Ensaymada
Ensaymada is a soft, sweet Filipino pastry topped with butter and sugar, featuring a rich, buttery flavor that appeals to those with a sweet tooth and pastry lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine warm water and yeast in a bowl and let sit until frothy.
- Add corn oil, salt, sugar, and egg yolks to the yeast mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough and let rise until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into rolls like cinnamon rolls.
- Let the shaped rolls rise again until puffy.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) until slightly brown, about 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven, spread butter on top, and sprinkle with sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the best texture for your ensaymada, make sure your water is warm but not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. You can substitute corn oil with melted butter for a richer flavor. If you prefer a slightly sweeter taste, consider adding an extra tablespoon of sugar. For a twist, try adding a hint of vanilla or cinnamon to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
Serve ensaymada warm, topped with a generous spread of butter and a sprinkle of sugar. They pair wonderfully with coffee or tea, making them a delightful breakfast or snack. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside Flan(Custard With Caramel Sauce) for dessert, creating a deliciously sweet ending to any meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover ensaymada in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore softness, or microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ensaymada contains roughly 176 calories, with 9g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value), iron (12% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 947mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast. Just remember to activate it in warm water for about 5-10 minutes until frothy before adding it to the other ingredients. This helps ensure the yeast is alive and will work effectively in your dough.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast or insufficient warmth. Make sure your yeast is fresh and check that your rising environment is warm, ideally around 75-80°F (24-27°C). If needed, try placing the dough in a slightly warm oven or near a warm stovetop to encourage rising.
Can I freeze ensaymada?
Yes, you can freeze ensaymada! Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as desired.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).