Ube Cinnamon Rolls: A Vibrant Twist on a Classic Favorite!
A Unique Twist on a Classic Treat
There’s something irresistible about cinnamon rolls, but adding ube takes them to another level. This vibrant ingredient, widely used in Filipino and Southeast Asian cuisine, brings a unique depth of sweetness with hints of vanilla pistachio flavor. Made with yeasted dough, these rolls are soft and airy, with a swirl of ube halaya—a rich jam crafted from purple yam, coconut milk, and butter. The fun twist doesn’t stop there; a layer of cream cheese frosting adds the perfect counterbalance to the naturally sweet flavors of ube. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or as a pastry indulgence, these ube cinnamon rolls are a delicious way to impress any connoisseur. With a pop of color and a symphony of flavors, they’re impossible to resist—a must-have treat for any time of year. Keep a stash in your freezer, and you’ll have a warm, classic favorite ready whenever a craving strikes.
What makes Ube Cinnamon Rolls unique?
Distinctive Ube Flavor
- Ube, or ube halaya, is a Filipino purple yam paste.
- It has a sweet, nutty, and slightly earthy undertone.
- Blends well with the warm spice of cinnamon.
Unique Taste and Texture
- Often compared to a mix of vanilla, pistachio, and coconut.
- It has a delicate, creamy texture that enhances desserts.
Vibrant Visual Appeal
- The striking purple colour adds beauty to any dessert.
- Popular in cakes, ice cream, and other classic treats.
Enhancing Cinnamon Rolls
- Ube adds a vibrant twist to traditional cinnamon rolls.
- Improves both taste and presentation.
Versatile Ingredient
- It is used in a variety of desserts due to its adaptability.
- It adds a characteristic sweetness and depth.
- Reminiscent of comforting flavours that appeal to many.
Essential Ingredients for Ube Cinnamon Rolls
Dough Base
The foundation of soft and flavorful ube cinnamon rolls starts with high-quality ingredients. The dough consists of all-purpose flour, instant dry yeast, or active dry yeast, which helps the rolls rise correctly. A combination of warm milk, buttermilk, and vegetable oil enhances the texture and moistens the dough. To ensure the right level of sweetness, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and powdered sugar are included, while kosher salt and baking soda balance the flavours.
Ube Flavor and Color
Essential ingredients such as ube extract, Trader Joe’s Ube Spread, and ube halaya are used to achieve the signature ube taste and its beautiful purple hue. These elements provide a natural flavour and a distinctive warmth that make the rolls stand out. A hint of vanilla extract enhances the richness, while ground cinnamon adds a touch of spice.
Rich and Creamy Filling
A mix of salted, unsalted, and heavy cream is incorporated for a soft and indulgent filling. These ingredients add richness and ensure a smooth, creamy consistency. The filling brings a perfect blend of sweetness and warmth, with a characteristic balance of pure and natural ingredients.
Icing and Glaze
Once the rolls have risen, they are generously topped with a smooth icing made from cream cheese, crème fraîche, and confectioners’ sugar. The glaze is further enriched with coconut or whole milk, ensuring a creamy and flavorful finish.
Baking and Measurements
The rolls are best baked at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or slightly higher at 130 degrees Fahrenheit, achieving a softened, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Ingredients are precisely measured in tablespoons, teaspoons, and cups, ensuring the perfect batch every time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Ube Cinnamon Rolls
Preparing the Dough
Start by warming buttermilk in a microwave until it reaches 100-110 degrees. This step is crucial for activating the instant yeast. Mix the warm liquid in a bowl with the yeast and sugar, letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Combine all-purpose flour, salt, and powdered sugar in a separate large mixing bowl. Add a beaten egg, melted butter, and fragrant ube extract to the yeast mixture. Use a hand or stand mixer with a paddle attachment to mix everything until the dough starts to form.
Kneading and First Proofing
Once the mixture comes together, transfer it to a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a wet towel, and leave it in a warm place for 1-2 hours to allow it to rise and double in size.
Making the Filling and Rolling the Dough
While waiting, prepare the filling by combining brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter in a separate bowl.
Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a 12×12 inch square using a rolling pin. Evenly spread the ube halaya across the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log and slice it into 9 equal pieces. Arrange them in a 9×9 pan, ensuring each roll has space to expand. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and allow the rolls to rise again for 30-45 minutes.
Baking the Rolls
Preheat the oven to 350F/180C and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. If they begin to brown too quickly, loosely cover them with foil.
Making and Applying the Icing
While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing by beating softened butter, cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and a dash of vanilla extract using an electric mixer. Once the rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle the frosting with an offset spatula.
Serving Suggestions
To enhance the experience, serve the warm ube cinnamon rolls with coffee, hot chocolate, or even a Filipino favourite, halo-halo. Pair them with banana con yelo, a creamy and refreshing dessert for a fun twist. Whether enjoyed during merienda or as a decadent breakfast treat, these rolls bring warmth and indulgence to any occasion.
How to Store and Maintain Freshness of Ube Rolls
Short-Term Storage
- Place ube rolls in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Store for up to 2 days to keep them soft and fresh.
Long-Term Storage
- Wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap.
- Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain freshness.
