Teresa's Recipes
Ensaimada - The Spanish Sweet Bread
Experience the sweet, buttery delight of Ensaimada, a traditional pastry originating from Mallorca, Spain. This melt-in-your-mouth spiral bread is dusted with powdered sugar, creating a heavenly combination of textures. A staple in Spanish territories and the Philippines, this bread has been savored and celebrated since the 17th century. Enjoy this bread for breakfast with a cup of coffee or as a delightful afternoon snack.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup, for dusting Powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) Active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup, melted and cooled Unsalted butter
- 2, at room temperature Eggs
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup, warm (not hot or boiling) Water
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 6
- Dish Type: Bread
- Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 52g
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Sugar: 23g
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water. Let it stand for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture. Add the eggs and knead until a soft dough forms.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a thin sheet. Brush the surface with the cooled melted butter.
- Carefully roll the dough into a log and then coil it into a spiral shape. Place the spiral dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Cover the dough lightly with a kitchen towel and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Bake the Ensaimada for 20 minutes, or until it turns a beautiful golden brown color.
- Remove the Ensaimada from the oven and let it cool. Once cooled, dust the bread generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips
- For a more festive touch, you can add fillings like chocolate or sweetened cream before rolling the dough.
- Ensure the water for the yeast is warm, not hot. Hot water can kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising.