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Classic Ensaymada Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 92 reviews

Classic Ensaymada Bread is a soft, sweet, and fluffy Filipino bread perfect for breakfast or a snack. This recipe features enriched dough made with milk, butter, eggs, and vanilla, shaped into spirals, baked to a golden brown, then finished with melted butter, grated cheese, and sugar for that authentic, irresistible flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
  • 1/2 cup milk, warmed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup butter, melted (for brushing)
  • 1/4 cup grated cheese (e.g., cheddar or queso de bolsa)
  • 1/4 cup sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and have them ready for easy access to streamline the baking process.
  2. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm milk with instant yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt to evenly distribute.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs and combine with softened butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Combine Mixtures: Add the yeast mixture and wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  6. Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, developing gluten.
  7. First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
  8. Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough, divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle and spread with melted butter.
  9. Roll and Shape: Fold the circle in half, then roll it up like a jelly roll to create a spiral shape. Place each shaped dough in greased molds or on a lined baking tray.
  10. Second Rise: Cover with a towel and allow the shaped dough to rise for 30-45 minutes until puffed up.
  11. Preheat Oven: While the dough rises, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  12. Bake: Bake the dough for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
  13. Cool the Bread: Remove from oven and let cool in molds for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  14. Add Finishing Touches: Brush the warm breads with melted butter and sprinkle with grated cheese and sugar.

Notes

  • Ensure the yeast is fresh and your milk is warm but not hot to activate yeast properly.
  • The dough should feel soft and slightly sticky; add milk sparingly if too dry.
  • Use room temperature eggs and butter for better mixing and dough consistency.
  • Baking times may vary; check a few minutes early to prevent overbaking.
  • Experiment with different cheese types like mozzarella or cream cheese for varied flavors.
  • Use greased molds for traditional spiral shapes or a lined tray for free-form baking.

Keywords: Ensaymada, Filipino bread, sweet bread, soft bread, breakfast bread, enriched dough, spiral bread, baked bread

Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/classic-ensaymada-bread-recipe/