Chef RV Ensaymada — Soft, Buttery, Fluffy (Step-by-Step)

What is Ensaymada?

Ensaymada is a Filipino sweet pastry that has been a staple in Filipino cuisine for generations. Its soft and fluffy texture, combined with its sweet, buttery taste, makes it a beloved treat for any occasion. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of making Special Ensaymada, along with potential ingredient substitutes and nutrition information.

Ingredients

To make Special Ensaymada, you'll need the following ingredients:

Dough

• 240 ml (1 cup) water - room temperature, not exceeding 30C or 90F
• 100 g (½ cup) white sugar
• 1 tablespoon instant dry yeast
• 145 g (½ cup + 2 tablespoons) salted butter
• 6 egg yolks
• 2 whole eggs
• 670 g (5 ¼ cups) bread flour
• 1.25 g (¼ teaspoon) iodized salt

Buttercream

• 225 g (1 cup) butter, at room temperature
• 60 g (¼ cup) cream cheese
• 60 g (½ cup) premium powdered sugar

Process

Preparing the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast

   First, mix the water, sugar, and instant dry yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes to activate the yeast. You should see bubbles forming on the surface, indicating the yeast is active.

2. Combine Wet Ingredients

   Once the yeast has activated, add the room temperature salted butter, egg yolks, and whole eggs.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

   Add the bread flour and iodized salt.

4. Knead the Dough

   Using the dough attachment, mix on slow speed in a stand mixer until a dough forms. Once a dough forms, put on a stand mixer on high speed for around 15 minutes or until the dough no longer stick to the sides of the bowl.

5. Shape the Dough

   Once the dough passes the window pane test, transfer to an un-floured flat surface. Using a scraper, move the dough around by scraping towards the bottom of the dough. Shape the dough until you have a smooth top.

6. Let the Dough Rise

   Place the dough in a lightly floured bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise for about 1-2 hours or until triple in size.

Shaping and Baking the Ensaymada

1. Punch Down and Divide the Dough

   Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 60-gram pieces. Round each piece and place it into greased molds, pressing lightly to prevent air bubbles and ensure even rising.

2. Let the Dough Rise Again

   Allow the dough to rise for 2-3 hours at room temperature, until doubled in size.

3. Bake the Ensaymada

   Place the Ensaymada in the preheated oven and bake for 15-16 minutes at 300F or 150C. After baking, slightly lift the Ensaymada in the mold to let it breathe and cool down for 10-15 minutes.

Preparing the Buttercream

1. Combine the Ingredients

   In a mixing bowl, combine the room temperature butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar. Cream together until smooth and creamy.

Finishing Touches

1. Apply the Buttercream

   Once the Ensaymada has cooled completely, apply a layer of buttercream on top.

2. Top with Grated Cheese

   Finish the Ensaymada by topping it with your choice of grated cheese, such as Parmesan or processed cheese.

Ingredient Substitutes

If you find it difficult to locate some of the ingredients mentioned in the recipe, here are some potential substitutes:

• Instant dry yeast: If you can't find instant dry yeast, you can use active dry yeast. Just remember to dissolve it in warm water with a bit of sugar before adding it to the recipe. You may need to adjust the rising time as active dry yeast typically takes longer to rise than instant yeast.
• Bread flour: If you don't have bread flour, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute. However, the texture of the Ensaymada might be slightly different, as bread flour has a higher protein content that helps develop more gluten, resulting in a chewier texture.

Nutrition Information

Given the ingredients provided, here's a rough estimate of the nutrition information per serving of Special Ensaymada (assuming 16 servings):

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 10g)
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Protein: 6g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Sugar: 14g

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used.

Final Thoughts

Special Ensaymada is a delightful and delicious Filipino pastry that will surely impress your friends and family. With this detailed, step-by-step recipe, you'll be able to enjoy homemade Ensaymada whenever you crave it.

FAQs

Can I freeze Ensaymada for later use?

Yes, you can freeze baked Ensaymada. Simply wrap each pastry individually in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven for a few minutes.

Can I use a different type of sugar in the recipe?

Yes, you can substitute white sugar with other types of sugar, such as brown sugar or coconut sugar. However, this may slightly alter the taste and texture of the Ensaymada.

Can I add other toppings or fillings to the Ensaymada?

Yes, you can get creative with your Ensaymada toppings and fillings. Some popular options include chocolate chips, fruit preserves, or even savory fillings like ham and cheese.

Can I make Ensaymada without molds?

If you don't have Ensaymada molds, you can use a regular muffin tin or shape the dough into a spiral and bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

How long does Ensaymada stay fresh?

Ensaymada stays fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. To keep it fresh longer, store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.