Quesadilla and no not the tortilla and cheese type

Welcome back to a delightful journey into the heart of Salvadoran cuisine! Today, we will be baking Salvadoran Quesadilla Bread, a beloved treat that fuses the sweetness of custard and the richness of cheese into a soft, comforting bread.

Quesadilla Bread in El Salvador differs greatly from the Mexican quesadilla. Here, it's a scrumptious, sweet bread that’s a staple in local bakeries and homes alike. It’s not just a pastry; it's a cultural symbol, a treasured recipe passed down through generations. Quesdilla goes great with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate but if you don't drink none of that it's fine the bread itself is delicious. 

Ingredients:

- 3 cups all-purpose flour                                - 1 cup granulated sugar

- 1 teaspoon baking powder                            - ½ teaspoon salt

- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature  - 4 eggs

- 1 cup whole milk                                          - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1 cup grated queso duro or queso fresco (hard cheese or fresh cheese, such as mozzarella as a substitute)

- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for topping)

Step 1 Preheat and Prepare:

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a baking dish or line it with parchment paper. In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside.

Step 2 Cream Butter and Sugar:

- In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy using a hand maixer or stand mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 3 Alternate Mixing:

- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined. Gently fold in the grated cheese until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 4 Bake:

- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5 Cool and Serve:

- Allow the Quesadilla Bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice it into squares or wedges and serve this delightful Salvadoran treat!

Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and immerse yourself in the delightful process of creating this authentic Salvadoran delight! ¡Buen provecho! 🍞✨