Reheating for Best Taste
- Thaw before reheating.
- Use a microwave or oven to restore their delicious taste and softness.
Maintaining Texture and Quality
- Proper temperature control ensures the best texture.
- Thoughtful segmentation and processing help maintain the quality of each roll.
Easy Restoration of Softness
- The correct formulation and synthesis of ingredients allow easy softening.
- Ensures homemade ube rolls can be enjoyed anytime.
Maximizing Preservation
- Recognizing proper storage techniques helps maintain their best state.
- Understanding preservation time keeps rolls fresh and enjoyable.
(FAQs) Ube Cinnamon Rolls
Q: What Makes Ube Cinnamon Rolls Unique Compared to Traditional Rolls?
Ube cinnamon rolls are special because of their rich purple colour and unique flavour profile. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls that rely on brown sugar and cinnamon, ube cinnamon rolls use ube halaya—a creamy purple yam jam—offering sweet, nutty, and slightly vanilla-like notes. The blend of ube with cinnamon enhances taste and presentation, making them a visually striking and flavorful treat.
Q: What Ingredients Do I Need to Make Ube Cinnamon Rolls?
To make soft and flavorful ube cinnamon rolls, you’ll need all-purpose flour, instant or active dry yeast, and a combination of warm milk and buttermilk for the dough. Ube extract, ube halaya, and Trader Joe’s Ube Spread give these rolls their signature taste and colour. The filling consists of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, while a smooth cream cheese frosting with confectioners’ sugar and crème fraîche completes the treat.
Q: How Do I Make Ube Cinnamon Rolls Soft and Fluffy?
The secret to soft and fluffy ube cinnamon rolls is proper yeast activation, kneading, and proofing. Start by warming buttermilk to 100-110°F and mix it with yeast and sugar, letting it sit until frothy. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then allow it to proof in a warm place until it doubles. Roll and slice evenly, then bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes for a light and airy texture.
Q: Can I Make Ube Cinnamon Rolls Without Ube Halaya?
You can substitute ube halaya with mashed purple yam and ube extract. While ube halaya gives the best creamy texture, a blend of cooked and mashed purple yam with coconut milk and butter can be a good alternative. However, the taste and consistency may vary slightly.
Q: How Should I Store Ube Cinnamon Rolls to Keep Them Fresh?
For short-term storage, keep ube cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To store longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to a month. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their soft texture.
Q: What Are the Best Frosting and Toppings for Ube Cinnamon Rolls?
The classic topping is a rich cream cheese frosting, but you can elevate it with ube drizzle, coconut glaze, or toasted coconut flakes for extra texture. A sprinkle of crushed nuts or a dusting of cinnamon sugar adds flavour and crunch.
Q: Can I Prepare Ube Cinnamon Rolls the Night Before Baking?
Yes! You can make the dough and assemble the rolls in advance. Cover and refrigerate them overnight, then let them come to room temperature and rise before baking. This method enhances the flavour while saving time, making them ideal for a stress-free breakfast or brunch.
Ube Cinnamon Rolls
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowls
- 1 Stand mixer or hand mixer
- 1 Rolling pin
- 1 9x9 baking pan
- 1 Offset spatula (for icing)
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- Dough Base
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant dry yeast or active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- Ube Flavor and Color
- 1 tablespoon ube extract
- ½ cup Trader Joe's Ube Spread
- ¾ cup ube halaya
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Rich and Creamy Filling
- ¼ cup salted butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Icing and Glaze
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- ¼ cup crème fraîche
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
- ¼ cup coconut milk or whole milk
- Baking and Measurements
- 120 °F - 130°F baking temperature
- Tablespoons, teaspoons, and cups for precise ingredient measurements
Instructions
- Preparing the Dough
- Warm buttermilk in a microwave until it reaches 100-110°F.
- In a bowl, mix the warm liquid with instant yeast and sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, and powdered sugar.
- Add the yeast mixture, a beaten egg, melted butter, and ube extract.
- Mix using a hand mixer or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment until a dough forms.
- Kneading and First Proofing
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- If sticky, sprinkle more flour as needed.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a wet towel.
- Let it sit in a warm place for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
- Making the Filling and Rolling the Dough
- Prepare the filling by mixing brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter in a bowl.
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a 12×12 inch square using a rolling pin.
- Spread ube halaya evenly across the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over it.
- Roll the dough into a tight log, then slice it into 9 equal pieces.
- Arrange them in a 9×9 pan, ensuring space for expansion.
- Cover with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise again for 30-45 minutes.
- Baking the Rolls
- Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- If browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- Making and Applying the Icing
- While the rolls are baking, beat softened butter, cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer.
- Once cooled slightly, drizzle icing over the rolls with an offset spatula.
- Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy warm with coffee, hot chocolate, or halo-halo.
- Pair with banana con yelo for a refreshing dessert.
- Perfect for merienda or as a special breakfast treat
Notes
Be sure not to overbake the rolls; they should be golden brown but soft in the center.
Nutritional Value (per roll)
Calories: ~250-350 kcal (depending on ingredient proportions)Fat: 10-20g
Carbs: 35-45g
Protein: 3-5g
Fiber: 1-2g
Sugar: 12-18g
