Ube Cinnamon Rolls
Ube cinnamon rolls elevate the classic treat with a vibrant swirl of ube halaya, bringing a sweet, vanilla-pistachio depth and a rich, airy texture. Topped with cream cheese frosting, these irresistible rolls offer a perfect balance of flavors, making them a must-have indulgence for any occasion.
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
You can make this recipe ahead of time and freeze the rolls for later enjoyment.
Be sure not to overbake the rolls; they should be golden brown but soft in the center.
Fat: 10-20g
Carbs: 35-45g
Protein: 3-5g
Fiber: 1-2g
Sugar: 12-18g
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