The Unlikely Baker

Easy and Delicious Recipes for the Home Baker!

Easy Ensaymada Recipe (Filipino Sweet Cheesy Brioche)

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Easy ensaymada recipe that’s simple to follow so you can make soft, sweet, cheesy ensaymada at home. Enjoy with your morning coffee, your afternoon tea or with that steaming cup of hot chocolate you deserve tonight!

(Enjoy baking bread? Try these sweet and lemony rolls or these ube rolls packed with delicious ube jam and topped with toasted coconut.)

Easy Ensaymada Recipe

Happy new year everyone! Did you have a nice holiday break? Ready to take on the new year? Have you decided on a resolution yet?

I did, I am, I haven’t.

I have been trying to get better at working with dough since the latter part of last year though. Does that count? Conquer dough? Well, there’s no New Year’s Resolution Police so I guess that’ll be ok.

It’s been a challenging – albeit delicious – process but I’ve already perfected a few recipes (yay). This ensaymada recipe is one of them (and this delicious pandesal recipe is another). It’s a cherished Filipino snack so it’s extra special; I’m excited to share the recipe with you!

What is ensaymada bread?

Easy Ensaymada Recipe

Think of ensaymada bread as a cinnamon bun – soft and tender – but without the cinnamon and the frosting.

Instead, the lovely brioche is generously brushed with butter, dunked in sugar and again generously sprinkled with cheddar cheese. That’s what Filipino ensaymada is (pronounced n-sigh-ma-duh…don’t you just love how I spell these things out lol!).

Some people call it Filipino sweet buns, soft sweet bread or cheesy bread. They’re all true, though ensaymada is most likely the word you’re looking for!

If you google what ensaymada means, you’ll find that its roots can be traced back to a pastry from the Spanish island of Majorca. The Philippines was under Spanish rule for almost 400 years after all so a lot of our food, culture and even language have strong Spanish influence (like these churros!).

Bottom line: ensaymada is delicious.

How to make ensaymada – the easy way!

Easy Ensaymada Recipe

Full disclosure: making ensaymada is a lengthy process (as is typical of homemade breads).

If you look around for recipes for ensaymada, you’ll find that most have about a thousand steps. Who has the patience? (Evidently not me.)

So I decided to make it simpler – if you take a peek at the recipe below, each step is short and easy. I broke it down into pain-free, manageable parts (my brain is wired that way).

There are 5 “phases” – from activating the yeast to sprinkling the cheese on the finished product. Follow each phase and you’ll do great!

It’s not exactly the same as the ensaymada you’ll find at a local Filipino bakeshop but it’s a darn good one if I say so myself! One hundred percent easier to make too.

Ensaymada recipe ingredients

Plus, you probably already have the recipe ingredients in your pantry:

  • Sugar
  • Milk
  • Salt
  • Butter
  • Eggs
  • Flour
  • Oil
  • Cheddar cheese

You also need 1 package of active dry yeast.

Tools you need to make this easy ensaymada recipe

Easy Ensaymada Recipe

To make ensaymada bread, I used my ensaymada moulds which my sister brought for me when I was in Manila. Here, they’re called brioche moulds and you can find them at your local baking supplies store and Amazon.

You don’t need to buy them though. If you have a muffin pan, you’re good to go.

Other tips for making ensaymada

  • For the fluffiest ensaymada, allow your dough to rise in a warm, dry place. I use my oven for this. I usually preheat it to about 100F then turn it off just when I’m about to knead my dough. This way, the temperature would have gone down to 90F when I put my dough in.
  • For evenly sized ensaymada that won’t only look pretty but bake evenly as well, use a kitchen scale to make sure the dough is evenly divided.

Then you’re all set! Eat ensaymada for breakfast or, like most Filipinos, as merienda or afternoon snack. Dunk it in tsokolate or hot chocolate while you’re at it! Enjoy!

Baked goods that go well with coffee

Here are other goodies you can bake to enjoy with your morning coffee:

Meyer lemon ricotta pound cake is sweet, lemony, you can’t stop at just one slice!

Meyer Lemon Ricotta Pound Cake

For an extra special breakfast, try making a batch of strawberry cream cheese stuffed french toast.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast

And if you’re looking for something quick and easy but still delicious, these buttermilk scones are for you.

Classic Buttermilk Scones

Easy Ensaymada Recipe

Easy Ensaymada Recipe (Filipino Sweet Cheesy Brioche)

Easy ensaymada recipe that’s simple to follow so you can make soft, sweet, cheesy ensaymada at home.
5 from 6 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: Filipino
Keyword: Back-to-School, Easter, Mother's Day
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Resting Time: 1 hr 30 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Servings: 12 rolls
Calories: 327kcal
Author: Jolina

Ingredients

Phase 1:

  • 1/2 cup warm water approx 110F
  • 1 package active dry yeast 0.25 ounces
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar

Phase 2:

  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter room temperature

Phase 3:

  • 2 pcs large eggs room temperature, lightly beaten
  • 4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp canola oil or vegetable oil

Phase 4:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and allowed to cool slightly
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Phase 5:

  • Melted butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Phase 1:

  • In a measuring cup, stir 1/2 cup warm water, 1 package active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar until dissolved. Set aside and let stand until bubbly (about 10 minutes).

Phase 2:

  • In a medium saucepan on medium heat, warm 1/2 cup milk until you see bubbles forming at the edges. Remove from heat and stir 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 cup butter until the butter has melted.
  • Set aside and let cool until lukewarm.

Phase 3:

  • In a large bowl, combine your yeast mixture, your milk mixture, eggs and 1 1/2 cups flour. Stir until combined. Proceed to add the rest of your flour 1/2 cup at a time combining well after each addition.
  • Once the dough starts pulling and sticking together in a ball, transfer it into a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic (8-10 minutes). When in doubt, knead some more.
  • Oil a large bowl with 1 tablespoon canola oil. Place your dough in the bowl and turn to ensure the whole dough is coated. Cover with a damp cloth and allow to rise in a dry warm place (about 90F - see notes) until it doubles in size (about 1 hour).

Phase 4:

  • When your dough is ready, transfer it into a lightly floured surface and roll out slightly. Evenly divide the dough into 12 pieces (see notes) and flatten each one into a 4x6 inch rectangle.
  • Brush each piece with melted butter and sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Roll the dough tightly up and pinch the edges to seal. Then roll each one into itself (like a spiral) and place onto your ensaymada moulds (see notes). Brush the tops of each ensaymada with butter, cover with damp cloth and let rise for another 30 minutes.
  • Preheat your oven to 375F and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Do not over bake. Let cool in the mould and when it's cool enough to handle, put your toppings.

Phase 5:

  • Brush the still warm ensaymada with melted butter then dip in a bowl filled with granulated sugar. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Serve warm.

Video

Notes

  1. I keep my dough in my oven to rise. I usually preheat it to about 100F then turn it off just when I'm about to knead my dough. This way, the temperature would have gone down to 90F when I put my dough in.
  2. I use a kitchen scale to make sure my dough is evenly divided.
  3. If you don't have ensaymada moulds, you can use a muffin pan instead.
Tried this recipe?Tag @iamtheunlikelybaker or use hashtag #iamtheunlikelybaker!

Happy baking!

Did you try this easy ensaymada recipe? I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below.

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(This post was updated on 30 January 2019.)

Reader Interactions

Comments


  1. I MADE THESE AND THEY WERE SO SO GOOD! sooo soft! I don’t have the molds, so I baked them in a tray, cinnamon bun style. I was so cautious not to over-bake so they could retain that nice moisture so in my oven I did 18 min and they came out perfect! my mommy was so proud 🙂 My family has been requesting I make another batch (which I will be doing today 🙂 )

    I love your steps, makes it so easy to stay on track! Organizing is key so you don’t miss any steps/ingredients. just genius!

    Reply

  6. I totally understand being dough challenged. It has been a hit or miss with me int he past. This sounds absolutely delicious though so I may have to give it a try 🙂

    Reply

    • It’s so frustrating isn’t it?? But when I get it right, well it’s hard to beat the smell of freshly baked bread 🙂 Thanks Bobbi! Hope you like this!

      Reply

  7. I love learning about these new recipes from your blog! Sweet rolls and cheese are two of my favorite things, so I’m positive they’re even better together. The hot chocolate sounds perfect with it as well!

    Reply

    • Hi Liz! I’m glad 🙂 Sugar and cheese, hard to say no to! And hot chocolate of course. Hope you’re having a great week!

      Reply

  8. Yum! This bread looks heavenly! It reminds me of mallorca sweet bread from Puerto Rico, except it doesn’t have cheese. I think I’d love the addition of the cheese. I mean, cheese + carbs?! How could you go wrong with that?! And if you can make this, you can definitely make any other yeasty treat!

    Reply


  9. Yes!! Ensaymada! Ahh I haven’t had one in forever and have never thought about making them at home but now I will. So simple, and so delicious!

    Reply

  11. I thought I’d hard of most everything .. but ensaymadas were new! Thank-you so much for sharing .. can’t wait to give them a try

    Reply

  12. I had never heard of these before but I want one NOW!!! The photos look so yummy. I can’t wait to try them out. Thanks for sharing and Happy New Year!

