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Spanish Bread – A Filipino Bakery Favorite

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  • Author: Emma Delaney
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2.5 hours
  • Total Time: ~3 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 18–20 rolls
  • Category: Breakfast, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Filipino
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This classic Filipino Spanish Bread recipe features soft, fluffy rolls filled with a buttery, sugary breadcrumb mixture. It’s a nostalgic Filipino bakery staple, perfect for breakfast, merienda, or coffee breaks. Homemade and oven-baked to golden perfection! Keywords: Spanish bread recipe, Filipino bread rolls, Filipino bakery favorite, sweet bread with filling, pan de España.


Ingredients

For the Bread Dough:

  • 1 1/4 cups warm milk (105-115°F)

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

  • 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided (plus up to 1/8 cup for kneading)

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 cup sugar

  • 1/3 cup canola oil

  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

  • 3/4 cup bread crumbs (for coating)

  • 1/4 cup evaporated milk (for brushing)

For the Spanish Bread Filling:

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs

  • 1/3 cup butter

  • 2/3 cup brown sugar

  • 1/3 cup evaporated milk


Instructions

Make the Dough:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

  2. Add eggs, sugar, oil, and salt. Stir to combine.

  3. Gradually add 4 cups of flour, 1 cup at a time. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

  4. Sprinkle in the remaining 1/2 cup flour gradually until dough pulls together.

  5. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 6–10 minutes until smooth and elastic, using extra flour as needed.

  6. Shape into a ball, place in a bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size.

Make the Filling:

  1. In a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour, breadcrumbs, and brown sugar.

  2. Pour in evaporated milk and cook until slightly thickened. Set aside to cool.

Assemble the Bread:

  1. Punch down the dough and divide into 18–20 portions.

  2. Flatten each into an oval, spread 1 tablespoon of filling, and roll into a log.

  3. Arrange rolls on a greased or parchment-lined baking tray.

  4. Brush each roll with evaporated milk and dip in breadcrumbs.

  5. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for 1 hour.

Bake:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  • Bake rolls for 15–20 minutes until lightly golden. Cool slightly before serving.


Notes

  • Best served warm or toasted with butter.

  • Can be frozen and reheated in the oven.

  • Adjust sweetness by reducing the sugar in the filling.