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Ensaimada

A sweet Balearic pastry spiral made with an enriched yeast dough spread with lard before rolling and baking to create tender, flaky layers. Finished with a heavy dusting of powdered sugar.

60 minMediumServes 8380 cal/serving

SpanishBreakfastOvenStandardNut-FreeSoy-FreeDairy-FreeSesame-FreeLow-SodiumAlcohol-FreeNightshade-Free

Ingredients

  • 3.5 cups bread flour
  • 2.25 tsp active dry yeast
  • 3/4 cup warm water
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup pork lard, softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp fine salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Dissolve 2.25 tsp active dry yeast and 1/2 cup granulated sugar in 3/4 cup warm water until foamy.

  2. 2

    Whisk together 3.5 cups bread flour and 1 tsp fine salt in a bowl.

  3. 3

    Mix in yeast water, 2 beaten eggs, and knead into a smooth dough.

  4. 4

    Let dough rise until doubled in size.

  5. 5

    Roll dough thin and coat with 1/2 cup softened pork lard.

  6. 6

    Roll into a rope and coil into a spiral shape.

  7. 7

    Bake at 350F for 20 minutes until golden brown.

  8. 8

    Dust with 1/4 cup sifted powdered sugar before serving.

Questions

Can I make Ensaimada gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 3.5 cups bread flour. Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works). Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Ensaimada keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat covered in a 300 F oven until warmed through.

Can I halve or double Ensaimada?

Yes. As written it serves 8. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. Doubled, split it across two pans and rotate them halfway; one crowded pan bakes unevenly.

Serve it with

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