Whenever people visit Oahu, Hawaii, chances are, one of the food stops will include a visit to Leonard’s for their famous malasadas. If you don’t know what malasadas are, you’re definitely missing out. Malasadas are Portuguese doughnuts sans hole, and they are best when eaten hot. The last time I had a Leonard’s malasada was when we were still living on the island over a decade ago.
There are malasadas to be found in a few places here in OC, but none are anywhere close to Leonard’s. But now, Paderia Bakehouse in Fountain Valley, is making malasadas, and making them even better than Leonard’s — yes I said it!
The malasadas at Paderia are softer, not as dense as Leonard’s. Also, they’re not as greasy, and taste good even when they’ve been sitting for a few hours. I tried both the unfilled malasada as well as the ube (taro) cream-filled malasada. You can also get it with haupia (coconut) or nutella filling.
But wait, there’s more! Paderia also serves ensaymadas — a Spanish pastry from Majorca  but more well-known within Filipino cuisine. These look more like cupcakes, but have a cheese topping, which makes them savory sweet and some of the most delicious ensaymadas I’ve ever eaten. They are lighter than any ensaymada I’ve ever eaten, and well-balanced in flavor profiles.
Hold on, there’s more! The cookies at Paderia are to die for! Currently, there are three: oatmeal, chocolate chip and chocolate peanut butter. They are chewy and not overly sweet — my favorite is the chocolate peanut butter — perfect for my non-sweet palate.
There is no need to fly over to Oahu to enjoy authentic malasadas any longer. I can’t wait to return again to try the haupia malasada and pick up a few more cookies. Although I don’t often crave sweets, the cookies are perfect for when the moment does hit and I need a little something sweet to satisfy that need.
This week, one of my readers has the opportunity to WIN a dozen malasadas from Paderia Bakehouse. Please leave a comment with your FULL name and tell me why you should be the one bringing these malasadas home with you. Entries close on Friday, May 26th, 2017.
Paderia Bakehouse
18279 Brookhurst St
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Tel: 949-478-5273
Malasadas, Ensaymadas oh my! My sister and I are huge fan of your blog. It would be wonderful to win a dozen sweet treats from Paderia Bakehouse to share with our mom!
Great malasadas are hard to find outside of Hawaii and they take hours to make at home. I need to try the ube filled one!
The last time I was in Hawaii was 2010? I’ve been searching for delicious malasadas on the mainland ever since. You had me at “better than Leonard’s” 😀
Love malasadas! My husband and his staff have been competing in their own Biggest Loser challenge, would love to drop a dozen of these off to celebrate since they end their challenge this week 🙂
I hope I win because I miss Hawaii! I love all forms of doughnuts, especially malasadas. And ube + malasadas is just a win-win situation! 😊
I would like to try them and share as a treat with the family.
I gasped in disbelief when you stated that Paderia’s malasadas are better than Leonard’s. I need to win these so I (and my family) can become believers! 😜
I have tried these already and you are right with the taste of the malasadas and ensaymada. I would love to win a dozen to share with my inlaws. I’ve always shared with them some new food and pastries and they get excited every time I bring new ones to try. ( I am Filipino and they are Caucasians.) my favorites are Ube filling and Coconut, also the cookies are the bomb!
I have tried these already and you are right with the taste of the malasadas and ensaymada. I would love to win a dozen to share with my inlaws. I’ve always shared with them some new food and pastries and they get excited every time I bring new ones to try. ( I am Filipino and they are Caucasians.) my favorites are Ube filling and Coconut, also the cookies are the bomb!
I like to try new things and have never had the opportunity to try this treat! I graduate from college next week and would love to have some to share with friends and family! It’s also an excuse to visit this new small business to try this pastry so I can spread the word of its tastiness and support small business!
I just came back from Oahu! And have this placed bookmarked since you mentioned it!! I must try it! Along with other baked yumminess!
BECAUSE. JUST BECAUSE I WANT THEM!!!
Because my family is going to Hawaii and I cant go with them. These malasadas will hit the spot 🙂
congratulations Pornsa, you have won a dozen of these goodies.
I want to bring these malasadas home because they look so delicious!