    Reply

  13. I’ve never heard of ensaymada, but it looks wonderful. Who wouldn’t like buttery, sweet, bread topped with cheese? Yum!!

    Reply

    • Thanks Britney! 🙂 Those scones are actually one of the most popular recipes on here, hope you get to make them one day soon! They’re quick and easy and delicious 🙂

      Reply

  16. Never heard of this yummy goodness before now but it sounds and looks too good, taking down the recipe right now 😀

    Reply

  19. my mouth is actually watering reading this recipe and looking at your pictures! This sounds incredible. I am game for anything that has cheese in it! Thanks for sharing, it was fun learning about a new food! Happy New Year!

    Reply

  20. I have never had this before, or even heard of it. It looks so yummy ! I’m pinning this for later ! Great photography too 😉

    Reply

  26. Happy New Year! What better way to bring in the new year than with carby goodness 😀 I have a bunch of New Year’s resolutions. Working on dough is not one of them, but it is a fabulous one! I need to work on my dough for sure! This bread looks SO good. Plus, there’s cheese and that makes it even better! I’ve never tried this before and would love to! Cheers to a wonderful new year, Jolina 🙂

    Reply

    • Hahaha this made me laugh Dawn! I might be the only person in the world welcoming the new year with carbs sugar and cheese LOL! Well I ate salad yesterday, that must count for something teeheee. Yes, cheese is pretty hard to resist 🙂 Have a wonderful new year yourself my friend!

      Reply


  28. That looks amazing! I am a Filipino and I grew up in the Philippines. This is one of the things that I miss back home.

    Reply

    • Nice! Me too, though I try to go back home at least once every 2 years. Still, I’m homesick all the time so I end up making all these Filipino food that I miss from home! Hope you get to try this Belle. It’s not like Goldilocks (I wish haha) but it’s still pretty awesome 🙂

      Reply

  30. Totally sinful and why not! I’d be very happy if you served me that for breakfast or brunch – love the look of this recipe, Karen

    Reply

  31. Delicious! Speaking of cinnamon roll, in here (Romania) we are more into something similar but with nuts – that’s our guilty sweet pleasure. But, besides this, we are also crazy for salty pastry. But in the end, having something with sweet and salty combined, is something to die for! So yes, this brioche is absolutely perfect. 🙂 And as a fun fact, to get my weird taste: I love eating sweet crepes with salty white cheese. Haha!

    Reply

    • Hi Maria! That sounds so delicious! Is it cinnamon based? I’d have to look it up 🙂 And I agree, I love salty sweet combos, it satisfies both my cravings in one bite! I gotta try your sweet crepe + salty white cheese combo too. You’ve given me so many delicious ideas!

      Reply

  32. I did, I guess and I won’t be 😉 This sounds utterly delicious, I love finding new things I have never heard of and this is completely new to me and is right up my street.

    Reply


  33. I love these so much! My best friend’s Mom made these and I always loved it when she did. I never thought to try it out on my own. It looks soooo good!

    Reply

  36. I love learning something new when I read blog posts. I’ve never heard of ensaymada before, but now I know what it is….and it sounds delicious!

    Reply

    • Hi Lisa! Me too 🙂 It’s so interesting learning about other cultures and traditions and just the way other people live.

      Reply

  39. What an interesting combination! I’ve never paired those things together, but to be honest, I’ll try anything that’s sprinkled with cheese! This looks great!

    Reply

  40. I’ve had a lot of Filipino foods, but never heard of this one before. Now I need to get someone to make this for me because I regularly ruin anything with yeast 🙂

    Reply

  42. Mmmmm … I love Filipino food!! But I’ve never heard of this dish before. Will try to make it some time for sure.

    Reply


  44. This one is one of our favorite recipe. We have eaten different foods around the world but it remains the top 🙂
    The photos are so sweet and tasty haha

    Reply

  45. I have never heard of ensaymadas before, but these sound fantastic! I love how you added some history to your piece and even included a bit of personal honesty – lol. Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing what sounds like some Filipino deliciousness!

    Reply

  46. I have never heard of the ensaymada before reading this post, but the way you describe it, makes me want to make it and eat it! I love that it seems easy!

    Reply

  47. OMG I wish I didn’t see it 😀 Cinnamon roll and cheese <3 yuuuuum! The recipe seems pretty easy I definitely have to try it ! I love trying new international snacks!

    Reply

  48. I’ve never been a fan of mixing sweet and savoury but seeing as this has cheese on it, I think I could make an exception!

    Reply

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