If you have a soft spot for sweet, buttery breads with a cheesy twist then you are in for a treat with this Classic Ensaymada Bread Recipe. This Filipino favorite is everything you want in a comfort snack—light, fluffy, and generously topped with creamy butter, sugar, and melty cheese. Every bite captures the perfect balance of sweetness and richness, making it a heavenly indulgence whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or as an afternoon pick-me-up. Simple ingredients come together in a magical way to create a bread that feels special yet is easy enough to bake at home. Let me walk you through making this classic treat that’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward baking delicious ensaymada. Each one plays an essential role in creating that iconic softness, subtle sweetness, and rich buttery flavor that makes this bread so irresistible.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and feeds the yeast for a good rise.
- Active dry yeast: The magic agent responsible for the dough’s light, fluffy texture.
- Warm milk: Activates the yeast and contributes moisture and softness.
- Egg yolks: Enrich the dough, lending color and a velvety richness.
- Whole eggs: Help bind ingredients and add tenderness.
- Unsalted butter: Incorporated gradually to build that tender crumb and buttery flavor.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- Softened butter for brushing: Gives the finished bread a luscious shine and extra flavor.
- Grated cheese (traditionally Edam or mild cheddar): Adds that signature salty contrast to the sweet bread.
- Granulated sugar for topping: Sprinkled on top for a delightful crunch and sweetness.
How to Make Classic Ensaymada Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by warming your milk until it’s just lukewarm, then stir in a teaspoon of sugar along with the active dry yeast. Let this mixture rest for about 5 to 10 minutes until frothy and bubbly, signaling your yeast is alive and ready to give your bread that lovely rise.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, egg yolks, whole eggs, and salt. This combination boosts flavor and rich texture in your dough. Then, add your foamy yeast mixture into the bowl and prepare to combine it with the flour.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Add the flour gradually to your wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. As you stir, the dough will begin to come together — this is where you’ll start to see the shape of your classic ensaymada taking form.
Step 4: Incorporate the Butter
Softened butter is key to making this bread tender and buttery. Add it a little at a time while kneading until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. This process can take around 10 to 15 minutes by hand or less with a stand mixer.
Step 5: First Rise
Lightly grease a bowl and place your dough inside, covering it to prevent drying. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours until it doubles in size—this rest is crucial for fluffy ensaymada.
Step 6: Shape Your Ensaymadas
Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air, then divide it into 12 equal parts. Roll each piece into a thin rope and coil into a spiral shape, which is traditional for this bread. Arrange these coils on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover your shaped dough again and allow another 45 minutes to rise. This step ensures your ensaymadas will be nice and airy once baked.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 325°F and bake the ensaymadas for 18 to 22 minutes until they turn a delicate golden hue. Keep an eye on them—perfect color means perfect texture.
Step 9: The Finishing Touch
Once out of the oven, let the breads cool slightly before brushing generously with softened butter. Then, sprinkle with sugar and a hearty mound of grated cheese to complete the classic look and flavor everyone loves.
How to Serve Classic Ensaymada Bread Recipe
Garnishes
The classic finish is softened butter, granulated sugar, and a generous dusting of grated Edam or mild cheddar cheese. This combination offers a melt-in-your-mouth buttery richness balanced with a sweet crunch and a savory note from the cheese. For an extra indulgent treat, try adding a layer of sweetened buttercream beneath the cheese.
Side Dishes
While Classic Ensaymada Bread Recipe shines perfectly on its own, it pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Light fruit preserves or a splash of warm milk also complement the sweet and cheesy flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, stack your ensaymadas on a beautiful platter dusted lightly with powdered sugar and garnished with edible flowers or fresh herbs like mint. You can also slice them horizontally and use as sweet sandwich buns filled with more buttercream or cocoa spread for a delightful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover ensaymada, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the bread soft and prevents it from drying out. Make sure to let the bread cool completely before storing to avoid condensation.
Freezing
To enjoy Classic Ensaymada Bread Recipe later, wrap individual breads tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to a month frozen. When you want to indulge again, thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
The best way to bring back that fresh-baked softness is reheating ensaymada in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This restores the fluffy texture and enhances the warm, melty butter and cheese topping to perfection.
FAQs
Can I use evaporated milk instead of regular milk?
Absolutely! Replacing half the milk with evaporated milk enriches the dough further, giving your ensaymada an even more tender crumb and a subtly creamier taste.
What kind of cheese is best for topping ensaymada?
Traditionally, Edam cheese is used because of its mild, slightly nutty flavor, but mild cheddar works beautifully as well. If you prefer something different, a young gouda or mozzarella can work but they may alter the flavor slightly.
Is active dry yeast the only yeast option?
Active dry yeast is most common for this recipe, but instant yeast can be used as a substitute. Just remember to adjust the proofing time since instant yeast activates faster and doesn’t require proofing in warm milk.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the milk with plant-based options like almond or soy milk and use vegan butter to make it dairy-free. Keep in mind the flavor and texture may vary slightly, but it will still be a delicious treat.
How long does the dough need to rise?
The first rise should take about 1 to 2 hours until the dough doubles in size, depending on your room temperature. The second rise after shaping takes approximately 45 minutes—both are essential for that classic fluffy texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about baking your own Classic Ensaymada Bread Recipe. From the moment you start mixing the dough to the first warm bite coated in butter, sugar, and cheese, you’re connecting with a beautiful Filipino tradition. Whether it’s a simple weekend baking project or a special treat for loved ones, this recipe brings warmth, sweetness, and smiles to your table. I hope you give it a try and discover just how satisfying homemade ensaymada can be!
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Classic Ensaymada Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 ensaymadas 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Ensaymada Bread is a soft, sweet Filipino bread roll enriched with butter, eggs, and topped with grated cheese and sugar. This fluffy and slightly tacky dough is gently baked to golden perfection, then brushed with butter and sprinkled with sweet and savory toppings, making it an irresistible treat perfect for breakfast or snack time.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (lukewarm)
- 3 egg yolks
- 2 whole eggs
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
Topping
- Softened butter for brushing
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (traditionally Edam or mild cheddar)
- Granulated sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Warm the milk until it is just lukewarm and stir in 1 teaspoon of sugar along with the active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, egg yolks, whole eggs, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Dough: Add the yeast mixture to the wet ingredients. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft dough starts to form.
- Add Butter and Knead: Incorporate the softened butter a little at a time while kneading the dough. Continue kneading until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky to the touch.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it loosely, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin rope, then coil each rope into a spiral shape and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough on the baking sheet and let it rise again for about 45 minutes until slightly puffed.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Bake: Bake the ensaymadas for 18 to 22 minutes or until they are lightly golden and baked through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the ensaymadas from the oven and let them cool slightly. Brush each with softened butter, then generously sprinkle with granulated sugar and grated cheese before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, replace half the milk with evaporated milk.
- Ensaymada is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated briefly in the microwave to restore fluffiness.
- For an indulgent twist, add a layer of sweetened buttercream underneath the cheese topping.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Filipino
