Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin or line with paper cups.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, and eggs. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the shredded cheese.
Spoon the mixture into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Bake for 18 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow them to cool on a wire rack.
In a large bowl, combine the mixed tropical fruits, sugar, and lime juice. Gently toss to coat the fruit in the syrup. Set aside.
For the coffee cake, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Spoon the batter into a greased 9 inch round cake pan or a 12 cup Bundt pan. Bake for 35 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow it to cool before slicing.
Chef’s Insight
To achieve a soft and chewy texture in the pão de queijo, be careful not to overmix the dough. - For a more intense coffee flavor in the cake, use cold brew or espresso instead of milk.
Notes
Adjust the sweetness of the fruit salad by adding more sugar if desired. - For a caffeine-free option, replace the coffee in the cake recipe with almond milk or another non-dairy milk.