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Ensaymada

How to Make Ensaymada

Lito Montala
Ensaymada or ensaimada is a favorite and popular Filipino fluffy bread coated with margarine and butter then sprinkled with grated cheese.
3 from 2 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Bread Recipe
Cuisine Filipino
Servings 2 dozen
Calories 244 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (for the sponge yeast)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
  • 3/4 cup warm water
  • 4 tsp. active dry yeast
  • 1/8 cup butter softened
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. salt
  • 5 egg yolks
  • 1 cup fresh milk or evaporated milk
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (for the dough)
  • melted butter for brushing
  • grated cheese

Instructions
 

How to Make Ensaymada:

  • Dissolve the sugar in the warm water. Add the yeast and let stand until softened
  • Add 1 cup flour gradually until well blended. Cover bowl with a damp cloth and set aside in warm place for 30 minutes. (This is the sponge yeast).
  • Meanwhile, cream butter and sugar thoroughly; add salt and egg yolks, beating well after each addition. Then add milk and stir.
  • Add 4 cups all-purpose flour gradually, blending well. Add this mixture to the sponge yeast. Mix well until dough is formed.
  • Knead the dough until texture becomes fine.
  • Put dough in slightly greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for 2 hours.
  • Punch down. Divide dough into desired size of rolls. Sprinkle with flour to avoid sticking to the surface. Roll out thinly into a rectangle.
  • Spread dough surface with melted butter and sprinkle with grated cheese.
  • Roll as in jelly roll, starting from the lower left hand corner creating a long, thin log then shape it into a coil (spiral) with the end tucked under.
  • Place in greased ensaimada molds. Let rise for 2 hours.
  • Bake in preheated oven at 400 °F for from 10 to 15 minutes.
  • After taking out from oven, brush with butter and sprinkle with grated cheese and sugar.
  • Yield: 2 dozens.

Notes

Cooking Tips of Ensaymada Recipe:

  1. Precision in Rising: Ensuring that the dough rises adequately is crucial. Make sure to let it rest in a warm place, covering it with a damp cloth, for the specified times in the recipe. This allows the dough to achieve the desired fluffiness and texture.
  2. Consistency in Rolling: When rolling out the dough, aim for a uniform thickness. This consistency will help ensure that your ensaymada bakes evenly, resulting in a delightful combination of softness and crispness.
  3. Balancing Toppings: While ensaymada is known for its generous toppings of margarine, butter, cheese, and sugar, it's essential to strike a balance. Experiment with the quantities to achieve the right level of sweetness and richness that suits your taste buds.
Keyword ensaymada