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As I pulled the golden-brown rolls from the oven, the sweet scent of ube filled my kitchen, instantly transporting me to a lively Filipino market. These Ube Cheese Pandesal—soft, fluffy rolls stuffed with melty cheese—are not just a breakfast staple; they’re a joyful celebration of flavor and color. With their eye-catching purple hue, they bring a festive touch to any snack or meal, making them perfect for gatherings or cozy mornings at home. What’s truly irresistible is how easy they are to whip up, with simple ingredients that transform into a delicious treat. Plus, they freeze beautifully, so you can enjoy them anytime. Curious about how to craft these delightful rolls in your own kitchen? Let’s dive in!
Why are Ube Pandesal so special?
Irresistible Flavor: The unique blend of sweet ube and creamy cheese creates a scrumptious bite that you won’t forget.
Easy to Make: With just a few straightforward steps, these rolls are perfect for both novice and seasoned cooks alike.
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Versatile Delight: Enjoy them as a breakfast treat, snack, or charming addition to any meal.
Stunning Presentation: Their vibrant purple color is sure to impress at any gathering, making them a conversation starter!
Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and store them for future cravings; they reheat beautifully! Pair them with a warm cup of coffee or tea, and indulge in this Filipino favorite like never before!
Ube Pandesal with Melty Cheese Ingredients
• Get ready to make these soft and delicious ube cheese pandesal with the following simple ingredients!
For the Dough
- Warm Water – Activates the yeast; ensure it’s between 105-110°F for best results.
- Active Dry Yeast – The leavening agent that helps your rolls rise perfectly.
- Sugar – Adds sweetness and feeds the yeast; can substitute with more honey or agave for an alternative sweetness.
- Butter – Brings richness and moisture, giving your rolls that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Eggs – Contributes to the structure and adds richness to your dough.
- Warm Milk – Enhances flavor and texture; feel free to use plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk if preferred.
- Mashed Cooked Ube – The star flavor! You can also use ube powder reconstituted with hot water if fresh isn’t available.
- Liquid Ube Flavoring – Intensifies the ube flavor; can be swapped with vanilla extract in a pinch.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness while enhancing all the other flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure needed for those fluffy rolls; measure accurately to avoid dense bread.
- Vegetable Oil – Helps prevent sticking while kneading and keeps the dough moist.
For the Filling
- Velveeta Cheese (or any quick-melt cheese) – Provides a gooey center that melts beautifully; feel free to experiment with other cheese types!
For Coating
- Bread Crumbs – Adds a delightful texture to the exterior, giving each roll a charming crunch when baked.
Prepare these tasty ingredients, and get ready to create your irresistible Ube Pandesal with Melty Cheese!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Ube Pandesal with Melty Cheese
Step 1: Proof the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm water (between 105-110°F), active dry yeast, and one tablespoon of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly and frothy. This step ensures your yeast is active, resulting in fluffy Ube Pandesal with Melty Cheese.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the activated yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, remaining sugar, warm milk, mashed ube, liquid ube flavoring, and salt. Mix everything together until fully incorporated, creating a vibrant and cohesive dough base. The creamy texture contributes to the delightful flavor of your rolls.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Gradually add 3 cups of all-purpose flour into the mixture, stirring until a shaggy mass forms. If the dough is too sticky, add flour a little at a time until manageable. Make sure to reserve some flour for kneading. This crucial step helps in developing the structure for your Ube Pandesal.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Lightly oil your work surface and transfer the dough onto it. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. It should be slightly tacky but not overly sticky. Once finished, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1.5 to 2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Punch down the risen dough to release air, then transfer it to your floured surface. Shape the dough into a log and cut it into 14 equal portions. Flatten each piece, place a cube of Velveeta cheese in the center, and carefully fold the dough over the cheese. Roll into smooth balls to ensure the filling is fully enclosed.
Step 6: Final Rise
Roll each ball in bread crumbs for a delightful texture, then arrange them on a lined baking sheet. Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-60 minutes until they puff up noticeably. This final rise is key to achieving that light, airy consistency in your Ube Pandesal.
Step 7: Bake the Pandesal
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Once the rolls have risen, place them in the oven and bake for 20-23 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Keep an eye on them; the heavenly aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait!
Step 8: Cool and Serve
After baking, allow the Ube Pandesal with Melty Cheese to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps the cheese settle, ensuring a gooey filling. Serve warm and enjoy the deliciousness of every bite!
What to Serve with Ube Cheese Pandesal
Pair these fluffy, purple delights with tasty accompaniments for a full experience that delights the senses and warms the heart.
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Sweet Coconut Jam: This luscious, homemade spread enhances the sweet notes of the ube and pairs perfectly with the cheesy filling, creating a delightful contrast.
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Savory Tofu Scramble: A savory plant-based dish packed with spices adds a hearty element, making for a satisfying breakfast or brunch combo that will keep you energized.
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Tropical Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of fresh mango, pineapple, and banana provides a refreshing balance to the rich flavor of the pandesal, adding a burst of freshness.
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Filipino Coffee: Enjoy a cup of strong, aromatic Filipino coffee alongside your Ube Cheese Pandesal for a warm embrace that complements the sweetness beautifully.
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Matcha Latte: The earthy tones of matcha provide an intriguing contrast to the sweetness, making this drink a unique pairing with the fluffy rolls.
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Pineapple Juice: The tangy sweetness of pineapple juice can cut through the richness of the cheese while enhancing the tropical vibes, making every bite more enjoyable.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: For a sweet treat, serve warm Ube Cheese Pandesal with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, allowing the flavors to meld in a delightful dessert experience.
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Mango Float: A refreshing layered dessert made with mango, cream, and graham crackers offers a sweet finish that converts snacks into a festive meal.
