Spanish Bread: Your New Go-To Sweet Roll for Any Time of Day

Spanish bread is a beloved classic, known for its soft, fluffy texture and sweet, buttery filling. This Filipino bakery staple is perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Unlike its name suggests, Spanish bread is not from Spain but rather a Filipino adaptation of European-style filled breads.

The highlight of this bread is the rich, caramelized filling made with butter, sugar, and breadcrumbs, creating a delightful contrast between the soft bread and the slightly crunchy, sweet center. If you’ve never tried making it at home, this easy recipe will guide you through each step to achieve bakery-quality Spanish bread in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft & Fluffy Dough: Light, airy bread with a perfect bite.
Deliciously Sweet Filling: Buttery, caramel-like center with a hint of crunch from the breadcrumbs.
Easy to Make: A simple dough recipe that even beginners can follow.
Great for Sharing: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even as a homemade gift!
Freezer-Friendly: Make a batch and store extras for later.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup warm milk (around 110°F or 43°C)
• 1 large egg
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

For Coating:

• 2 tbsp melted butter
• ½ cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

1. In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter.
3. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with a dough hook on medium speed for 5-7 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Make the Filling

1. In a small pan over low heat, melt butter and stir in brown sugar until fully dissolved.
2. Add breadcrumbs and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until it becomes slightly golden.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract (if using). Let cool completely.

Shape the Bread

1. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each into a ball.
2. Roll out each ball into an oval shape, about 5 inches long.
3. Spread about 1 tablespoon of filling onto the dough, leaving a small border.
4. Roll the dough tightly into a log shape, sealing the edges.
5. Brush each roll with melted butter, then roll in breadcrumbs for a crispy outer layer.

Second Rise & Baking

1. Arrange the rolls on a lined baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
2. Cover with a clean towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, until slightly puffy.
3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
4. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
5. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Piece)

Calories: 210 | Carbs: 32g | Fat: 8g | Protein: 4g | Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Use Warm Milk, Not Hot: If the milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast. Keep it between 100-110°F (37-43°C).
• Knead Until Smooth & Elastic: This ensures soft, fluffy bread. You can check by doing the windowpane test—stretch a small piece of dough between your fingers; if it becomes thin and slightly translucent, it’s ready!
• Let the Dough Rise in a Warm Place: If your kitchen is cold, place the dough in an oven with the light on or near a warm window.
• Don’t Overfill the Rolls: Too much filling may cause it to leak out during baking.
• Breadcrumb Coating for Authenticity: Rolling the bread in breadcrumbs gives it that classic Spanish bread texture and slight crunch.

Why This Recipe Works

• Light & Fluffy Dough: The right balance of yeast, flour, and kneading creates a soft, airy bread.
• Caramelized Buttery Filling: The blend of butter, sugar, and breadcrumbs forms a rich, slightly crisp center.
• Traditional Taste with Simple Ingredients: Classic flavors that are easy to achieve at home.
• Versatile & Customizable: You can experiment with different fillings like cinnamon, ube, or cheese.

This homemade Spanish bread is a delightful treat that brings the flavors of a classic Filipino bakery right into your kitchen. With its sweet, buttery filling and golden breadcrumb coating, it’s a nostalgic favorite that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea.

Whether you make it for a weekend snack or a special occasion, this soft and flavorful bread is sure to impress. Enjoy each bite of homemade goodness!