Creamy Spanish Bread – Soft, Sweet & Irresistible
Introduction
This Creamy Spanish Bread is a beloved Filipino bakery classic. Soft, fluffy rolls filled with a rich, buttery cream filling and coated in breadcrumbs, they’re perfect for breakfast, merienda (snack time), or as a sweet treat with coffee or tea. The combination of pillowy dough and creamy filling makes them a true comfort food that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients
For the Dough
3 cups all‑purpose flour
¼ cup sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp instant yeast
1 cup warm milk
¼ cup melted butter (or oil)
1 egg
For the Creamy Filling
½ cup softened butter
½ cup powdered milk
¼ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tsp vanilla extract
(Mix until creamy and smooth.)
For the Coating
¼ cup melted butter
½ cup bread crumbs
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until dough forms.
Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, mix softened butter, powdered milk, sugar, and vanilla until creamy.
Set aside until ready to use.
Step 3: Shape the Bread
Punch down risen dough and divide into equal portions (about 12–15 pieces).
Roll each piece into a rectangle.
Spread a spoonful of filling in the center.
Roll tightly into a log, sealing edges well.
Step 4: Coat & Arrange
Brush each roll with melted butter.
Roll in bread crumbs until fully coated.
Place on a greased baking sheet, seam side down.
Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake rolls for 15–20 minutes, until golden brown.
Cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Extra fluffy: Use bread flour instead of all‑purpose for chewier texture.
Sweeter filling: Add more sugar or a drizzle of condensed milk.
Storage: Keep in airtight container up to 3 days; reheat in oven for best texture.
Make ahead: Freeze shaped rolls before final rise; thaw and bake when needed.
Variations
Ube Spanish Bread: Add ube halaya to the filling.
Chocolate Spanish Bread: Mix cocoa powder into filling for a chocolatey twist.
Nutty Spanish Bread: Add crushed peanuts or cashews to filling.
Cheese Spanish Bread: Mix grated cheese into filling for a savory‑sweet version.
Serving Ideas
Pair with hot coffee or tsokolate (Filipino hot chocolate).
Serve warm with butter for extra indulgence.
Add to a holiday bread basket alongside pandesal and ensaymada.
Perfect for afternoon merienda with iced tea.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1½ hours
Bake Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: ~2 hours
Yield: 12–15 rolls
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Spanish Bread is soft, sweet, and comforting—a bakery favorite you can now enjoy fresh from your oven. With its creamy filling and golden breadcrumb coating, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.