If you have a love for vibrant, tasty bread that not only pleases the eye but also delights the palate, then you are in for a treat with the Deliciously Purple: Ube Bread and Its Irresistible Flavor Recipe. This Filipino-inspired purple yam bread is soft, subtly sweet, and infused with the enchanting essence of ube halaya, making each bite a comforting hug wrapped in a beautiful purple hue. Whether you are new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe will become your go-to when you want to bring a little extra color and magic to your homemade bread adventures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple yet essential ingredients that work harmoniously to create the perfect texture and vibrant color of the bread. Each component has a purpose, from the yeast activating the rise to the ube extract enhancing that signature purple flavor and aroma.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, providing structure and chewiness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness to balance the earthy ube flavor.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): The magic agent that makes the dough rise beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and strengthens the dough.
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F): Activates the yeast and softens the dough for tenderness.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and a luscious texture.
- 1 large egg: Provides moisture, binding, and richness to the loaf.
- 1/2 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam): The star ingredient, giving the bread its signature flavor and stunning color.
- 1 teaspoon ube extract: Intensifies the purple hue and ube aroma.
- 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing): Creates a shiny, inviting crust on the finished bread.
- Optional sesame seeds for topping: Adds a nutty flavor and lovely crunch to the top.
How to Make Deliciously Purple: Ube Bread and Its Irresistible Flavor Recipe
Step 1: Activate the yeast
Start by combining the warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar in a large bowl. The warmth wakes up the yeast, and you’ll know it’s ready when the mixture becomes frothy in about 5 to 10 minutes. This is your sign that the bread will rise beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the dough ingredients
Next, add the flour, the rest of the sugar, salt, softened butter, egg, ube halaya, and ube extract to the bowl with the frothy mixture. Mix everything together until you form a soft dough. This is where the purple magic takes shape—your dough will already begin to show that lovely hue.
Step 3: Knead until smooth and elastic
Transfer your dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 8 to 10 minutes. This process can be so therapeutic! The dough will transform from sticky to smooth and elastic, which means it’s ready to rise.
Step 4: First rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Set it in a warm spot to rise for about an hour or until it doubles in size. This step is vital for developing the soft, airy crumb that makes this bread irresistible.
Step 5: Shape the dough and second rise
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf or divide it into individual rolls. Place your dough in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let it rise again for 30 to 40 minutes—your bread is getting fluffy and ready to bake.
Step 6: Bake to golden perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Before baking, brush the top of the dough with a little milk to create a beautiful golden crust and sprinkle sesame seeds if you like a bit of crunch. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the loaf sounds hollow when tapped and the top feels firm and golden.
Step 7: Cool and enjoy
Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing it. This resting period helps the crumb set perfectly and keeps those wonderful purple swirls intact if you chose to swirl extra halaya. Now, it’s finally time to experience the deliciousness of your creation!
How to Serve Deliciously Purple: Ube Bread and Its Irresistible Flavor Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving, consider sprinkling a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzling a light coconut glaze over sliced bread. A few toasted sesame seeds on top add an appealing texture and nutty contrast to the soft crumb.
Side Dishes
This bread is a fantastic companion to savory Filipino dishes like adobo or sinigang, but it’s equally amazing alongside fresh fruit, cheese, and a steaming cup of hot coffee or tea. Its subtly sweet flavor allows it to shine in many combinations.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, toast slices and spread with butter or cream cheese mixed with a little ube halaya for a flavor boost. You can also use this bread to create gorgeous sandwiches or even a dessert bread pudding that will wow your guests with its vibrant color and comforting flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, maintaining most of its soft texture and vibrant color.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this bread later, freezing is a fantastic option. Slice the loaf first, then place the pieces in a freezer-safe bag with all the air pressed out. Properly stored, your bread will keep well for up to a month without losing any of its charm.
Reheating
To enjoy the bread as fresh as possible, reheat slices in a toaster or oven at low heat until warmed through. This will bring back that soft, fluffy texture and revive the irresistible aroma of ube that makes this bread so special.
FAQs
Can I substitute ube halaya with fresh purple yam?
Fresh purple yam can be used, but it requires cooking and mashing to achieve the right consistency and sweetness. Ube halaya is recommended because it’s already prepared and sweetened, ensuring an easy and consistent flavor in your bread.
Is this bread suitable for vegans?
This recipe includes butter and eggs, which are not vegan. However, you can experiment with plant-based substitutes like vegan butter and flax eggs to make a vegan-friendly version, although the texture may vary slightly.
Can I make this bread without ube extract?
Yes, but the ube extract really boosts the flavor and colors the bread beautifully. Without it, the bread may be less vibrant and a bit milder in taste, but still delicious with the ube halaya.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The best test is tapping the bottom or top of the bread; it should sound hollow. Also, the crust should be a rich golden color. If you’re unsure, you can insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean.
Can I add fillings or swirl more halaya in the bread?
Absolutely! Swirling extra ube halaya into the dough before shaping creates a stunning marbled effect and adds pockets of sweet flavor. You can also add other fillings like coconut or sweetened beans to personalize your loaf.
Final Thoughts
Embracing the Deliciously Purple: Ube Bread and Its Irresistible Flavor Recipe invites you into a world where baking becomes a colorful and rewarding adventure. This bread’s delightful taste, soft texture, and charming appearance make it a true crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and create this wonderful loaf that brings a touch of Filipino tradition and heartwarming flavor right into your kitchen. Happy baking!
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Deliciously Purple: Ube Bread and Its Irresistible Flavor Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Filipino
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the vibrant and sweet flavors of Filipino cuisine with this Deliciously Purple Ube Bread. Made with creamy ube halaya and ube extract, this soft and fluffy bread boasts a beautiful purple hue and a subtly sweet taste, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
- 1 teaspoon ube extract
Topping
- 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing)
- Optional sesame seeds for topping
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy to ensure the yeast is active.
- Make the Dough: Add flour, remaining sugar, salt, softened butter, egg, ube halaya, and ube extract to the yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which develops gluten for structure.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size, allowing fermentation and flavor development.
- Shape the Dough: Punch down the dough to release gases and shape it into a loaf or divide into rolls, depending on your preference.
- Second Rise: Place shaped dough into a greased loaf pan or on a lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes to achieve a light, airy texture.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the dough with milk and sprinkle with sesame seeds if using, to add a golden finish and hint of nuttiness.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped, indicating it is fully baked.
- Cool: Remove from oven and let the bread cool completely before slicing to maintain its structure and texture.
Notes
- For richer flavor, use homemade ube halaya for an authentic taste.
- You can swirl extra ube halaya into the dough before shaping for a beautiful marbled effect.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage to maintain freshness.
