If you have a soft spot for sweet, buttery breads that melt in your mouth and bring a smile to your face, then this Classic Ensaymada Bread Recipe is going to steal your heart. A beloved Filipino treat, ensaymada is delightfully fluffy and topped with creamy butter, a sprinkle of sugar, and a generous dusting of cheese that adds just the right savory contrast. This recipe captures all those qualities perfectly, making it an irresistible homemade treasure that’s both comforting and celebratory. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, merienda, or just because, this Classic Ensaymada Bread Recipe offers a warm, tender hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple but each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and iconic look of ensaymada. Together, they produce a soft and rich dough topped with sweet and cheesy goodness that’s hard to resist.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that provides structure and chewiness to the bread.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the dough, balancing the richness of the butter.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors, preventing the bread from tasting flat.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast: The magical leavening agent that makes the bread light and fluffy.
- 1/2 cup warm milk: Helps activate the yeast and enriches the dough with a creamy softness.
- 1/4 cup warm water: Works with the milk to wake up the yeast and create the perfect rise.
- 3 large egg yolks: Add richness and color, contributing to that silky crumb.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened): Builds tenderness and buttery flavor into every bite.
- 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (plus more for topping): Gives the bread its characteristic cheesy allure both inside and on top.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping): Sprinkled on top for a delightful sweet crunch.
- 1/4 cup softened butter (for topping): Spread generously after baking for a luscious finish.
How to Make Classic Ensaymada Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining warm water, a pinch of sugar, and your active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and alive — this means the yeast is proofed and ready to work its rising magic.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry
Add the yeast mixture, warm milk, and egg yolks to the dry ingredients. Stir everything until a soft dough begins to form. This is when the dough starts coming together, creating the base for your ensaymada.
Step 4: Knead the Dough with Butter
Incorporate the softened butter into your dough, then knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until the texture is smooth and elastic. Kneading develops the gluten and infuses the dough with that rich buttery flavor, which is essential for a soft crumb.
Step 5: First Rise
Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until it doubles in size. This step brings volume and lightness, preparing the dough to become the fluffy classic bread you’re aiming for.
Step 6: Shape the Ensaymada
Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release excess air. Divide the dough into 10 to 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and coil it into a spiral, the signature look of ensaymada. Place each coil on a greased baking sheet, then cover and let them rise again for 45 minutes, allowing some final expansion before baking.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the spiraled dough for about 15 to 18 minutes or until they turn a gorgeous golden color. This warm hue signals that your sweet, cheesy bread is ready to be transformed into something truly special.
Step 8: Butter, Sugar, and Cheese Topping
While still slightly warm, spread each piece generously with softened butter. Then sprinkle with sugar for that classic sweet crunch and finish off with grated cheddar cheese on top. This topping perfectly balances the sweetness with savory notes and creamy richness.
How to Serve Classic Ensaymada Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the traditional butter, sugar, and cheddar cheese topping, you can try a sprinkle of powdered milk or even a pinch of grated quick-melt cheese for an extra decadent touch. These garnishes elevate the texture and pair beautifully with the soft dough to delight your taste buds.
Side Dishes
Classic ensaymada is delightful on its own, but pairing it with a hot cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate makes it a perfect snack or breakfast treat. For a heartier option, serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad to balance sweetness with refreshing acidity.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving ensaymada for guests, try placing the spirals in decorative paper liners or wrapping bundles tied with colorful ribbons for a charming homemade gift. You can also drizzle a bit of caramel or condensed milk on top just before serving to add a luscious glaze and extra sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover ensaymada bread fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. This prevents the bread from drying out and helps maintain its soft texture for up to two days.
Freezing
You can freeze ensaymada by wrapping each piece individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a zip-top bag. This way, the bread stays fresh for up to a month. Thaw overnight at room temperature before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 5–7 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds wrapped in a paper towel to help maintain softness. Adding a little extra butter after warming revitalizes its rich flavor and mouthwatering texture.
FAQs
What makes this a Classic Ensaymada Bread Recipe?
This recipe stays true to traditional Filipino ensaymada with its soft, buttery dough, sweet sugar topping, and signature grated cheese finish. The shaping technique and balanced ingredients bring that nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Can I use other types of cheese besides cheddar?
Absolutely! While cheddar is the classic choice, you can experiment with quick-melt cheeses or blends that suit your taste. Just make sure the cheese melts well and complements the sweetness.
How important is the yeast activation step?
Activating the yeast in warm water with a bit of sugar ensures it’s alive and ready to leaven the dough. Skipping this step risks a dense bread that won’t rise properly, so it’s crucial for that light, fluffy texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Makeshift vegan versions are possible by substituting milk with plant-based alternatives, using vegan butter, and egg replacers. However, the texture and flavors will differ from the classic version.
How long can I keep ensaymada fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, ensaymada stays fresh for about 2 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freezing is recommended to retain freshness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There is truly nothing like the comfort and joy that comes from baking your own Classic Ensaymada Bread Recipe. It’s a sweet, buttery, cheesy indulgence that warms the soul and brightens any day. Whether you share it with family, friends, or savor a piece solo, this beloved Filipino treat is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. So don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients, get kneading, and bake your way to bliss with this delightful recipe!
Print
Classic Ensaymada Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 to 12 pieces
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Filipino
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Ensaymada Bread is a soft, sweet Filipino bread enriched with egg yolks and butter, topped with a generous layer of butter, sugar, and grated cheddar cheese. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, this fluffy, spiral-shaped bread offers a delightful blend of buttery sweetness and cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
Topping Ingredients
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup softened butter
- Additional grated cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, a pinch of sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt until evenly combined.
- Form Dough: Add the yeast mixture, warm milk, and egg yolks to the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a soft dough begins to form.
- Knead Dough: Incorporate the softened butter into the dough and knead by hand for 8–10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
- First Rise: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide it into 10 to 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and coil into a spiral shape.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped spirals on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let them rise again for 45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake the ensaymada for 15–18 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown on top.
- Apply Topping: Let the breads cool slightly. Spread each with softened butter, sprinkle with granulated sugar, and generously top with grated cheddar cheese before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add a bit of powdered milk to the dough.
- You can use quick-melt cheese or a blend of cheeses instead of cheddar for varied taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- Reheat ensaymada slightly before serving to restore softness and aroma.
