Decadent Filipino Ensaymada: Your New Baking Obsession

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Aniela Recipes Team

There s something incredibly heartwarming about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house, and Filipino Ensaymada is the kind of treat that embodies that comforting magic. The first time I took a bite of this soft, buttery delight topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and melted cheese, I was transported to a cozy corner of my favorite café. The blend of sweet and savory adds a complexity that makes you want to savor every moment.

Making Ensaymada may seem daunting at first, but trust me this recipe is surprisingly straightforward, turning your kitchen into a haven of fantastic aromas and mouthwatering flavors without the hassle. Perfect for brunch gatherings or simply enjoying with a steaming cup of coffee, these fluffy rolls are a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone coming back for more. Grab your apron, and let s embark on this delicious journey to create these delightful Filipino rolls!

Why is Filipino Ensaymada a must-try?

Decadent Delight: Every bite of Ensaymada is a sweet, buttery embrace that melts in your mouth.
Versatile Topping: Whether you enjoy it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a generous helping of cheese, the combination is irresistible.
Impressive Yet Easy: The step-by-step process makes this an accessible treat to impress family and friends without feeling overwhelmed.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From brunch to afternoon coffee breaks, these rolls fit beautifully into any gathering.
A Taste of Tradition: Savor the rich Filipino culture through these delightful pastries, warming hearts and filling stomachs.
Make sure to pair it with a refreshing beverage for a delightful experience!

Filipino Ensaymada Ingredients

For the Dough

• ½ cup butter softened This lends a rich, creamy flavor that melts beautifully.
• ¼ cup warm water Ensures the yeast blooms properly for a fluffy texture.
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast Essential for making the dough rise and giving it that lightness.
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar Helps to activate the yeast, aiding in the rising process.
• 3 ½ cups bread flour Provides the ideal gluten structure for those perfect fluffy rolls.
• cup sugar Balances the flavors, making the Ensaymada sweet and delightful.
• ¼ tablespoons salt Enhances the overall taste of the dough.

For the Enrichment

• 1 cup milk Adds moisture and richness, contributing to the tender bite of the rolls.
• ½ cup shortening Ensures the texture remains soft and fluffy as it bakes.
• 3 egg yolks Provides color and richness, elevating the flavor profile.

For the Topping

• ½ cup powdered sugar sifted Adds a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth finish after baking.
• ½ 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese A must-have for that savory contrast to the sweet dough, making the recipe truly outstanding!

These ingredients will come together to create a delicious Filipino Ensaymada that will warm your heart and home. Happy baking!

How to Make Filipino Ensaymada

1. Prepare the pans: Brush two round cake pans with softened butter, ensuring every corner gets a nice coating for a golden, non-sticky finish.

2. Bloom the yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Allow it to rest for 15 minutes until bubbly and fragrant this step is crucial for a light, airy dough.

3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the bread flour, granulated sugar, and salt. This will be the foundation for your fluffy rolls.

4. Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together milk, shortening, and egg yolks until smooth. This mixture adds richness and moisture to the dough.

5. Create the dough: Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture and the bloomed yeast. Stir until a soft dough forms, inviting these delightful flavors together.

6. Knead the dough: On a floured surface, dust a bit more flour and knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it s smooth and elastic, feeling soft and supple to the touch.

7. Let it rise: Place the kneaded dough in a warm spot and cover it. Let it rise for 1 hour or until it doubles in size a magical transformation happens here!

8. Shape the dough: Punch down the rise, then roll the dough into a log and cut it into 14 equal pieces or weigh each piece to 75 grams for consistent sizes.

9. Form the rolls: Shape each piece into a ball, then roll each into a 15 cm long log and twist into a swirl before placing them in the prepared pans this is where the magic of shape happens!

10. Final rise: Fit 10 pieces in the larger pan and place the remaining four in a smaller pan. Cover with cling wrap and allow them to rise for another hour, filling your kitchen with the smell of anticipation.

11. Bake the Ensaymada: Preheat your oven to 350 °F and bake for about 30 minutes until they turn golden brown. Your kitchen will be filled with a delightful aroma.

12. Finish with toppings: Once baked, remove from the oven and brush the tops with the leftover softened butter. Sprinkle powdered sugar and shredded cheese, creating a balance between sweet and savory.

Optional: Serve warm for a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Filipino Ensaymada

• Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh to achieve a perfect rise. Expired yeast can lead to dense rolls rather than fluffy ones.

• Knead Thoroughly: Knead the dough long enough for it to become smooth and elastic this is key to creating light, airy Filipino Ensaymada.

• Warm Rising Spot: Choose a warm, draft-free area for dough rising. Cold environments can inhibit the yeast s growth, making the dough dense.

• Don t Rush Shaping: Take your time when shaping the dough into logs and swirls. A gentle touch will preserve the air bubbles for a soft texture.

