vigorously until a smooth, elastic dough forms, then cover and let ferment in a warm spot for 2 to 3 hours until significantly risen.
  5. Divide the fermented dough into equal portions and flatten them into thick discs on a lightly floured surface.
  6. Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium heat and cook the cakes on both sides until deep golden brown with characteristic charred spots.
  7. Brush the hot cakes immediately with a blend of garlic butter, fresh chopped parsley, and a touch of sea salt.


Recipe Tips

Ensure that the sweet potatoes are fully cooked and mashed smoothly before mixing them with the flour and yeast. Undercooked or lumpy sweet potatoes can lead to uneven texture in the bread.
When activating the yeast, make sure the water is warm (around 110°F or 43°C) but not hot. Water that is too hot can kill the yeast, preventing the bread from rising properly.
Avoid adding too much flour when kneading the dough. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable; adding excess flour can result in a dense and dry bread.

Adapted from a Recipe by: oilhadamadeira.pt

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories
285 kcal
Fat
1.5 g
Carbs
58 g
Protein
7 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute sweet potatoes with another type of potato or ingredient?

Yes, while sweet potatoes are traditional for Bolo do Caco, you can experiment with mashed regular potatoes for a different flavor. However, the texture and sweetness will vary. For a gluten-free option, consider using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but the results may differ.

How should I store leftover Bolo do Caco?

Store leftover Bolo do Caco in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the bread for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in a skillet or toaster to restore its texture.

My dough didn’t rise; what could have gone wrong?

If your dough didn’t rise, check that your yeast is active; it should be frothy when dissolved in water. Additionally, ensure that the water wasn’t too hot, as it can kill the yeast. Lastly, ensure the dough was kept in a warm, draft-free area during fermentation.

Recommended Drink Pairings

Wine

Portuguese: Madeira Wine - The rich, caramelized flavors of Madeira wine complement the sweetness of the sweet potatoes beautifully.

General: Chardonnay - A lightly oaked Chardonnay's buttery notes and acidity can enhance the flavors of the bread without overpowering it.

Beer

Portuguese: Super Bock - This lager's crisp and refreshing profile pairs well with the dense texture of the bread.

General: Pilsner - A classic Pilsner offers a clean, hoppy finish that balances the sweetness of the sweet potatoes in the bread.

Other Beverages

Coffee: A medium roast coffee enhances the earthy flavors of the sweet potatoes while providing a pleasant contrast to the bread's sweetness.

You might also like

Easy Homemade Portuguese Rolls Anyone Can Make

Bake up some warm, golden Portuguese rolls at home! They're soft, fluffy, and perfect for...

Level of Difficulty Easy
Servings 8
Portuguese Chouriço Buns | A Delicious Bakery Style Recipe

Dig into these homemade Portuguese Chouriço Buns! With a crispy crust and savory sausage, they’re...

Level of Difficulty Easy
Servings 8
Soft and Popular Sweet Bread Recipe

Enjoy this soft and delightful Sweet Bread, also known as massa sovada. It's a tasty Portuguese...

Level of Difficulty Moderate
Servings 8

Reviews (8) Add a review

Bijay Thapa
Bijay Thapa

I like bolo de caco. It can be served with anything you want with butter, cheese or curry.


2 Years ago, Friday, October 4, 2024

Jill
Jill
I had this in Funchal last week and can't wait to make it myself. Going to make it tomorrow evening for my garlic bread-loving granddaughters. In Funchal, they made it with oil for me, rather than butter, as I am a vegan 🥰 I will make it with vegan-friendly butter. I will update after I have made it.
3 Years ago, Thursday, June 1, 2023

Brian
Brian
Yeast is a fungus so perfectly fine for vegans.
2 Years ago, Monday, January 15, 2024

Jürgen
Jürgen
When you're a vegan, whats about the yeast ?
3 Years ago, Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Anita Velho
Anita Velho
Looks good. I have never made it before, I think it might freeze well. I will make it soon. I love your Portuguese recipes.
3 Years ago, Saturday, April 15, 2023

Soemie Mokamat
Soemie Mokamat
I had eaten it in Funchal (went 3 times to Madeira). I have made it here at home Rotterdam, The Netherlands. And my friends like it too
3 Years ago, Friday, March 31, 2023

Evelyn Azevedo
Evelyn Azevedo
Sounds real good and tasty. Gives me something new to try.
4 Years ago, Sunday, February 27, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Great Evelyn, enjoy.
4 Years ago, Sunday, February 27, 2022

Tuga Pops

Joined 11 Years ago n/a
Share
this Page
Facebook Pinterest X Reddit