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Fluffy Ensaymada Sweet Bread Recipe with Easy Buttery Cheese Topping

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A soft, cloud-like Filipino sweet bread topped with a rich, buttery cheese topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a nostalgic treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm whole milk (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and warm (for topping)
  • 1 cup (100g) grated cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk (110°F/43°C) and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 5-7 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract (if using). Once the yeast mixture is bubbly, add it to the wet ingredients and stir to combine.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until it starts to come together.
  4. Knead the dough: Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead with a stand mixer dough hook on medium speed for 6-7 minutes.
  5. First rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Shape the ensaymada: Punch down the dough, divide into 12 equal portions (~80g each). Roll each into a ball, flatten and roll into a long oval, then coil into a spiral. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
  7. Second rise: Cover shaped breads and let rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  9. Bake breads for 15-18 minutes until tops are lightly golden.
  10. Apply buttery cheese topping: Brush each bread with warm melted butter, sprinkle grated cheese, then dust with sugar.
  11. Cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

Use warm milk at about 110°F to activate yeast properly. Knead dough until soft and elastic but not sticky. Let dough rise twice for best fluffy texture. Brush cheese topping while bread is warm for better melting. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded. Watch oven closely to avoid over-browning.

Nutrition

Keywords: ensaymada, sweet bread, Filipino bread, cheesy bread, buttery topping, soft bread, breakfast bread, snack bread

Find it online: https://evabake.com/fluffy-ensaymada-sweet-bread-recipe-with-easy-buttery-cheese-topping/