• Customize Toppings: Feel free to get creative! While cheese and powdered sugar are classic, consider adding some cinnamon or coconut flakes for a twist.

• Enjoy Fresh: Ensaymada is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for a couple of days to maintain moisture.

What to Serve with Filipino Ensaymada?

Creating a delightful meal experience is as easy as pairing these fluffy, sweet rolls with the right companions.

• Strong Coffee: Enhances the sweetness of the Ensaymada while providing a perfect balance with its bold flavor.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: The bright, juicy notes brighten your plate, offering a refreshing contrast to the richness of the rolls.
• Savory Ham: A slice of smoked ham will add a savory touch that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cheese topping.
• Coconut Flan: This creamy dessert has a hint of sweetness, beautifully complementing the soft, buttery texture of the Ensaymada.
• Herbal Tea: A lightly brewed tea, such as chamomile or mint, brings a soothing balance to the richness of the bread.
• Cheese Platter: Include a mix of soft and sharp cheeses to play with the savory notes already present in the Ensaymada.
• Mango Lassi: The cool creaminess of this yogurt drink balances flavor and texture, creating a lovely pairing experience.
• Spicy Chorizo: A side of this spicy delight introduces heat, enriching the sweet-salty flavor profile of your meal.
• Chocolate Sauce: For those with a sweet tooth, drizzling a little chocolate will elevate your Ensaymada experience to decadent heights.

How to Store and Freeze Filipino Ensaymada

Room Temperature: Store cooled Ensaymada in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its softness.

Fridge: If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate the Ensaymada in a tightly wrapped container for up to 1 week, though this may affect the texture slightly.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months! Thaw in the fridge the night before using.

Reheating: To enjoy warm, reheat individual rolls in the oven at 350 °F for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds for a quick treat.

Make Ahead Options

These delightful Filipino Ensaymada are perfect for meal prep, making your busy weeknights stress-free! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by completing steps 1 through 7 (the initial rise) and covering it tightly in the refrigerator to maintain its flavor and texture. Alternatively, shape the rolls and allow them to rise (steps 8-10) and then refrigerate them for up to 3 days before baking. When you re ready to serve, simply take them out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature while preheating your oven, then bake as usual. This way, you ll have fresh, fluffy Ensaymada just like homemade, with minimal effort perfect for those on-the-go mornings!

Filipino Ensaymada Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to play around with this recipe to make it truly your own; the warmth and comfort of these rolls await your creative touch!

• Gluten-Free: Substitute bread flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the mix has xanthan gum for proper texture.

• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or cream cheese; each will lend a unique creaminess.

• Coconut Touch: Add shredded coconut to the dough or as a topping for a tropical twist that adds delightful texture.

• Herbed Delight: Before shaping, mix in herbs like rosemary or thyme for an unexpected flavor explosion that elevates these rolls.

• Sweet Swirls: Incorporate a cinnamon-sugar mix into the dough before rolling to create a sweet, aromatic swirl inside the Ensaymada.

• Fruit Filling: Try adding a dollop of fruit preserves or sweetened cream cheese inside each swirl to surprise your taste buds with flavor.

• Savory Spice: For an added kick, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper into the dough for a subtly spicy flavor.

• Vegan Option: Replace butter with coconut oil and the egg yolks with flax eggs to make a plant-based version that retains its deliciousness.

Embrace these variations and create the Ensaymada of your dreams your kitchen will surely brim with love and delicious aromas!

Filipino Ensaymada Recipe FAQs

What type of bread flour should I use for Ensaymada?
I recommend using high-protein bread flour, as it creates the ideal gluten structure needed for fluffy Ensaymada. This type of flour gives the rolls their wonderful chewy texture while still being soft enough to melt in your mouth.

How do I store leftover Ensaymada?
To keep your Ensaymada fresh, place it in an airtight container and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it in a tightly wrapped container for up to 1 week, though the texture may change slightly.

Can I freeze Ensaymada, and how?
Absolutely! To freeze Ensaymada, allow the rolls to cool completely after baking. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply place them in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Why did my Ensaymada turn out dense?
A common culprit for dense rolls could be expired yeast, which fails to provide the necessary rise. Make sure to use fresh, active dry yeast and allow it to bloom properly. If the dough wasn t kneaded enough, this could also affect the texture, so ensure to knead until smooth and elastic!

Is there a gluten-free alternative for the flour?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute. Look for one specifically formulated for baking, ensuring it includes xanthan gum as this helps mimic the elasticity of gluten. The texture might differ slightly, but it can still be delicious!

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
If you re serving Ensaymada to guests with allergies, note that this recipe contains dairy (butter, milk) and eggs. For a lacto-vegetarian version, feel free to substitute with plant-based butter and milk, and use egg replacers if necessary. This way, everyone can enjoy these delightful rolls!