There’s something incredibly comforting about the sweet aroma of fresh-baked pastries wafting through the kitchen. One of my all-time favorites is the Filipino Ube Cheese Ensaymada. Picture this: soft, fluffy dough infused with the rich flavor of ube, topped with a sweet, sticky glaze and melty cheese. It takes me back to my childhood—a time filled with laughter, family gatherings, and those delightful moments where I’d munch on this tasty treat.
The magic of Ube Cheese Ensaymada lies not just in its unique flavor, but in its texture! It’s everything you want in a pastry: light, airy, and just a bit chewy. Trust me, once you try this sweet and cheesy goodness, you’ll want to share it with everyone (or maybe just keep it all to yourself!). So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into making this delightful Filipino pastry together!
What’s in Ube Cheese Ensaymada?
All-Purpose Flour: The base of our dough, giving it that beautiful fluffy texture. Make sure to use a good quality flour for the best results!
Active Dry Yeast: This is essential for making our dough rise! Fresh yeast is key, so check the expiration date before using.
Milk: It adds moisture and richness to the dough. I typically use whole milk for creaminess, but you can use any milk you prefer!
Ube Halaya: This sweet purple yam mixture is what gives the ensaymada its vibrant color and unique flavor. You can find it in Asian grocery stores or online!
Butter: We’re using unsalted butter to add richness and flavor. Make it extra special by using high-quality butter!
Sugar: A little sweetness never hurt anyone, right? It helps enhance the flavors of the dough and glaze.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance all the flavors.
Cheese: I prefer a mix of softened cream cheese for the filling and grated cheddar as a topping. The combination is simply heavenly!
Eggs: They enrich our dough, giving it a lovely texture and color as well.
Is Ube Cheese Ensaymada Good for You?
Oh, let’s be real—Ube Cheese Ensaymada is more of a treat than a health food! But here’s the silver lining:
Ube: This vibrant purple yam is packed with antioxidants and has some fiber, too! It brings a lovely natural sweetness to the pastry.
Butter and Cheese: While delicious, they are high in calories and fat, so it’s best to enjoy this indulgence in moderation.
Remember, sweet treats are meant to make us smile, so enjoy every bite but balance it with some fruits or veggies throughout the day!
Yields:
This recipe will make about 12 fluffy Ube Cheese Ensaymadas.
Ingredients List:
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
– 1 cup ube halaya
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (for topping)
– 1/4 cup sugar (for glaze, optional)
– 1/4 cup more ube crumbles (for garnish, optional)
How to Make Ube Cheese Ensaymada?
1. **Activate the Yeast:** In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it’s frothy.
2. **Make the Dough:** In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, and ube halaya. Mix everything until combined.
3. **Knead the Dough:** On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Add a little flour if it’s sticky.
4. **First Rise:** Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. **Shape the Ensaymadas:** Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle and fill it with a spoonful of cream cheese. Pinch the dough to seal, and then shape it into a spiral.
6. **Second Rise:** Place each spiral on a lined baking tray. Cover and allow them to rise for another 30-45 minutes.
7. **Bake:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the ensaymadas for 15-20 minutes or until they’re lightly golden.
8. **Prepare the Glaze:** While they’re baking, combine sugar and a bit of water to create a glaze consistency. You can add a hint of ube halaya if desired!
9. **Top with Cheese:** As soon as you take the ensaymadas out of the oven, brush them with the glaze and sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top.
10. **Garnish:** For extra flair, sprinkle some ube crumbles on top!
Sweet Reminders for Your Ensaymada Treats
– Feel free to get creative! You can add other toppings like coconut flakes or even a drizzle of chocolate over the glaze.
– If you’re looking for a deeper ube flavor, consider adding a bit of ube extract in the dough!
– These treats are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven but can be stored in an airtight container for a few days. Pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up!
I hope you have as much fun making (and devouring) these Ube Cheese Ensaymadas as I do! They truly bring a sense of joy to every bite. Don’t forget to snap a picture and share your experience! Whether it’s a family gathering or a quiet morning treat, these pastries are bound to make any occasion memorable. Enjoy your baking!