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Chocolate Milk: Rich, creamy chocolate milk complements the flavors beautifully, making it a comforting drink for children and adults alike, adding joy at any time of the day.
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Custard or Flan: This silky dessert has a subtle sweetness that contrasts nicely with the rolls, making it the perfect sweet ending to a delightful meal.
How to Store and Freeze Ube Pandesal with Melty Cheese
Airtight Container: Store leftover Ube Pandesal in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their softness.
Fridge: If you prefer, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Make sure they are wrapped tightly to avoid drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When ready, reheat directly from frozen, using an oven set at 350°F until warmed through.
Reheating: To restore freshness, reheat them in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or back in the oven until heated, allowing the melty cheese filling to shine once more!
Ube Pandesal with Melty Cheese Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your Ube Pandesal experience with these delightful variations!
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Sweet Potato Twist: Substitute mashed ube with sweet potato puree for a mildly sweet, unique flavor. This adds a delicious earthy note that melds beautifully with the cheese.
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Cheese Variety: Swap Velveeta for cheddar or mozzarella if you crave a sharper or creamier melt. Each cheese brings its own personality to the rolls, changing the overall experience delightfully.
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Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like chives or parsley to your dough for an herby surprise. They introduce a fresh burst of flavor that complements the sweet ube beautifully!
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Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. This ensures that everyone can enjoy the fluffy texture of these delightful rolls without sacrificing taste.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes into the filling. A little heat can elevate the sweetness of the ube, giving your pandesal a delightful twist.
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Milk Alternative: Replace warm milk with coconut milk for a tropical flair. The subtle coconut flavor adds an extra layer of richness to the rolls.
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Nutty Crunch: Coat your rolls with finely chopped nuts instead of bread crumbs for a crunchy twist. Almonds or hazelnuts provide a lovely texture contrast and a nutty flavor.
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Festive Touch: Add a dollop of your favorite fruit jam or preserved fruit in with the cheese before rolling up. A surprise burst of flavor takes your Ube Pandesal to another level.
These variations will not only satisfy your craving for something new but also create a unique culinary experience for your family and friends. And if you’re looking for more incredible flavors, you might also enjoy making White Chicken Chili or Cream Cheese Chicken. Enjoy the delightful journey of flavors!
Make Ahead Options
These Ube Cheese Pandesal are perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance—simply follow Steps 1-4 and let the dough rise, then shape it into rolls and refrigerate. Cover them well to prevent drying and ensure they maintain that delightful softness. When you’re ready to bake, allow the shaped rolls to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to rise again, before rolling them in breadcrumbs and baking. This way, you’ll have fresh, warm pandesal with melty cheese waiting for you, all with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Ube Pandesal with Melty Cheese
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Perfect Water Temperature: Use warm water between 105-110°F to activate the yeast; water that’s too hot will kill it, ruining your Ube Pandesal.
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Sticky Dough Management: Expect the dough to be sticky; lightly oil your hands and work surface when kneading to avoid adding too much flour, preserving the soft texture.
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Windowpane Test: To ensure proper gluten development, do the windowpane test: stretch a small piece of dough; it should be translucent without tearing, contributing to fluffy rolls.
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Cheese Selection: Experiment with various cheeses! While Velveeta melts beautifully, trying sharp cheddar or mozzarella can create an exciting flavor journey inside your Ube Pandesal.
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Cooling Before Serving: Let the rolls cool slightly before eating; the melty cheese filling will be extremely hot, but this resting time enhances the overall experience.
Ube Pandesal with Melty Cheese Recipe FAQs
What ingredients should I use for the best flavor and texture?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture in your Ube Pandesal with Melty Cheese, make sure to use fresh ingredients, especially the ube. If fresh cooked ube isn’t available, you can use ube powder reconstituted with hot water. Also, opt for a high-quality cheese that melts well, like Velveeta or mozzarella, to achieve that ooey-gooey center you’re craving.
How should I store leftover Ube Pandesal?
The more the merrier when it comes to enjoying these rolls! Store your leftover Ube Pandesal in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer shelf life, they can be kept in the fridge for about a week. Just ensure they’re wrapped tightly to keep them from drying out.
Can I freeze Ube Pandesal?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Ube Pandesal, first ensure they are completely cooled. Then, store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, reheat them directly from frozen in an oven preheated to 350°F, until warmed through. This method retains their delightful texture and melty filling!
What should I do if my dough isn’t rising?
If your dough isn’t rising, check the warmth of your yeast proofing environment. Ensure you’ve used warm water (105-110°F) when activating the yeast, as water that’s too hot can kill the yeast and prevent proper rising. The yeast should become bubbly and frothy within 5 minutes. If it doesn’t, start again with fresh yeast and warm water.
Are Ube Pandesal suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Very! Ube Pandesal with Melty Cheese can be made vegetarian-friendly by avoiding animal-derived ingredients like butter and opting for plant-based milk. If you’re cooking for someone with lactose intolerance, consider using non-dairy cheese alternatives that melt well, or simply enjoy the rolls without the cheese filling for a delightful treat.
Ube Pandesal with Melty Cheese: Soft and Irresistibly Delicious
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and one tablespoon of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly and frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the activated yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, remaining sugar, warm milk, mashed ube, liquid ube flavoring, and salt. Mix everything until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add 3 cups of all-purpose flour into the mixture, stirring until a shaggy mass forms. Reserve some flour for kneading.
- Lightly oil your work surface and transfer the dough onto it. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover it, and let rise for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Shape into a log and cut it into 14 portions. Place a cube of cheese in the center of each piece, fold over, and roll into smooth balls.
- Roll each ball in bread crumbs and arrange on a lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for another 30-60 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the rolls in the oven and bake for 20-23 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow the rolls to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm.
