Delicious Ube Pandesal: A Step-by-Step Filipino Bread Recipe

Ingredients

4 to 4 1/2 cups of All-Purpose Flour
2 1/4 teaspoons of Active Dry Yeast
1 cup of Purple Yam (Ube), cooked and mashed
1 cup of Milk
1/2 cup of Granulated Sugar
1/2 cup of Unsalted Butter, melted
1 teaspoon of Ube Extract
1 teaspoon of Salt
1 large Egg
1/2 cup of Bread Crumbs for coating
1 cup of Ube Halaya or Ube Jam for filling (optional)

Steps and instructions

In a bowl, mix the milk, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Add the melted butter, mashed ube, ube extract, and egg to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
In a separate large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the wet mixture. Mix until it forms a sticky dough.
On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 10 minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic. You may need to add more flour as necessary to prevent the dough from sticking too much.
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a cloth. Allow it to rise in a warm area for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into small pieces, each weighing about 50 grams.
Flatten each piece and add a spoonful of ube jam in the center if desired. Fold the edges of the dough towards the center and seal it. Roll it into a ball shape.
Roll each ball in breadcrumbs and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each ball. Cover the tray and allow the balls to rise again for about 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius or 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the pandesal for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove the pandesal from the oven and serve them warm. Enjoy!

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A bowl to mix the ingredients.
Measuring Cups - Cups for accurately measuring ingredients.
Measuring Spoons - Spoons for accurately measuring smaller amounts of ingredients.
Whisk - A utensil used for mixing and whisking ingredients.
Baking Tray - A flat tray used for baking the pandesal.
Parchment Paper - Paper used to line the baking tray, preventing sticking.
Cloth - A cloth or towel used to cover the dough while it rises.
Flour - Used for dusting surfaces and preventing sticking.
Bread Crumbs - Used for coating the pandesal before baking.
Oven - An appliance used for baking the pandesal.

Recipe variations

Replace the regular all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
Try using different fillings such as cheese, salted egg, or chocolate.
For a crunchier crust, roll the shaped dough in sesame seeds or crushed cornflakes instead of breadcrumbs.
Experiment with different flavors by substituting the ube with taro, matcha, or pandan.
Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend.
For a vegan option, replace the milk with almond milk and the butter with coconut oil. Use a vegan egg substitute or omit the egg altogether.
Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spiced flavor.
Instead of individual rolls, shape the dough into a loaf for ube pandesal bread.
Top each pandesal with grated cheese or a sprinkle of sugar before baking for added flavor and texture.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our delightful Ube Pandesal recipe! This Filipino-inspired sweet roll is a delightful morning or afternoon snack, and a colorful addition to any bread basket. Infused with the flavor and vibrant hue of purple yam, these rolls are soft, slightly sweet and absolutely mouth-watering. This recipe incorporates mashed purple yam and ube extract into the dough, creating its signature color and taste. Optionally, you can also add ube jam in the center for an added burst of flavor. The rolls are then coated with breadcrumbs and baked until golden brown. Though this recipe involves a few steps - including kneading the dough and allowing it to rise twice - the process is quite straightforward. The resulting Ube Pandesal are well worth the effort, and are sure to be a hit with both adults and kids alike. With this recipe, you'll be able to enjoy the taste of this Filipino bakery staple right at your own home. So, put on your apron and let's start baking some Ube Pandesal! Enjoy.

Common questions

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes, you can use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast. Use the same amount of instant yeast as specified in the recipe.
Can I use a bread machine to make the dough? Yes, you can use a bread machine to make the dough. Simply follow the manufacturer's instructions for making dough and use the ingredients listed in the recipe.
Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough. After the first rise, divide the dough into portions and shape them into balls. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once firm, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag or airtight container. When ready to bake, allow the frozen dough balls to thaw and rise before baking as directed.
Can I substitute regular milk with non-dairy milk? Yes, you can substitute regular milk with non-dairy milk such as almond milk or soy milk. Ensure that the non-dairy milk is unsweetened and unflavored.
Can I omit the Ube extract? Yes, you can omit the Ube extract if you are unable to find it. The mashed ube itself will still provide flavor and color to the pandesal.
Can I make the Ube pandesal without the ube filling? Yes, you can make the Ube pandesal without the ube filling. Simply skip the step of adding the ube jam in the center of each dough ball and proceed with shaping and baking as directed.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the ingredients.
Baking Tray - A flat tray used for baking the pandesal in the oven.
Parchment Paper - Helps prevent the pandesal from sticking to the baking tray.
Cloth - Used to cover the dough while it rises.
Flour - Used for dusting the surface and preventing the dough from sticking.
Bread Crumbs - Coats the pandesal for a crispy texture.
Oven - Used for baking the pandesal until golden brown.

Origin stories

Pandesal, the quintessential bread roll of the Philippines, is a staple in the Filipino breakfast scene. Its name literally translates to "salt bread", but don't be fooled, its sweetness often outshines its saltiness. The twist in our recipe, Ube Pandesal, is a modern interpretation of this traditional bread roll. Ube, or purple yam, is a common ingredient in Filipino desserts and its integration into pandesal is a delightful fusion resulting in a vibrantly colored and flavor-rich bread roll. This elevated version of pandesal has quickly gained popularity not only in the Philippines but also in various Filipino communities around the world. Its unique taste and eye-catching purple hue truly exemplifies the innovative spirit of Filipino cuisine.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.