Description
Experience the delightful flavors of the Filipino classic, Ube Bread. This soft, sweet bread infused with rich purple yam jam (ube halaya) and ube extract offers a unique, vibrant color and irresistible taste. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this homemade bread combines a tender crumb with a luscious ube flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
- ½ teaspoon ube extract
- ¼ cup warm water
Other
- Additional melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the warm milk, softened butter, eggs, ube halaya, and ube extract until well combined, creating a vibrant purple mixture.
- Form the Dough: Add the yeast mixture and the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir until a sticky dough forms, combining all components thoroughly.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide into desired portions, shaping into rolls or placing into a greased loaf pan depending on preference.
- Second Rise: Allow the shaped dough to rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Bake: Place the dough into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Finishing Touch: Remove the bread from the oven and immediately brush the top with melted butter for a shiny, soft crust. Let the bread cool before slicing or serving.
Notes
- You can use store-bought ube halaya or make your own from steamed purple yam, sweetened condensed milk, and butter.
- Ube extract enhances the color and flavor but can be adjusted or omitted based on personal preference.
- Ensure all liquids are warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- For a softer texture, try brushing additional melted butter on the bread after baking while still warm.
