Introducing Filipino Star Bread

Have you been on the lookout for a truly unique and delicious bread recipe? If so, Filipino Star Bread is for you! Drawing from traditional Filipino flavors and culinary techniques, this delectable bread is both flavorful and beautiful to look at. Best of all, it’s an easy-to-follow, relatively quick recipe that yields an impressive result that you’ll be proud to present to your friends and family.

What makes this bread special?

Filipino Star Bread is a traditional recipe that’s been adapted from classic Filipino dishes like ensaymada, and the sweet, doughy flavors of its European inspiration can still be found present in this modern form. The bread is also threaded with an interesting pattern of coconut flavored buttercream and sweet fillings, making it look like a layered star. The contrast between the sweet fillings and the buttery richness of the bread is absolutely delightful.

Let’s make some Filipino Star Bread!

To get started, you will need to assemble the following ingredients:

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast

  • ¾ cups of sugar

  • 3 ½ cup of all-purpose flour

  • ¾ teaspon of salt

  • 1 cup of evaporated milk

  • 4 large egg yolks

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 teaspoon of grated lemon zest

  • 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut

  • 4 tablespoons of clarified butter

  • ¼ cup of softened butter

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • 1 ¼ cup powdered sugar

Make the Dough

In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in ¼ cup of warm water and set aside until frothy. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the evaporated milk, egg yolks, egg, lemon zest, and butter and whisk until completely combined. Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and stir until combined. Knead the mixture until it forms a cohesive ball of dough. Grease a bowl with butter, place the dough in the bowl, cover it, and set aside to rise until doubled in size, usually about 1 – 1.5 hours.

Shape and Bake the Dough

Divide the dough into 10 pieces and divide the clarified butter into 10 smaller pieces. To form each star, roll out each piece of dough into a 4-5 inch circle. Place a piece of the butter in the middle of each circle and fold the dough into fourths to seal the butter inside. Place each piece of dough onto an ungreased baking sheet, with the butter facing up.

In a separate bowl, mix the coconut, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar together until it forms a thick paste. Spread the paste on top of each star. Bake the stars in a preheated oven set to 350°F – 375°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the stars are golden brown. Let the stars cool completely before serving.

Conclusion

Filipino Star Bread is an easy-to-follow yet impressive recipe perfect for any occasion. Its deliciousness, uniqueness, and beauty make it a perfect centerpiece for a brunch or a birthday party. Enjoy this traditional recipe as part of your new food repertoire as a personal or shared experience!

If Filipino Star Bread has got your mouth watering, then check out similar recipes such Filipino traditional recipes!