As I pulled the vibrant purple rolls from the oven, the warm aroma of freshly baked Ube Pandesal filled my kitchen, wrapping me in a comforting embrace. This delightful twist on traditional Filipino bread rolls is a must-try, offering the perfect blend of sweet ube and savory cheese that will have your taste buds dancing. Not only is this recipe a feast for the eyes, but it’s also a fun way to elevate breakfast or snack time into something truly special. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create soft, fluffy rolls that are sure to impress your friends and family. Ready to indulge your culinary creativity with some Ube Pandesal? Let’s dive into the recipe—your kitchen is about to become the heart of a deliciously unique experience!
Why is Ube Pandesal So Special?
Unique Flavor: The vibrant ube gives this bread a sweet and nutty taste that’s truly one-of-a-kind, elevating your usual bread experience.
Visual Appeal: Its striking purple hue not only dazzles the eyes but also makes it a conversation starter at any gathering.
Versatility: Enjoy Ube Pandesal fresh from the oven or fill it with cheese for an indulgent twist. You can even pair it with honey butter or a steaming cup of coffee for a delightful breakfast treat.
Simple to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create bakery-style rolls right at home. It’s a fun project to impress family and friends alike!
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for brunch or as a snack, this lovely roll is sure to be a hit at gatherings. For more comforting recipes, give our cozy Reuben Soup Cozy a try!
Ube Pandesal Ingredients
• Discover the delightful components of this Filipino favorite!
For the Dough
- Bread Flour – Essential for structure and fluffiness; you can use all-purpose flour if needed, though the texture will vary.
- White Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness; feel free to substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Rapid-Rise Yeast – Vital for quick rising, ensuring your Ube Pandesal is fluffy and light.
- Whole Milk (Warm) – Hydrates your ingredients and helps activate the yeast; alternatively, use 2% milk or a non-dairy option.
- Unsalted Butter (Melted) – Adds richness and tenderness; if using salted butter, omit extra salt from the recipe.
- Ube Extract/Flavoring – Imparts the signature ube flavor and vibrant color; if hard to find, consider purchasing online.
- Large Egg – Binds the ingredients together, contributing to the bread’s soft structure.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile for an irresistible treat.
- Kosher Salt – Balances sweetness and elevates flavors for a more delicious bite.
For the Coating and Filling
- Fine Breadcrumbs – This coating provides a lovely texture on the outside of the pandesal.
- Cheese Cubes – An optional indulgence for those making Ube Cheese Pandesal; any cheese like cheddar or cream cheese works beautifully.
- Ube Halaya (Optional) – Adds extra sweetness and ube flavor, perfect for the variant with halaya.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Ube Pandesal (Pan de Sal)
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm milk (at 105-115°F), melted butter, a large egg, vanilla extract, and ube extract until well blended. Sprinkle in the rapid-rise yeast, allowing it to dissolve for a few minutes. This mixture activates the yeast, vital for fluffy Ube Pandesal.
Step 2: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the white granulated sugar, kosher salt, and bread flour into the wet mixture. Mix until a cohesive dough forms, ensuring all flour is incorporated. The dough will be slightly sticky but should pull away from the sides of the bowl. This is the foundation for your airy rolls!
Step 3: Rest the Dough
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let the dough rest for about 20 minutes at room temperature. This step allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to knead later. You’ll notice a slight puff in the dough, indicating it’s ready for the next step.
Step 4: Knead
Turn the rested dough onto a floured surface, kneading for about 7 minutes. Use your palms to push and fold the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it sticks to your fingers, lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking. You’re now building the texture and structure essential for fluffy Ube Pandesal.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, turning it to coat lightly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours, or until it doubles in size. This slow rise enhances the flavor and allows the yeast to work its magic, ensuring a light and airy pandesal.
Step 6: Portion the Dough
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air and transfer it back to the floured surface. Divide the dough into 20 equal pieces and roll each into a smooth ball. If you’re making Ube Cheese Pandesal, flatten each ball slightly and place a cheese cube in the center, sealing it closed.
Step 7: Second Rise
Arrange the dough balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space for expansion. Cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. You’ll see them puff up even more during this rise, getting ready to form those beautifully soft Ube Pandesal.
Step 8: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Once heated, bake the Ube Pandesal for 18-20 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown. You’ll love the sweet aroma filling your kitchen! Let them cool slightly on the tray before transferring them to a wire rack, ready for serving or enjoying warm.
What to Serve with Fluffy Ube Pandesal with Creamy Cheese Filling
Transform your delightful Ube Pandesal into a complete meal that indulges the senses and satisfies all cravings.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their buttery texture contrasts beautifully with the fluffy overflow of ube, making a harmonious side.
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Savory Garlic Butter Shrimp: The succulent shrimp tossed in garlic butter brings a delicious umami that pairs wonderfully with sweet rolls.
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Fruit Salad Medley: A refreshing mix of tropical fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the pandesal perfectly.
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Spicy Mango Salsa: The heat and tanginess from the salsa enhances the sweet ube flavor, creating a dance of flavors in every bite.
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Silky Hot Chocolate: Warm and rich, the chocolate beverage complements the fluffy texture while satisfying any sweet tooth cravings.
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Honey Butter Spread: Slathering this over your warm pandesal creates an indulgent treat perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
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Herbal Tea: Serve with a calming chamomile or peppermint tea to soothe the palate and enhance the ube’s subtle sweetness.
Add these delights to your Ube Pandesal experience—gather around, share, and savor the joy of homemade comfort!
Expert Tips for Ube Pandesal
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Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh and active; expired yeast can lead to flat, dense Ube Pandesal. Always check the date before use!
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Temperature Matters: Warm the milk between 105-115°F to ensure the yeast activates properly. Too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold may hinder rising.
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Dough Texture: If your dough is too sticky, add a little more flour—about a tablespoon at a time—until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
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Sealing Fillings: When adding cheese or Ube Halaya, ensure each filling is securely enclosed in the dough to avoid leakage during baking.
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Resting Time: Don’t rush the rising stages. Letting the dough rise adequately results in a lighter, fluffier Ube Pandesal that everyone will enjoy.
Make Ahead Options
These fluffy Ube Pandesal rolls are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the first five steps and then covering it tightly and refrigerating it after the first rise. For even more flexibility, you can shape the dough balls and place them on your baking tray, covering them with plastic wrap and refrigerating them for up to 3 days before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy your Ube Pandesal, simply let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to rise slightly before baking them as directed. This way, you’ll have fresh, warm rolls with minimal hassle on busy mornings!
Ube Pandesal Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to experiment with these delightful variations and tailor the Ube Pandesal to your unique taste preferences!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version, ensuring a similar richness.
- Cheese Swap: Use feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist that complements the sweetness of the ube beautifully. Consider experimenting; each type brings its own delightful zing!
- Gluten-Free: Swap bread flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe accessible to those avoiding gluten. Just keep in mind that the texture might shift a tad.
- Sweet Touch: Incorporate a tablespoon of coconut milk into the dough for an extra layer of sweetness and tropical flavor. This will create an alluring aroma that draws everyone to the kitchen!
- Nutty Flavor: Add chopped walnuts or macadamia nuts to the dough for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the fluffy texture. This little twist adds both flavor and excitement!
- Spiced Variation: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for a warm spice note to your rolls, transforming them into a charming, aromatic treat. Each bite will whisper special memories!
- Heat Up: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, mix in a touch of cayenne or black pepper to the dough for a playful kick against the sweetness. This unexpected flavor combo can surprise and delight your palate!
- Mini Treats: Roll out the dough into smaller spheres for bite-sized pandesal, perfect for parties or snacks. These adorable little treats are not only enjoyable but also encourage sharing!
For more inspiration, if you love a comforting, creamy option, check out our cozy Reuben Soup Cozy that pairs beautifully with these rolls!
Storage Tips for Ube Pandesal (Pan de Sal)
Room Temperature: Store leftover Ube Pandesal in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them soft and ready to enjoy!
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the Ube Pandesal tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer, ensuring you always have this delightful treat on hand.
Reheating: To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, reviving their fluffy texture. Enjoy your Ube Pandesal as fresh as the day they were baked!
Ube Pandesal (Pan de Sal) Recipe FAQs
What type of ube is best for Ube Pandesal?
Absolutely! The best type of ube for Ube Pandesal is purple yam, known as “ube” in the Philippines. Look for fresh, firm yams with a vibrant purple color and a sweet aroma. Avoid any that show signs of rot or have dark spots all over their skin.
How should I store leftover Ube Pandesal?
To keep your Ube Pandesal fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag—this will allow them to last up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw at room temperature before reheating!
Can I freeze Ube Pandesal? If so, how?
Yes, you can freeze Ube Pandesal! After they have cooled completely, wrap them individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. To enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until warm and fluffy again.
What if my Ube Pandesal didn’t rise properly?
Very! If your Ube Pandesal didn’t rise as expected, check a few key factors: ensure your yeast is fresh and active—a test for this is to dissolve it in warm water with sugar and see if it bubbles. Also, confirm that your milk was not too hot or too cold, as temperature can affect yeast activation. If this happens, try letting your dough rise in a warmer spot, as a drafty area can deter rising.
Are Ube Pandesal suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
It’s wonderful to consider everyone! Ube Pandesal can be made vegetarian-friendly, but if you have dairy allergies, substitute the milk with non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter. Always check ingredients, especially if you’re adding fillings like cheese or Ube Halaya, to ensure they meet dietary needs.
Can I make other variations of Ube Pandesal?
Absolutely! Ube Pandesal is a versatile base. You can make Ube Cheese Pandesal by inserting cheese cubes before shaping the dough balls. For an extra sweet twist, add Ube Halaya inside the rolls. Feel free to experiment with different fillings to make this recipe your own!
Deliciously Fluffy Ube Pandesal (Pan de Sal) Recipe to Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, a large egg, vanilla extract, and ube extract until well blended. Sprinkle in the rapid-rise yeast, allowing it to dissolve for a few minutes.
- Gradually add the white granulated sugar, kosher salt, and bread flour into the wet mixture. Mix until a cohesive dough forms.
- Cover the bowl tightly and let the dough rest for about 20 minutes.
- Turn the rested dough onto a floured surface, kneading for about 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and refrigerate for 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Gently punch the dough down, divide into 20 equal pieces and roll each into a ball. If making Ube Cheese Pandesal, flatten and place a cheese cube in the center.
- Arrange the dough balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the Ube Pandesal for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
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