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spanish bread


  • Author: Lusine Svetlana

Description

Spanish Bread is a popular Filipino bakery favorite made with soft, fluffy bread rolls filled with a sweet, buttery brown sugar paste. Each roll is coated in breadcrumbs and baked until lightly golden. These delicious homemade rolls are perfect for breakfast, afternoon snacks, or sharing with family and friends.


Ingredients

For the Bread Dough

  • 1¼ cups warm milk (105–115°F)
  • 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 4½ cups all-purpose flour, divided, plus extra for kneading
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ⅓ cup canola oil
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • ¾ cup breadcrumbs, for coating
  • ¼ cup evaporated milk, for brushing

For the Spanish Bread Filling

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ⅓ cup butter
  • ⅔ cup brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup evaporated milk

Instructions

Making the Bread Dough

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let the mixture stand for about 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add the eggs, sugar, canola oil, and salt. Stir everything together using a wooden spoon.
  3. Gradually add 4 cups of flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Add the remaining flour gradually until the dough gathers in the center of the bowl.
  5. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 6–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little extra flour if the dough is too sticky.
  6. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl.
  7. Cover and let it rise for approximately 1½ hours or until doubled in size.
  8. Gently punch down the dough and divide it into 18–20 equal portions.
  9. Flatten each portion into an oval shape using your hands or a rolling pin.
  10. Spread approximately one tablespoon of the prepared filling over each piece of dough.
  11. Roll each piece into a log, sealing the edges gently.
  12. Arrange the rolls on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
  13. Brush each roll with evaporated milk and coat it with breadcrumbs.
  14. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for another hour.
  15. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  16. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the rolls are lightly golden and cooked through.
  17. Allow the bread to cool slightly before serving.

Making the Spanish Bread Filling

  1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until bubbly.
  2. Add the flour and breadcrumbs, stirring vigorously with a whisk for a few seconds.
  3. Pour in the evaporated milk and continue stirring until the mixture loosens slightly.
  4. Cook for another 30 seconds while stirring continuously.
  5. Turn off the heat and add the brown sugar.
  6. Mix until the sugar is fully incorporated and the filling becomes a thick, chunky paste.
  7. Set aside and allow the filling to cool completely before spreading it over the dough.

Notes

  • Serve warm: Spanish Bread tastes especially delicious when served slightly warm with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
  • Breakfast idea: Enjoy these sweet rolls with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or your favorite breakfast drink.
  • Party serving: Arrange the rolls in a basket lined with a clean kitchen towel for a beautiful snack table.
  • Room temperature storage: Store completely cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Refrigerator storage: Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Place cooled rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
  • Reheating: Warm individual rolls in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds or heat them in a 300°F oven until soft and warm.
  • Make-ahead tip: Prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate it in a covered container. Bring it to a spreadable consistency before using.
  • Avoid dry bread: Do not add too much extra flour when kneading. The dough should remain soft and slightly tacky.