A sweet piece of Mallorca: How to bake the traditional ensaïmada - with a fruity variation

The Ensaïmada is an iconic pastry from Mallorca that delights with its airy texture and hint of sweetness. The ensaïmada is originally made with Pork lard which gives it its characteristic flavor. In this recipe, however, we offer a simplified version with Yeast dough and Butter which is just as delicious. Whether you bake one large snail or several small ones is up to you - enjoyment is guaranteed either way.

Traditional ensaïmada from Mallorca: recipes for 2 variations of the sweet island pastry

Preparation time: about 45 minutes
Waiting time: about 135 minutes
Baking time: 20 to 25 minutes

Ingredients for a large ensaïmada:

• ½ cube of yeast 
• 90 g sugar 
• 2 eggs (size M)
• 500 g flour 
• 230 ml milk 
• 1 pinch of salt 
• 1 vanilla pod 
• 200 g soft butter 
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Optional for the fruity version: 100 g of your favorite jam or pumpkin jam (angel hair)

The recipe: Classic ensaïmada

Step by step to the perfect ensaïmada:

1. Prepare the yeast mixture: In a large mixing bowl, mix the Yeast and Sugar with 20 ml lukewarm water. Leave the mixture to stand for 15 minutes to allow the yeast to become active.
2. Prepare the dough: Disconnect the Eggs and use the Protein otherwise. Enter Flour, Milk, Egg yolk and a Pinch of salt to the yeast mixture. Knead everything into a smooth dough using a food processor or the dough hook of a hand mixer. Shape the dough into a ball with your hands. Spread approx. ½ tsp Butter between your hands and rub the dough ball lightly with it. Cover the dough and leave to rest for approx. 1 hour Leave to rest in a warm place until it has doubled in size.
3. Work in the butter: Place the risen dough on a lightly floured work surface and roll it into a large rectangle of approx. 60 x 50 cm out. Spread the softened butter mixed with the vanilla scraped from the vanilla pod evenly over the dough.
4. Shape snails: Roll up the dough from the long side to form a long dough roll. Shape this roll into a spiral and place it on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Cover the dough and leave it to rise again. 30 minutes rest.
5. Baking: Heat the oven to 180°C Preheat the oven to top/bottom heat. Bake the ensaïmada for approx. 20-25 minutesuntil golden brown.
6. Refine: Leave the ensaïmada to cool slightly after baking and then dust generously with Powdered sugar.

The fruity version: Ensaïmada de cabell d'àngel - Ensaïmada with angel hair

A particularly popular variant of the ensaïmada is the "Ensaimada de cabell d'àngel" - filled with sweet Pumpkin jamwhich is also known as "angel hair". This fruity filling gives the classic ensaïmada a delicious flavor and makes it a special treat. But also Apricot, raspberry or Plum jam are ideal for conjuring up a fruity version of this traditional pastry.

This is how it's done:

1. Prepare the dough: After the dough has been prepared and rolled out as in the classic version, spread 100 g butter Mixed with the vanilla scraped out of the vanilla pod, spread evenly over the rolled-out dough.
2. Apply the filling: Wear 100 g jam or Pumpkin jam (angel hair) in a strip about 4-5 cm wide along the long side of the pastry.
3. Roll up the dough: Roll up the dough from the long side to create a long dough roll. Pull the roll slightly in length to make it a little thinner.
4. Shape and leave to rise: Shape the dough roll into a spiral and place it on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Leave the ensaïmada to rise again so that it becomes nice and fluffy.
5. Baking: Bake the ensaïmada as described above in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 20-25 minutesuntil golden brown.
6. Refine: Dust the baked ensaïmada generously with Powdered sugar and enjoy the fruity aroma.

The Mallorcan's favorite pastry for a fine coffee table on public holidays

The Ensaïmada is more than just a pastry - it is a piece of Mallorcan tradition. Whether in the classic version or with a fruity filling, this recipe brings the flair of the Balearic Islands directly into your kitchen. Perfect for breakfast, with coffee or simply in between meals - Ensaïmada is a sweet treat that sweetens every moment. Let yourself be enchanted by the airy texture and delicious taste of this Mallorcan specialty!

Sources for this isla Article:

• Wikipedia: Ensaïmada de Mallorca