Description
Ube Bread Rolls are soft, fluffy Filipino buns filled with sweet ube jam and topped with toasted shredded coconut. This recipe combines tender homemade bread dough enveloping rich ube jam, finished with a buttery coconut topping for a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough
- ½ cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 package active dry yeast (0.25 oz)
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature and lightly beaten)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp canola oil (or any flavorless oil)
For the Filling and Topping
- 15 oz ube jam
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled, plus 3 tbsp melted butter for brushing)
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a small bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and 1 tsp granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, blend milk, ¼ cup sugar, salt, softened butter, and lightly beaten eggs. Add the activated yeast mixture and stir well. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, then add the canola oil. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes by hand or using a dough hook on a mixer.
- First Proof: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Prepare the Coconut Topping: In a bowl, mix the brown sugar and shredded coconut. Set aside.
- Shape the Rolls: Punch down the risen dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide dough into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a circle and spread a generous spoonful of ube jam in the center. Fold the dough to encase the filling and pinch the edges to seal, then shape into smooth rolls.
- Second Proof: Place the rolls on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each. Cover and let rise for 30-40 minutes until puffy.
- Assemble Topping on Rolls: Brush each roll with melted butter, then sprinkle the coconut and brown sugar mixture evenly over the tops.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Final Butter Brush: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush with the remaining 3 tbsp melted butter for a glossy, rich finish.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the rolls to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ube bread or ube buns have ube jam enveloped in soft, fluffy bread, served with toasted coconut, making it one of the most delicious Filipino ube treats.
- Be sure the yeast mixture is frothy to ensure proper rising of the dough.
- Use room temperature ingredients to help the dough rise better.
- For extra softness, brush the rolls with butter while still warm after baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 417 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 32 mg
