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
Scale
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
