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
Scale
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.
