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Ube Pandesal with Cheese Filling is a delightful Filipino-inspired treat that combines the subtle sweetness of ube (purple yam) with a gooey cheese center. These soft, fluffy rolls are coated in breadcrumbs, giving them a golden, crispy exterior. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, these rolls are an irresistible blend of sweet and savory.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Dough:

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk (110°F)
½ cup white sugar
1 tsp salt
1 large egg
¼ cup vegetable oil
½ cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
1 tsp ube extract

For the Filling:

1 cup cubed cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)

For Coating:

½ cup plain breadcrumbs

Directions

Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk egg, oil, ube halaya, and ube extract until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the yeast mixture, sugar, salt, and flour gradually. Mix until dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Knead by hand or with a stand mixer for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1 hour in a warm spot.
Shape the Rolls: Punch down the dough and divide it into 16 balls. Flatten each ball, add a cheese cube in the center, and seal.
Roll in Breadcrumbs: Coat each filled ball in breadcrumbs and place on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let rise for 30-40 minutes, until puffy.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes, until golden. Let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.

Nutrients (Approximate per Roll)

Calories: 180–220 kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 7g
Protein: 5g
Sugar: 5g

These soft, cheesy, purple rolls are perfect for a cozy breakfast or a snack with a warm drink!

Why Ube Pandesal with Cheese Filling?

What makes Ube Pandesal with Cheese Filling special is its perfect blend of flavors and textures. Ube adds a mild, earthy sweetness to the dough that pairs beautifully with the savory, melty cheese filling. The combination of ube and cheese offers a unique fusion of sweet and salty that’s beloved in Filipino cuisine. The crispy breadcrumb coating provides a delightful contrast to the soft, fluffy interior, making each bite satisfying.

The versatility of these rolls is another reason they’re so loved. Whether served as a breakfast treat, a snack, or even as part of a celebration, Ube Pandesal with Cheese Filling fits every occasion. The sweetness of the ube and the richness of the cheese create a well-rounded flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of tastes, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.

Key Ingredients

Ube: The Star Ingredient

Ube, or purple yam, is often used in Filipino desserts for its naturally sweet and slightly nutty flavor. In this recipe, ube halaya, or ube jam, is used as the base flavor for the dough. Ube adds not only a subtle sweetness but also a vibrant purple color, making these rolls visually appealing. The addition of ube extract intensifies the flavor, ensuring the rolls are aromatic and bursting with that signature ube flavor.

Cheese Filling: Savory Surprise

The cheese filling in each roll provides a savory contrast to the sweetness of the ube. The cubes of cheddar cheese, or any cheese of your choice, melt beautifully as the rolls bake, creating pockets of gooey goodness inside the soft dough. The cheese balances the sweetness of the ube and adds a satisfying richness to the rolls, making them irresistible.

Breadcrumb Coating: Crisp and Crunchy

The rolls are coated in plain breadcrumbs, giving them a golden, crispy exterior once baked. The crunchiness of the breadcrumbs enhances the overall texture of the rolls, providing a contrast to the soft, chewy inside. This step elevates the eating experience by adding an extra layer of flavor and texture.

How to Make Ube Pandesal with Cheese Filling

Activate the Yeast

Start by activating the yeast to ensure the dough rises properly. In a bowl, combine warm milk (110°F), yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy. This step allows the yeast to bloom and become active, which is crucial for the dough to rise.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the egg, vegetable oil, ube halaya, and ube extract. This mixture forms the base of the dough, providing the signature ube flavor and moisture.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the activated yeast mixture to the wet ingredients, followed by sugar, salt, and flour. Gradually add the flour until the dough comes together. Mix well, then knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Kneading helps develop the gluten in the dough, giving it the desired soft and chewy texture.

Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This first rise is important for achieving the light, airy texture of the rolls.

Shape the Rolls

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air. Divide the dough into 16 equal portions and flatten each piece. Place a cube of cheddar cheese (or your cheese of choice) in the center of each flattened dough ball, then seal the dough around the cheese. Be sure to pinch the edges together to fully encase the cheese.

Coat in Breadcrumbs

Roll each filled dough ball in plain breadcrumbs to coat the exterior. The breadcrumbs will give the rolls a beautiful golden color and a crispy texture when baked.

Second Rise

Place the coated rolls on a parchment-lined baking tray. Cover them and let them rise again for about 30-40 minutes, until they’re puffy and almost doubled in size. This second rise ensures the rolls are light and airy.

Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. The cheese inside will melt into a gooey center, adding to the overall deliciousness.

Cool and Serve

Allow the rolls to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before serving. This short cooling time helps the cheese firm up a bit, making them easier to handle.

Serving Suggestions

Ube Pandesal with Cheese Filling is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in several ways:

For Breakfast: Pair these rolls with a cup of hot coffee or a sweet drink like chocolate milk for a comforting breakfast that’s both sweet and savory.
As a Snack: These rolls make for a perfect mid-day snack or treat. They’re great for sharing with friends and family during afternoon tea or coffee time.
At Gatherings: Serve them as part of a Filipino-inspired meal, alongside dishes like longganisa (Filipino sausage) or sinigang (sour soup), for a delightful, well-rounded meal.
With Desserts: For those with a sweet tooth, these rolls pair beautifully with a light dessert like halo-halo (a popular Filipino dessert) or leche flan (caramel custard).

Health Considerations

While Ube Pandesal with Cheese Filling is indulgent and delicious, it’s best enjoyed in moderation due to its calorie and fat content from the cheese and breadcrumbs. However, it’s also packed with nutrients like fiber from the ube and protein from the cheese, making it a filling snack or breakfast option.

If you’d like a healthier version, you can try reducing the amount of cheese or opting for a lower-fat cheese option. You can also experiment with whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier dough.

Conclusion

Ube Pandesal with Cheese Filling is a perfect blend of Filipino sweetness and savory goodness, wrapped up in a soft, fluffy dough with a crispy breadcrumb exterior. The combination of the subtle sweetness from ube and the melty cheese center creates a satisfying snack or breakfast that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re enjoying these rolls fresh out of the oven or sharing them with loved ones, they offer a comforting, flavorful experience that’s hard to resist. So, roll up your sleeves, try this recipe, and enjoy the deliciousness of Ube Pandesal with Cheese Filling today!