Pan De Regla Recipe

Pan de regla, also affectionately known as “kalihim” in the Philippines, is a bright red bread that’s hard to miss in local bakeries. With its soft, slightly sweet dough and rich, vibrant filling, it’s no wonder this bread has become a beloved treat. If you’re curious about making pan de regla at home or just want to learn more about this iconic bread, you’re in the right place. Check out this easy pan de regla recipe below.

Why People Love Pan De Regla

There’s something about pan de regla that brings a smile to your face. Maybe it’s the quirky name, which playfully refers to its red color, or perhaps it’s the nostalgia it brings to many Filipinos who grew up enjoying this treat. The bread’s soft texture combined with the sweet, bright red filling makes it a perfect snack for any time of the day. It’s also incredibly affordable, making it accessible to everyone. Whether you’re buying it from your local bakery or making it at home, pan de regla is a comforting treat that reminds many of home and simpler times.

Beyond nostalgia, people love pan de regla for its simplicity. Unlike many other pastries that might be loaded with fillings and toppings, this pan de regla recipe sticks to the basics: a good dough and a flavorful filling. The subtle sweetness of the bread paired with the more intense sweetness of the red filling creates a balanced flavor that’s satisfying without being overwhelming.

Pan de regla also stands out because of its visual appeal. The vibrant red color of the filling peeking through the dough is eye-catching, making it a treat that’s as enjoyable to look at as it is to eat. This bright color, achieved with a bit of food coloring, turns an ordinary snack into something a bit more fun and memorable. 

Pan De Regla Recipe Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your pan de regla turns out perfect every time:

Use Fresh Yeast

Fresh yeast ensures that your dough rises well, giving you soft, fluffy bread. Old or expired yeast can lead to dense, heavy bread.

Don’t Overfill the Dough

Too much filling can cause the bread to burst open while baking. A thin layer is all you need for that signature red stripe.

Let the Dough Rest

After kneading, allow your dough to rest and rise properly. This step helps you achieve that soft, coveted texture. If you’re in a hurry, you might be tempted to skip or shorten this step. But remember, letting the dough rise will make a huge difference.

Use Food Coloring Sparingly

A little red food coloring goes a long way. Start with a few drops and add more to achieve the bright red color. If you prefer a more natural approach, you could experiment with natural colorings like beet juice, which might slightly alter the flavor.

Bake Until Lightly Brown

Keep an eye on the bread as it bakes. It should be lightly browned on top, with the red filling peeking through the slits. Overbaking might make the bread dry, so it’s better to err on the side of caution and check it a few minutes before the recommended baking time.

What to Serve With Pan De Regla

Pan de regla is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with other treats to create a more satisfying snack. It goes great with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect companion for your afternoon break. The bitterness of coffee or the mild flavor of tea complements the sweetness of the bread, creating a well-rounded snack experience.

If you’re serving this pan de regla recipe for breakfast or merienda (afternoon snack), consider pairing it with other Filipino favorites like ensaymada (a sweet, buttery bread topped with cheese and sugar) or puto (steamed rice cakes). These pairings offer a variety of textures and flavors, turning a simple snack into a more elaborate spread.

You can also serve pan de regla with a slice of cheese. The saltiness of the cheese goes well with the pan de regla, creating a delightful contrast that’s perfect for those who prefer less sweetness in their snacks. You can also pair it with a slice of ham or a small serving of scrambled eggs for a quick, light meal.

If you’re feeling indulgent, consider serving pan de regla with a dollop of ube halaya (purple yam jam) or leche flan (a creamy caramel custard) on the side. 

How to Store Pan De Regla

Pan de regla is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with other treats to create a more satisfying snack. The bitterness of coffee or the mild flavor of tea complements the sweetness of the bread, creating a well-rounded snack experience.

If you’re serving pan de regla for breakfast or merienda (afternoon snack), consider pairing it with other Filipino favorites like ensaymada (a sweet, buttery bread topped with cheese and sugar) or puto (steamed rice cakes). These pairings offer a variety of textures and flavors, turning a simple snack into a more elaborate spread.

You can also serve pan de regla with a slice of cheese. The saltiness of the cheese goes well with the pan de regla, creating a delightful contrast that’s perfect for those who prefer less sweetness in their snacks. You can also pair it with a slice of ham or a small serving of scrambled eggs for a quick, light meal.
If you’re feeling indulgent, consider serving pan de regla with a dollop of ube halaya (purple yam jam) or leche flan (a creamy caramel custard) on the side.

Pan De Regla Recipe

Cuisine: Filipino

Prep Time: 1 hour

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Servings: 8 

Ingredients

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

1/2 cup warm water

1/4 cup sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 egg

1/4 cup evaporated milk

few drops of red food coloring

1/2 cup sugar (for filling)

1/4 cup butter, softened (for filling)

Instructions

1. Mix the yeast, warm water, and sugar first. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This step ensures your yeast is alive and will help the dough rise properly.
2. Next, mix the flour and salt. Add the melted butter, egg, and evaporated milk. Mix in the activated yeast mixture until a soft dough forms. At this point, the dough must be slightly sticky but manageable. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth. Put the dough in a greased bowl. Than, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
4. Prepare the filling while waiting for the dough to rise. Mix softened butter, sugar, and a few drops of red food coloring until you get a bright red mixture. The filling should be smooth and spreadable. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more butter.
5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an oval shape. Spread a thin layer of the red filling on each piece, then roll it up and seal the edges. Make sure the seam is on the bottom so the bread doesn’t open up while baking.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Put the rolled dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let it rest for 10 minutes, then bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until lightly browned.
7. Allow the bread to cool before serving. This helps the filling to set and makes the bread easier to handle. Enjoy your homemade pan de regla with a hot beverage or on its own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Pan de regla is more than just a colorful bread; it’s a slice of Filipino tradition that you can enjoy at home. Whether you’re making it for the first time or reliving childhood memories, this recipe is sure to bring a smile to your face. With its simple ingredients and straightforward process, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of pan de regla that’s just as good as (or even better than) what you’d find in a local bakery. So get your kitchen tools and equipment now and give this easy pan de regla recipe a try. Happy baking!

About HICAPS

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