Introduction

Ube pandesal is a modern twist on the classic Filipino breakfast bread that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many. Its vibrant purple color, soft texture, and sweet yet savory filling make it irresistible. It’s the kind of bread that feels like a little treat every time you bite into it, especially when there’s melty cheese tucked inside.

I still remember the first time I made ube pandesal. It was during a quiet weekend when I wanted to try something nostalgic but with a fun twist. The smell of freshly baked bread mixed with the sweet aroma of ube filled my kitchen and transported me back to childhood mornings with family. Now, it’s a recipe I turn to whenever I want to wow guests or simply treat myself to something comforting and special.

What makes ube pandesal stand out is its unique flavor profile. The ube flavor is sweet, earthy, and subtly nutty, while the cheese adds a perfect salty contrast. Whether it’s for breakfast, merienda (snack time), or dessert, these little rolls of joy are perfect any time of the day. Trust me—once you try them, they’ll become a regular in your kitchen too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are all the reasons you’ll fall in love with this ube pandesal recipe:

Visually Stunning: The deep purple hue of these rolls is so eye-catching, it’s almost too pretty to eat. Almost.
Perfectly Soft and Fluffy: The texture of the bread is pillow-soft, thanks to the perfect combination of ingredients.
Sweet and Savory Combo: The sweet ube flavor pairs beautifully with the gooey, salty cheese filling. It’s a match made in heaven!
Comfort Food at Its Best: Whether you grew up eating pandesal or it’s new to you, these rolls feel like a warm hug for your taste buds.
Beginner-Friendly: Don’t let the idea of making bread intimidate you! This recipe is straightforward and forgiving, even for first-time bakers.

Picture this: You pull apart a warm roll, and the cheese stretches in gooey perfection. The bread is sweet, soft, and bursting with ube flavor. It’s hard to stop at just one. Ready to dive in? Let’s get baking!

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 2 hours (includes dough rising time)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: Makes 16 medium-sized rolls

Nutrition Facts (per roll):

Calories: 180
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 25g
Fat: 6g

Ingredients

Dough:

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp salt
2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
1/2 cup warm milk (around 110°F or 43°C)
1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 eggs
1 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam): Adds sweetness and that signature ube flavor.
1 tsp ube flavoring or extract (optional, for a more vibrant color and flavor)

Filling:

16 cubes of cheese (cheddar or quick-melt cheese works best): The salty surprise inside each roll.

Coating:

1/2 cup breadcrumbs: For the classic pandesal texture on the outside.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, mix the warm milk with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Sprinkle the instant yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and ready to go!

2. Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer with a dough hook), combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt.
Add the foamy yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, and ube halaya. If you’re using ube flavoring, add it now.
Mix until the dough starts to come together. It will be sticky at first—don’t worry, that’s normal!

3. Knead the Dough

If using a stand mixer, knead the dough on medium speed for 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, dust your surface with a bit of flour and work the dough for about 10-12 minutes.
The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not overly sticky. Add a little more flour (1 tablespoon at a time) if needed.

4. Let It Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size. Pro tip: To speed up the process, place the bowl in a slightly warm (not hot!) oven.

5. Shape the Dough

Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air. Divide it into 16 equal portions.
Flatten each portion into a small disk and place a cube of cheese in the center. Fold the edges over the cheese and pinch to seal, rolling it into a smooth ball.

6. Coat with Breadcrumbs

Roll each ball in breadcrumbs, ensuring it’s evenly coated. This step gives the pandesal its signature texture.

7. Second Rise

Arrange the coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one. Cover with a towel and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.

8. Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden.
Optional: For an extra-soft crust, brush the tops with melted butter immediately after baking.

How to Serve

Ube pandesal is best enjoyed warm when the cheese inside is still gooey. Here are a few serving suggestions:

Breakfast: Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy hot chocolate.
Snack Time: Serve with a glass of cold milk or a fruity iced tea.
Dessert: Dust the tops with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

These rolls are perfect for any occasion, from casual mornings to fancy brunches. They’re also a great gift idea—wrap them up in a basket, and you’ve got a thoughtful, homemade present!

Additional Tips

Use Good-Quality Ube Halaya: The flavor of your pandesal depends heavily on the quality of the ube jam. If you can, opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought versions.
Don’t Skip the Second Rise: This step ensures your rolls are soft and fluffy. Be patient—it’s worth it!
Seal the Dough Well: Make sure the cheese filling is completely sealed inside the dough to prevent it from leaking out during baking.
Experiment with Fillings: Not a fan of cheese? Try sweet fillings like chocolate chips or sweetened coconut for a dessert version.
Store Leftovers Properly: Keep any extras in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Recipe Variations

Sweet Ube Pandesal: Skip the cheese and add a sprinkle of sugar on top before baking for a dessert-like version.
Chocolate Ube Pandesal: Swap the cheese filling for dark chocolate chunks or Nutella for a rich, indulgent treat.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free bread flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Mini Ube Pandesal: Divide the dough into smaller portions to make bite-sized rolls, perfect for parties or snacking.

Freezing and Storage

If you’re planning to make ube pandesal ahead of time, here’s how to store them:

Refrigerate: Store baked rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to restore their softness.
Freeze: Arrange baked rolls on a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven.
Freeze Before Baking: Shape and coat the dough balls, then freeze them before the second rise. Thaw and let them rise before baking as instructed.

FAQ Section

Q: Can I make this recipe without ube halaya?
Yes, but the ube flavor won’t be as pronounced. You can increase the amount of ube extract or substitute with mashed purple sweet potatoes for a similar texture and color.

Q: What’s the best cheese to use?
Quick-melt cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella work best for that gooey center. For a more traditional twist, try queso de bola!

Q: Can I use a bread machine?
Absolutely! You can use the dough setting on your bread machine for mixing and kneading, then follow the recipe starting from shaping the dough.

Q: Why didn’t my dough rise?
Check the temperature of your milk—it should be warm but not hot (around 110°F). Also, ensure your yeast is fresh and hasn’t expired.

Conclusion

Baking ube pandesal is more than just making bread—it’s about creating a connection to Filipino culture, indulging in comfort food, and sharing love through every bite. These soft, purple rolls filled with melty cheese bring joy and warmth to any occasion, whether it’s a quiet breakfast at home or a special treat for family and friends.

The combination of earthy ube and savory cheese filling is a perfect harmony of flavors that’s hard to resist. The vibrant color, fluffy texture, and nostalgic taste make it an experience for both the eyes and the palate. Plus, the process of making these pandesal is rewarding—watching the dough rise, shaping each roll with care, and savoring the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen is an unmatched delight.

Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or a beginner trying something new, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Feel free to customize it to your liking, whether by experimenting with different fillings or making it a sweeter treat.

So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to the magic of ube pandesal. Not only will you have a delicious batch of bread, but you’ll also have the joy of sharing something uniquely Filipino with those you love. Don’t forget to enjoy one fresh out of the oven—it’s pure bliss!