Pastel with Yema Recipe – Pastel is a type of Filipino bread that refers to a soft bun with yema/custard filling. Another name for this treat is pastel de Camiguín or Camiguin Cake. As the name indicates, this bread dish originates from the province of Camiguin. It is an heirloom recipe originally conceived by Eleanor Popera Jose and the members of her family in Camiguin. Before it was commercially sold in 1990, it was primarily produced at the time of family special occasions and gatherings.
Pastel is typically filled with yema but it can have other fillings like ube, cheese, and fruit. What is yema? Yema is a type of sweet custard confectionery that’s made with egg yolks, milk, and sugar. A common form of yema you’ll see around the Philippines are ones that are shaped into small balls or pyramids. With pastel, the yema is a sweet and smooth custard that is paired with a fluffy pun. It is a great snack and can be found commercially sold. If you are someone who likes bread and want to enjoy a sweet treat, this Pastel with Yema Recipe is something to try:
Pastel with Yema
Ingredients
- 1 cup water warm
- 3 tbsp white sugar
- 1 sachet active dry yeast 7 g or 2 ¼ tsp
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup white sugar
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 medium egg
- 6 egg yolks
- 1 can condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a jug, combine warm water and 3 tbsp sugar, stir until well dissolved. Add the active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes or until it becomes foamy. That means the yeast is activated and ready to use.
- In a large bowl, whisk the flour, salt and white sugar. Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Add the egg and melted butter. Stir using a wooden spoon or spatula until it forms a dough.
- Lightly flour a flat surface and manually knead the dough for 8-10 minutes. Alternatively, use a stand mixer and mix it for 6 minutes at medium speed. The dough is ready when it becomes stretchy and smooth.
- Transfer into a greased bowl, cover it with a tea towel and place in a warm place to rise for 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Meanwhile, prepare the yema filling. In a saucepan, combine egg yolks and condensed milk. Stir until well combined and turn on the heat to low heat. Continue to stir while cooking until it becomes smooth and thick. Turn off the heat, add the vanilla extract and stir again until well incorporated. Set aside.
- When the dough is ready, divide it into 20 pieces. Flatten each piece and put about 1 tbsp of yema filling in the middle. Seal and shape into balls. Arrange in a prepared baking tray lined with parchment paper, cover with a tea towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes. Brush egg wash on each piece. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 170°C for 15-20 minutes.
What Else to Know About a Pastel with Yema Recipe
Do you want to try other fillings with this bread? Aside from ube, cheese, and fruit, some options include mocha, macapuno (coconut meat), and chocolate. Like with any type of bread, there are plenty of tips and tricks to ensure a fluffy bun. This includes the right temperature of milk for the yeast, and using melted butter to make handling the dough easy. If you are interested in trying commercial versions of this snack, there are places that sell it as regional specialty gifts.
You also have the option to try out other Filipino snacks like “Bicho Bicho” and “Bibingka.“
