Honduran Pan de Yema (Egg Yolk Bread)
Pan de yema is a rich, golden egg-yolk sweet bread that is a staple of Honduran bakeries. Enriched with plenty of egg yolks, it has a tender, slightly sweet crumb and a beautiful golden color, making it a favorite to enjoy with coffee.
The generous use of egg yolks gives the bread its richness and soft texture, similar to a brioche but with a distinctly Central American character. It is usually shaped into rolls or small loaves and brushed with egg for a glossy finish.
Pan de yema sits alongside semita, pan de coco and rosquillas as a beloved pan dulce (sweet bread), perfect for breakfast or an afternoon coffee break.
For the best pan de yema, do not rush the rise, and use plenty of fresh yolks for that signature golden, tender crumb. It is simple, comforting home baking at its finest.
Honduran Pan de Yema Recipe
Prep: 30 min · Cook: 20 min · Yield: 12 rolls
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 6 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, beaten (for glazing)
Instructions
- Dissolve the yeast in the warm milk with a spoon of the sugar and let it foam.
- Mix the flour, remaining sugar and salt, then add the egg yolks, butter and yeast mixture.
- Knead into a soft, smooth dough and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Shape into rolls, place on a baking sheet, and let rise 30 minutes.
- Brush with beaten egg and bake at 350F (175C) for 18 to 20 minutes until golden.
- Cool slightly and serve with coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pan de yema?
Pan de yema is a rich Honduran sweet bread made with lots of egg yolks, giving it a tender, golden crumb. It is a popular pan dulce enjoyed with coffee.
Why is it called pan de yema?
'Yema' means egg yolk in Spanish, and the bread gets its name and its rich golden color from the generous amount of egg yolks in the dough.
How do you eat pan de yema?
It is enjoyed as a breakfast or afternoon treat, often dunked in coffee, alongside other Honduran sweet breads like semita and pan de coco.
Is pan de yema like brioche?
It is similar in richness and softness, but pan de yema has its own Central American character, typically a bit sweeter and shaped into rolls or small loaves.