This Soft Ensaymada is a sweet and buttery Filipino bread roll that is slathered with butter and sugar and grated cheese toppings. This bread has an ultra-soft and pillowy texture that practically melts in your mouth.

Do you want to bake homemade bread but are too intimidated to start? I am here to help you make this bread with a success and confidence.

This bread is not just a pastry; it's a cultural experience. In the Philippines, it is a staple during festive seasons, celebrations, and special occasions. Families and friends come together to enjoy the sweet indulgence, making it a symbol of warmth, togetherness, and joy. Whether served at breakfast, merienda (snack time), or dessert, ensaymada is a versatile treat that suits any occasion.

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Ingredients
Instructions
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
Helpful Tips
Why I Think You Should Love This
What To Serve This With
More Similar Recipes
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Soft Ensaymada
Notes:

Ingredients

Flour - You can use all-purpose flour or bread flour to make this bread. All-purpose flour is convenient and cheaper for most, but bread flour produces chewier dinner rolls. There are no other changes to the recipe if you use bread flour.
Sugar - To sweeten the bread, feeds the yeast and helps to tenderize the dough. You can reduce the sugar for less sweet bread.
Active dry yeast - You can use active dry yeast or instant yeast. If using active dry yeast, the rise times will be a little longer.
Milk - The yeast is activated by dissolving it with liquid and sugar. To achieve the most tender bread rolls, opt for whole milk for optimal flavor and texture.
Eggs - Enhance the flavor of the bread. Use room temperature eggs for a smoother texture.
Butter - For a richer flavor. Make sure to use room-temperature unsalted butter. You can use salted butter but be sure to reduce the salt by ⅛ teaspoon
Grated cheese - For toppings. You can use sharp cheddar cheese such as Eden cheese. In the United States, Tillamok white cheddar cheese is our favorite in the house.

Instructions

In a bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and a tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
In a mixer or mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, ½ cup softened butter, eggs, and yeast mixture.
Mix the ingredients until a dough forms.
Knead the dough with your hand on a floured surface for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can use a paddle attachment or a dough hook if you are using an electric mixer.
Place the prepared dough into a greased bowl and cover with a plastic wrap or damp cloth. Let stand at room temperature until the size is doubled, about 2 hours. It is faster in a relatively warm environment.

Grease your brioche molder with cooking oil or butter. If you don't have a molder, you can use a pie pan, be sure to grease it so the dough won't stick.
Punch down the dough and divide it into 22 equal portions, shaping each portion into a ball.
Roll each ball into a rope, then coil it into a round shape to form the ensaymada. Transfer the rolls to the greased brioche molder. Let the shaped dough rise again for about 1 hour or until the size has doubled.

Preheat your oven to 350°F or 175°C.
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the tops are lightly brown (not golden brown). Time may vary depending on the size of your dough.

Shaped ensaymada in a molder, ready to bake.

While waiting for the dough in the oven, prepare the topping by combining the softened butter and sugar until well mixed.
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool.
Spread the butter-sugar mixture on the top.

Baked ensaymada on a plate with butter and sugar.

Sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheese on top. Serve and enjoy your delicious ensaymada!

Soft ensaymada with grated cheese on a small plate, ready to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

Make ahead in the fridge: After kneading the dough, place it in a greased bowl cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. It will slowly rise in the refrigerator overnight and you don't have to worry about it.

On the day of baking, take the dough out of the freezer and bring it to room temperature for about an hour. Let it double the size. Then you can shape and transfer it into a greased molder or baking pan.

For Freezer: Follow the make-ahead instructions and instead of refrigerating overnight, freeze the dough in the bowl or freezer bag. Once frozen, they won’t stick together anymore. Let them thaw and rise for about 4-5 hours, shape and transfer them to a molder or baking pan, let them rise until the size is double, then bake.

Storage: Transfer the baked bread rolls to a container with a lid and store them on your room-temperature kitchen countertop for up to 7 days. You can freeze the baked bread. Transfer the bread to a container and freeze for a few months.

Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave this ensaymada for 30 seconds or until warm enough and soft to your liking.

Helpful Tips

Be sure to use fresh yeast. If your yeast didn't turn frothy after dissolving it with warm milk and sugar, it is probably not active, and your bread won't rise.
Knead the dough properly to develop the gluten which gives the ensaymada its structure and texture. You should need the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you are using your hand, it requires a bit of arm muscle. Otherwise, a stand mixer is your best helper here.
Allow your dough to rise and double the size. To speed this up, preheat your oven for 10 seconds then turn it off. You can place it inside your oven and turn the light on. The heat and light will help create a warm environment to make it rise quickly. Or simply place your dough in a warmer spot in your house. A longer rise allows for better flavor development.
Add ube halaya and ube extract to your dough and filling to make it ube flavored ensaymada just like my ube cheese pandesal.

Why I Think You Should Love This

It is the ultimate comfort food. The soft and buttery texture of this bread roll, combined with sweet and cheese topping, can provide a comforting and indulgent treat and a feeling that you are in the Philippines. It's a wonderful way to treat yourself and your loved ones to something special.
It is a wonderful treat to share with your loved ones. Homemade goodies often make for thoughtful and appreciated gifts. Whether it's for a special occasion, a potluck, or just to brighten someone's day, making homemade bread can be a hit.
It's a fun and exciting activity for a whole family. Getting your family member to help you make this bread is a satisfaction guarantee.

What To Serve This With

Ensaymada makes for a delightful breakfast or brunch treat. Its sweet and buttery flavor pairs well with coffee or tea. Serve it during family breakfasts or brunch gatherings.
It is perfect for merienda, the traditional Filipino afternoon snack time. It's a sweet and satisfying treat to enjoy with a cup of hot chocolate or your favorite beverage.
Package ensaymada in decorative boxes or bags to give as gifts. Homemade ensaymada makes for a thoughtful and delicious present, especially during the holiday season.
This ultra-soft and sweet roll bread can be a fantastic dessert option to showcase traditional Filipino flavors.