Go Back
Close-up of the soft airy texture and spiraled golden edges of a Filipino Ensaymada bun.

Filipino Ensaymada: The Ultimate Fluffy Spiraled Brioche Recipe

Master the art of Filipino Ensaymada with this authentic recipe. Create soft, spiraled golden-brown brioche buns topped with whipped butter cream, finely grated yellow cheddar cheese, and granulated sugar for the perfect sweet-salty treat.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 3 hours
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12 buns
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Filipino
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Enriched Brioche Dough
  • 1 cup (240ml) Whole Milk Warm (110°F)
  • 2.25 tsp (7g) Instant Yeast
  • 4 cups (500g) Bread Flour
  • 1/2 cup (100g) Granulated Sugar
  • 4 Egg Yolks Large, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (113g) Unsalted Butter Softened
Frosting & Finish
  • 1 cup (226g) Unsalted Butter Softened
  • 1/2 cup (60g) Powdered Sugar
  • 1.5 cups (150g) Yellow Cheddar Cheese Finely grated
  • 1/4 cup (50g) Granulated White Sugar For sprinkling

Equipment

  • 1 Stand Mixer With dough hook attachment.
  • 2 Baking Sheet Lined with parchment paper.
  • 1 Rolling Pin

Method
 

Prepare the Dough
  1. Combine warm milk, 1 tbsp sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix in flour, remaining sugar, salt, and egg yolks. Gradually add softened butter while kneading until smooth and elastic.
Rise and Shape
  1. Cover and let dough rise in a warm place for 1.5-2 hours until doubled.
  2. Divide dough into 12 pieces. Roll into rectangles, brush with butter, roll into logs, and coil into a spiral shape.
Bake and Finish
  1. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes until golden-brown. Cool completely.
  2. Whip butter and powdered sugar. Spread thickly on buns. Top with a dense layer of grated cheddar and a sprinkle of sugar.

Notes

Use a high-quality yellow cheddar for the best salty-sweet contrast.
Do not over-knead the dough once the butter is added to maintain a soft crumb.