Pan de Mallorca is an absolute treat, and if you’ve ever had the pleasure of enjoying this soft, pillowy bread, you know it’s a little piece of heaven. Light, airy, and just sweet enough, it’s perfect for breakfast or a midday snack. You can serve it as-is, or dust it with powdered sugar for a more indulgent experience. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this Puerto Rican bread has earned a special place in the hearts of so many!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Fluffiness: The texture of this bread is everything—light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth soft. You won’t find a bread quite like this anywhere else.
Easy to Make: While it might sound fancy, making Pan de Mallorca is surprisingly simple. With just a bit of patience for the dough to rise, you’ll have fresh, homemade bread in no time.
Versatile: Serve it for breakfast with butter or jam, or enjoy it as a snack with your afternoon coffee. You can even turn it into French toast—how amazing is that?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to bring this soft, fluffy delight to life:

Flour: You’ll need all-purpose flour for this recipe. It gives the bread its perfect structure without being too heavy. Make sure to measure it correctly so you get that light, fluffy texture.
Sugar: Just a bit of sugar is all you need to add a subtle sweetness to the dough. It’s not overwhelmingly sugary, but it gives it that soft, slightly sweet flavor that makes Pan de Mallorca stand out.
Yeast: Active dry yeast is key to getting that perfect rise. The yeast will work its magic to create the fluffiness you’re after, so don’t skip this step!
Milk: Whole milk brings richness to the dough. It helps keep the bread soft and adds a bit of flavor without making it too dense.
Butter: Butter adds that golden richness and tender crumb you want in every bite. Make sure it’s softened so it mixes into the dough smoothly.
Eggs: Eggs are essential for giving the bread its rich texture. They’ll also help the dough rise and provide structure.
Salt: Don’t forget the salt! It balances out the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Powdered Sugar (Optional): For dusting on top. While you can skip this if you want a more subtle flavor, it adds a nice sweet touch when serving.

Variations

Want to try a different twist on this classic? Here are a few ideas:

Cinnamon Swirl: Add a cinnamon-sugar swirl to the dough before rolling it up for a spiced variation.
Chocolate Filling: For a decadent twist, spread a thin layer of Nutella or chocolate ganache before rolling the dough. It’ll melt into the bread as it bakes, creating a delicious chocolatey surprise.
Fruit Fillings: Try adding a bit of fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or peaches, into the dough for a fruity burst of flavor.

How to Make Soft and Fluffy Pan de Mallorca

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This step ensures your yeast is active and ready to help your dough rise.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Create a well in the center, then add the yeast mixture, eggs, and softened butter. Mix everything together until it forms a dough. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Place your dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is the fun part when the dough starts to transform!

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle. Then, roll the dough tightly, like you’re making a jelly roll.

Step 5: Second Rise

Place the rolled dough into a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet, depending on the shape you prefer. Cover it with the towel again and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the bread for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped. The smell while it bakes will drive you wild!

Step 7: Dust and Serve

Once baked, let the bread cool slightly, then dust the top with powdered sugar if desired. Slice and serve warm for the best experience!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Temperature is Key: Make sure your milk is warm, but not too hot, when you activate the yeast. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast, and if it’s too cold, the yeast won’t rise properly.
Kneading: Don’t rush the kneading step! Kneading the dough helps to develop the gluten, giving your bread that soft, fluffy texture. Keep going until the dough feels smooth and elastic.
Cover the Dough: Be sure to cover your dough while it rises to prevent it from drying out. A clean kitchen towel works perfectly, or you can use plastic wrap.

How to Serve

Pan de Mallorca is so versatile! You can serve it fresh out of the oven, or enjoy it later with a bit of butter or jam. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

With Coffee or Tea

Pair a warm slice with your morning coffee or afternoon tea for the ultimate treat.

Turn It Into French Toast

Got leftover Pan de Mallorca? Turn it into the most luxurious French toast by dipping slices in an egg custard and frying them up in butter.

As a Snack

Just slice and eat it on its own, or serve with a spread of cream cheese, Nutella, or peanut butter for a quick and satisfying snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pan de Mallorca is best when fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. It might lose a little bit of its fluffiness, but it will still taste great!

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, slice the bread and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. To enjoy, just toast the slices or let them thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or toast them for a little crunch. For an extra indulgence, spread some butter on top before reheating!

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? While you can use whole wheat flour, keep in mind that it may result in a denser bread. For the fluffiest texture, I recommend sticking with all-purpose flour.

2. Can I make this bread without a stand mixer? Absolutely! You can knead the dough by hand. Just be sure to knead it long enough (about 10 minutes) to develop the proper texture.

3. How do I know when the dough has risen enough? The dough should double in size during the first rise. You can check this by gently pressing a finger into the dough. If the indentation stays, it’s ready to go.

4. Can I make this bread the day before? Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it after the first rise. Just allow it to come to room temperature and rise again before baking.

Final Thoughts

Pan de Mallorca is the epitome of soft, fluffy, and sweet bread. It’s perfect for busy mornings or lazy afternoons when you want something comforting and delicious. Whether you serve it for breakfast or indulge in a sweet snack, this bread is sure to make any day feel a little extra special. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you!

Soft and Fluffy Pan de Mallorca Recipe