Easy Cheesy Ube Pandesal Recipe

Easy Cheesy Ube Pandesal is a delightful fusion of traditional Filipino bread and the rich, vibrant flavors of ube, complemented by a cheesy surprise in the center. This modern twist on the classic pandesal combines the slightly sweet, soft bread with the earthy sweetness of ube (purple yam), creating a visually stunning and delectable treat.

The preparation starts with making a smooth and elastic dough using all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, melted butter, eggs, and the key ingredient, ube halaya (purple yam jam). The addition of ube extract enhances both the color and flavor, making the bread irresistibly appealing. Active dry yeast dissolved in warm milk helps the dough rise, resulting in a fluffy texture.

Once the dough has doubled in size, it’s divided into 24 pieces, each filled with a generous teaspoon of grated cheese. Cheddar or mozzarella works well, providing a delicious, melty center that contrasts beautifully with the sweet ube flavor. The dough balls are then rolled in bread crumbs, giving the pandesal its signature slightly crunchy exterior.

After a second rise, the pandesal is baked until lightly golden brown. The aroma of freshly baked bread mingled with the sweet scent of ube is simply enticing. The final product is a batch of beautifully purple rolls with a lightly crisp exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. When bitten into, the pandesal reveals its gooey, cheesy core, making each bite a delightful mix of textures and flavors.

Easy Cheesy Ube Pandesal is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or any time you want a comforting, sweet-savory treat. Its unique combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout among bread recipes, and its vibrant color is sure to catch the eye and delight the taste buds.

Easy Cheesy Ube Pandesal Recipe

Recipe by Yummy FoodCourse: Breakfast, Brunch, SnacksCuisine: FilipinoDifficulty: Easy

Easy Cheesy Ube Pandesal is a delightful fusion of traditional Filipino bread and the rich, vibrant flavors of ube, complemented by a cheesy surprise in the center.

Ingredients

• For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/4 cup melted butter

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)

• 1/2 tsp ube extract (optional, for enhanced color and flavor)

• 1 cup bread crumbs (for coating)

• For the Filling:

• 1 cup grated cheese (any melty cheese like cheddar or mozzarella)

Directions

• In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar in warm milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center.
• Add the melted butter, eggs, ube halaya, and ube extract (if using) into the well.
• Pour in the frothy yeast mixture.
• Mix until a dough forms. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment or knead by hand for about 10-15 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
• Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide it into 24 equal pieces.
• Flatten each piece into a small circle. Place about a teaspoon of grated cheese in the center of each circle.
• Gather the edges and seal the dough to enclose the cheese. Shape it into a smooth ball.
• Roll each filled ball in bread crumbs, ensuring they are fully coated.
• Place the coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, about 2 inches apart.
• Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they are puffy.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake the pandesal in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are lightly golden brown.
• Allow the pandesal to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm while the cheese is still melty!

Notes

• These Cheesy Ube Pandesal are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or any time you crave a sweet and savory treat!

Other BREAD & PASTRIES recipes may be found HERE

IMAGE SOURCE: Jaymee Porter, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons