This sweet, creamy, and silky Yema spread is super easy to make and requires only 5 simple ingredients. Perfectly delicious as a spread for pandesal or toasted bread slices. You can even use it as frosting for cakes or cupcakes.
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What is Yema?
Yema is a soft custard-based Filipino candy made with egg yolks, sugar, and milk. The mixture is cooked over low heat and continuously stirred until thickened. They are usually made and sold in the shape of a pyramid or balls that are wrapped in colorful cellophane plastic sheets.
Yema spread recipe is a modern variation of this well-loved classic confectionery. It has the same delicious milky sweet flavor but in a lighter consistency, that is easy to spread.
In addition to being a spread, it may also be used as a frosting, sweetener, or even as a dip. And not only can it satisfy your sweet cravings, but it can also turn into a simple business venture and a good source of extra income.
Yema Spread vs Dulce de Leche
Both of these luscious sweet treats are made with condensed milk and are caramel-like. The main difference is that dulce de leche is made from condensed milk only while yema spread is custard-based, wherein the condensed milk is cooked with egg yolks and butter.
What You'll Need
Egg yolks – It is easier to separate the egg yolks from the whites while cold. Also, cold egg yolks are sturdier and less likely to break.
Condensed Milk- it is the main flavoring agent and lends that rich caramel flavor
Vanilla Extract – adds flavor to the recipe. If the vanilla extract is unavailable, you may substitute it with vanilla essence. (1 tsp of vanilla extract is may be replaced with 1.5 tsp vanilla essence)
Salt – balances the sweetness of the yema spread
Unsalted Butter – this is added to the mixture to make it into a spreadable consistency
Tips in cooking Yema Spread
- Do not rush the cooking process and increase the heat as the mixture easily burns.
- When the mixture begins to thicken, continuously stir or whisk the mixture to prevent it from coagulating.
- To sterilize glass jars for storing, place the jars and lids in a pot with water enough to cover them. Boil for about 10 minutes. Remove from pot and allow to air dry.
How to Serve and Store
Pour the yema spread into the sterilized jars while still warm for an easy transfer. Make sure the jars are dry before using them. Allow it to completely cool before covering it with the lid otherwise, moisture will accumulate inside the jar.
This Yema Spread is perfect on toast or pandesal. You may also use it as a sweetener for a creamier coffee or use it as frosting for cupcakes, mamon, or cake, or drizzle it on your favorite ice cream.
Keep the jars of yema spread inside the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks.
Recipe Video
Printable Recipe
Yema Spread
Ingredients
- 5 egg yolks
- 1 can condensed milk 300ml
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoon butter unsalted
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine egg yolks and condensed milk in a pan or wok.
- Turn on heat to medium. Stir the mixture with spatula or wooden spoon to prevent from sticking to the pan.
- Cook until it thickens, but not too thick. It will go thicken more as it cools down.
- Add the butter and salt and mix until it becomes smooth and shiny.
- Turn heat off and add the vanilla extract and mix.
- Let it cool down a bit then transfer to glass jars.
Sherryl says
My kids love it.
Ria Tolentino says
I make yema spread and my grandkids likes it,they ask me to make again,thank you for sharing the recipe
Alan Nicholson says
A great simple easy spread to make. And a great surprise for my Filipe wife…..
Bebs says
You are a good husband, Alan! Glad your wife likes it.
Jun says
Wow!..It looks so creamy and delicious,thanks for sharing : )