# Bolo de mel

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***Bolo de mel*** (ˈbolu ðɨ ˈmɛl, "honey cake") is a traditional cake from the [Madeira Islands](/source/Madeira).

## History

This cake is considered to be Madeira's oldest dessert.[citation needed] First noted in the 15th century using spices from [Europe](/source/Europe) and [India](/source/India), it was first created by nuns in the Convent of Santa Clara in Funchal. It is also popular in the Azores Islands of [Portugal](/source/Portugal).[1]

## Ingredients

The *bolo de mel* cake became a popular confection when the island was an important sugar producer, since the cake itself is traditionally made with [molasses](/source/Molasses) instead of the now-popular [honey](/source/Honey), which meant it could be stored for up to 5 years.[citation needed] When made with molasses, the cake is very dark in color and has a spongy sticky texture resembling a soft [cookie](/source/Cookie). The cake often has [walnuts](/source/Walnuts) and [almonds](/source/Almond) mixed within it. Clove, cinnamon, black pepper, anise seeds and allspice are popular spices used in the preparation. When it is served in Madeira, it is customary not to cut the cake, but rather to tear pieces off using the hands.[citation needed]

*Bolo de mel* is traditionally made around 8 December so that it will be consumed during [Christmas](/source/Christmas) often in a large enough batch that it can be enjoyed throughout the year.[2]

## See also

- [List of cakes](/source/List_of_cakes)
- [Madeira cake](/source/Madeira_cake)
- [Broa de mel](/source/Broa_de_mel)

## References

1. ["Bolo de Mel-da-Madeira"](https://tradicional.dgadr.gov.pt/en/categories/desserts-and-pastry/741-bolo-de-mel-da-madeira). Retrieved 21 December 2018.

1. ["Bolo de Mel"](http://www.bolo-de-mel.com/bolo-de-mel.html). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053902/http://www.bolo-de-mel.com/bolo-de-mel.html) 2013-09-21 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2013-09-20.

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