Description
Classic Ensaymada is a soft, fluffy Filipino-style brioche topped with butter, sugar, and cheese. This comforting, indulgent bread is perfect for breakfast or merienda and brings nostalgic bakery flavors right into your home.
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 egg yolks
1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup water (as needed)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup grated cheddar cheese (or Edam cheese)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, warm milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until a sticky dough forms. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of flour as needed.
- Knead the dough by hand or mixer for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time if too dry.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 10–12 equal portions.
- Roll each piece into a log, coil into a spiral, and place into greased Ensaymada molds or muffin tins.
- Cover and let the shaped dough rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Bake the Ensaymada for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
- Cool slightly, then brush with softened butter, sprinkle with sugar, and top with grated cheese.
Notes
Use Edam cheese (queso de bola) for a more traditional flavor.
Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
Don’t skip the second rise—this helps achieve the light, fluffy texture.
Store in an airtight container to keep them soft.
Warm leftovers in the microwave and reapply butter and sugar for best texture.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
