Ensaymada: The Beloved Filipino Sweet Pastry That Steals Hearts
Ensaymada recipe is more than just a pastry—it’s a cherished Filipino tradition that has won over generations with its fluffy, buttery layers and sweet, cheesy topping. This spiral-shaped delicacy, often dusted with grated cheese and sugar, is a staple in local bakeries across the Philippines, from small neighborhood panaderias to famous chain stores like Goldilocks and Red Ribbon. Its popularity rivals even the iconic pandesal, making it a must-have for breakfast, merienda (afternoon snack), or special occasions.
Why Filipinos Love Ensaymada:
🍞 Pillowy Softness – The dough is enriched with butter, eggs, and milk, giving it a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
🧀 Sweet & Savory Toppings – Traditionally crowned with grated Edam cheese, butter, and sugar, with modern twists adding ube (purple yam) or chocolate.
☕ Perfect Pairing – Best enjoyed with hot coffee, tsokolate (sikwate), or milk for a comforting snack.
Baking the Perfect Ensaymada:
- Master the Dough – Requires kneading skill to achieve the right elasticity.
- Proofing is Key – Let the dough rise properly for light, airy layers.
- Oven Matters – Home ovens vary—adjust baking time to avoid over/under-cooking.
Tips for Success:
✨ Use high-quality butter for richer flavor.
✨ Brush with more butter after baking for extra indulgence.
✨ Experiment with fillings like macapuno (coconut sport) or langka (jackfruit).
A Taste of Filipino Heritage:
Ensaymada’s roots trace back to Spanish influence, but the Filipino version is uniquely richer and sweeter. Whether you’re nostalgic for Lola’s homemade ensaymada or trying it for the first time, this pastry is a labor of love worth perfecting.
Ready to bake? Try our classic recipe and share your ensaymada stories!
What’s your favorite ensaymada topping? Let us know below! 😊
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Classic Ensaymada Recipe – Filipino Sweet Pastry
Description
This Filipino classic ensaymada recipe is so yummy and a very popular sweet pastry among Filipinos. This bread gained more popularity for a reason: this sweet pastry can be purchased at any local bakery and the well-known chain bakeries, along with other famous breads like pandesal. This Filipino bread is best served with a cup of hot coffee or even a cup of sikwate (Filipino hot chocolate). Try our classic ensaymada recipe. Please take note that this recipe requires skills to perfect the result. The size of the oven also matters for the entire baking period.
Ingredients
Instructions
Preparation:
Warm the milk and pour it into the container with the sugar and instant yeast. Stir well until the sugar dissolves, then set aside to activate the yeast for about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Like flour, sugar, and salt. Whisk to combine and make a wheel at the center.
Go back to the yeast mixture and pour it into the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add butter and eggs, then mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed and dough is formed.
Transfer the dough to a flat surface and knead until the dough texture becomes fine. Put the dough back in the mixing bowl and cover it with a cloth on top. Let the dough sit for 1.5 to 2 hours to rise.
Take out the dough from the mixing bowl and slightly knead or punch the dough to release the air inside. Then cut it into four equal parts. Roll each piece until it becomes cylindrical in shape.
Slice the dough into individual pieces weighing 40 to 45 grams each and put them in a free space.
Note: A dough slicer can be used, or just use your hands by squeezing the dough to form a small ball shape and cutting it. Repeat the process until all is done.Roll each piece of dough into a long, thin, cylindrical shape. Hold both ends of the dough, crossing the two opposite ends. The first end is just placed under the dough, while the other end is inserted just in the middle to form a spiral ensaymada.
Arrange the spiral Ensaymada dough on a baking tray; make sure to leave a gap between each piece for the dough to rise. Repeat the process until all the dough is used up.
Once done, cover them with cloth and set them aside to rise for another 30 to 45 minutes.
Baking:
Pre-heat the oven at 350–360 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.
Remove the cloth, put the tray in the oven, and bake the dough for 15–20 minutes.
After baking, take the ensaymada out of the oven.
While still a bit hot, brush the ensaymada with margarine or butter, then sprinkle with sugar.
Enjoy your classic ensaymada. It is best to serve with a cup of hot coffee or sikwate (Filipino hot chocolate).
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 753kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 29.5g46%
- Saturated Fat 12.7g64%
- Cholesterol 126mg42%
- Sodium 667mg28%
- Potassium 188mg6%
- Total Carbohydrate 107.1g36%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 27.3g
- Protein 15.4g31%
- Calcium 81 mg
- Iron 5 mg
- Vitamin D 760 IU
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
