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There is something truly magical about bringing vibrant color and rich flavor together in a single loaf, and this Deliciously Purple: Ube Bread and Its Irresistible Flavor Recipe does just that. Imagine soft, fluffy bread infused with the sweet, earthy essence of ube halaya, showcasing that signature royal purple hue that brightens any breakfast table or afternoon snack. Every bite melts with a tender crumb and a subtle sweetness that makes this Filipino-inspired treat impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect texture and luscious flavor that make this ube bread unforgettable.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a soft, elastic dough with just the right crumb.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness that balances the earthy ube notes.
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): Essential for that beautiful rise and airy texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and controls the yeast activation.
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F): Provides moisture and richness to the dough.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings tenderness and a hint of indulgence.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and adds a lovely richness.
- ¾ cup ube halaya (purple yam jam): The star ingredient delivering vibrant color and that signature ube flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ube extract (optional): Boosts flavor depth and intensifies the purple color.
- Extra melted butter for brushing: Adds a glossy finish and extra tenderness to the crust.
How to Make Deliciously Purple: Ube Bread and Its Irresistible Flavor Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures the yeast activates evenly and the bread will have a balanced sweetness and flavor.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vibrant ube halaya. If you’re a fan of bold ube flavor and eye-catching color, stir in that optional teaspoon of ube extract now. This mix is where the bread’s luscious taste and its signature purple color shine.
Step 3: Form and Knead the Dough
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring until a soft dough forms. Then, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead vigorously for 8 to 10 minutes. This step is crucial—it develops the gluten that gives the bread structure and that irresistible chewy softness.
Step 4: First Rise
Place your smooth, elastic dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rest in a warm spot for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until the dough doubles in size. Watching it rise is so rewarding and gets you one step closer to that deliciously purple masterpiece.
Step 5: Shape and Second Rise
After punching down the dough gently to release air, shape it into a loaf or divide it into rolls. Arrange in a greased pan or baking dish, cover again, and let the dough rise for another 30 to 45 minutes. This second rise gives the bread a final fluffiness that makes it light and airy.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the bread for 25 to 30 minutes until the crust turns a golden hue and it sounds hollow when tapped. While it’s still warm, brush the top with melted butter for a glossy finish and extra tenderness. Let it cool just enough to slice without squishing, then savor the vibrant purple beauty you just created.
How to Serve Deliciously Purple: Ube Bread and Its Irresistible Flavor Recipe
Garnishes
Top slices of this ube bread with a swipe of creamy butter or cream cheese to complement its sweet earthiness. If you want to add a touch of elegance, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of coconut cream amplifies its tropical charm.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with fresh tropical fruits like mango or pineapple, offering a refreshing contrast. A warm cup of coffee, tea, or even ube latte creates a delightful combo for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice and toast the ube bread lightly to bring out its nuttier undertones, then top with whipped coconut cream and toasted coconut flakes for a dessert-inspired snack. You can also transform it into colorful sandwiches filled with mango jam or nut butters for a playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your ube bread fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays soft and delicious for up to 3 days—perfect if you want to savor it slowly.
Freezing
To enjoy your bread even later, slice it before freezing and place the slices in freezer bags. Frozen ube bread keeps wonderfully for up to 2 months, making it easy to pop out a slice whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
Reheat slices by toasting or warming in the oven wrapped in foil for a few minutes until soft and fragrant. Brushing with a bit of butter before warming revives that just-baked charm beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use regular yam instead of ube for this bread?
Regular yams don’t have the distinct flavor or vibrant color that ube brings, so substituting will change both the taste and appearance significantly. For the authentic Deliciously Purple: Ube Bread and Its Irresistible Flavor Recipe experience, ube halaya is the best choice.
Is ube extract necessary?
Ube extract is optional but highly recommended if you want a deeper purple color and stronger ube flavor. Without it, the bread will still be delicious, just a bit milder in hue and taste.
How can I make homemade ube halaya?
Homemade ube halaya involves cooking grated purple yam with coconut milk, sugar, and butter until thickened. It’s a rewarding project if you want the freshest and most flavorful ube component for your bread.
Can I make this bread vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the milk with plant-based alternatives like coconut or almond milk and replace the egg with a flax or chia egg. Use vegan butter for the melted butter portions, and you’ll have a vegan-friendly version of this deliciously purple bread.
What’s the best way to achieve a marbled ube effect?
Before shaping your dough, swirl extra ube halaya gently into it without fully mixing. This creates lovely purple streaks throughout the loaf, making your bread as visually stunning as it is tasty.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to embrace a burst of color and flavor that feels both familiar and delightfully new, give this Deliciously Purple: Ube Bread and Its Irresistible Flavor Recipe a try. It’s a warm hug from the kitchen that brings joy to any meal, guaranteed to become a beloved favorite for you and everyone you share it with.
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Deliciously Purple: Ube Bread and Its Irresistible Flavor Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf or 8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the vibrant flavors of the Philippines with this Deliciously Purple Ube Bread, featuring soft, fluffy dough infused with sweet ube halaya (purple yam jam) and a hint of ube extract for a deeper color and taste. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, this bread is baked to a golden finish and brushed with melted butter for extra richness.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
- 1 teaspoon ube extract (optional, for deeper flavor and color)
Finishing
- Extra melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and ube halaya. Stir in the ube extract if using to enhance color and flavor.
- Form Dough: Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, developing the gluten structure.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size, allowing the yeast to ferment and the dough to expand.
- Shape Dough: Punch down the dough to release air, then shape it into a loaf or divide into rolls. Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan or baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover again and let it rise for 30–45 minutes to achieve a light, airy texture.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Bake: Bake the bread for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped, indicating it is cooked through.
- Finish: Brush the warm bread with melted butter for a glossy, flavorful finish. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade ube halaya instead of store-bought.
- To create a marbled effect, swirl extra ube halaya into the dough before shaping.
- This bread pairs wonderfully with butter, cream cheese, or toasted for a delicious breakfast treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Filipino
