Classic Ensaymada Bread (Printer-Friendly)
Soft Filipino bread swirled with butter and sugar, perfect with coffee or tea for festive mornings.
# List of Ingredients:
→ Dough
01 -
4 cups all-purpose flour, unbleached
02 -
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
03 -
1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
04 -
1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
05 -
3 large eggs, room temperature
06 -
1/2 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
07 -
1/4 cup warm water, 110°F
08 -
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (or margarine)
→ Filling
09 -
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, very soft (or margarine)
→ Topping
10 -
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (or margarine)
11 -
1/2 cup granulated sugar, superfine preferred
# Preparation Steps:
01 -
In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar in warm water. Stir and let sit until foam forms on the surface, about 5 to 10 minutes.
02 -
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sifted flour, remaining sugar, and salt until thoroughly blended.
03 -
Add eggs, warm milk, melted butter, and the activated yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or by hand until a rough dough begins to form. If sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time just until dough holds together.
04 -
Place dough onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Form into a ball.
05 -
Set dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
06 -
Deflate dough and divide into 4 equal portions. Slice each portion into 4 for a total of 16 pieces.
07 -
Roll each dough piece into a rectangle (7 inches by 4 inches). Spread the center with softened butter and roll tightly into a log. Pinch seam to seal.
08 -
Gently stretch each log to about 12 inches, then coil into a spiral. Position each spiral in a greased muffin tin or ensaymada mold.
09 -
Let shaped dough rise uncovered in a warm area for 30 minutes until puffy.
10 -
Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown and set. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
11 -
Brush cooled bread generously with softened butter, then roll or dip in granulated sugar for a crystalline crust.
# Additional Suggestions:
01 -
For extra flavor, add grated cheese over the butter and sugar topping for a traditional Filipino variation.
02 -
Dough can be frozen after shaping or baking. Thaw and finish as desired.
03 -
To ensure a fluffy crumb, knead dough thoroughly and avoid over-flouring.