This Easy Ube Pandesal with Cheese filling is made with ube powder. They stay soft, pillowy and moist for days after baking.
With the rise to the worldwide fame of our humble ube or purple yam, came a lot of new food ideas and creations starring this pretty purple/violet root crop. From ube halaya, ice cream, cakes, cheesecake, and other delicacies, there seems to be no limit as to what you can make with ube.
These days, ube cheese pandesal seems to take the spotlight in the local scene. A variation of the traditional Filipino breakfast bread, Pandesal. And why not, we Filipinos love our pandesal, be it for breakfast or afternoon snack. And Ube Pandesal with melty cheese filling is perfect for both.
Ube Powder VS. Fresh Ube
This recipe uses ube powder that is now widely available in baking supply shops or even online. Alternatively, purple yam jam (ube halaya) can also be used. Just reduce the sugar as it usually contains sweetener already. Of course, fresh ube can also be used. It has to be boiled and then mashed. I would say to use about half a cup to ¾ cup of ube jam for this recipe.
The ube powder is first rehydrated with hot water that will have a consistency similar to ube halaya. This will be added in making the dough. It will create a sticky dough. But because of the high water absorption of the ube powder, the resulting bread will be soft and moist even for several days after it is baked.
I get a lot of comment from others who used ube powder but theirs turned watery when hot water was added instead of absorbing the liquids. I think this is not the real ube powder starch but is used for flavoring only. If this is what you have, then I recommend using our regular Pandesal recipe and just add the ube powder flavor to the dough, dissolved in little water.
Notes on this Ube Pandesal:
- This makes a very sticky dough. As you knead the dough the stickiness will lessen. To handle it better instead of adding more flour, grease your hands with oil so the dough will not stick. Do the same to the surface where you will knead.
- I used instant yeast for this recipe. Using dry active yeast takes longer time for the dough to rise than using instant yeast.
- If you do not have the time, prepare the dough the night before. You can refrigerate it after kneading or once they are filled and formed. Cover with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Before using it, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before going on the next step. I recommend using dry-active yeast if you are going this route.
- I used oil instead of butter for this recipe. Butter gives bread richer flavor but since this is already a flavored bread so I opted for oil which makes it softer and stays soft longer.
Printable Recipe
Ube Pandesal with Cheese
Ingredients
- ¼ cup ube powder
- ¾ cup hot water -only if using ube powder
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil - plus more for greasing
- 1 medium egg
- 1 tablespoon liquid ube extract (optional)
- 1 block quick melt cheese (165g) - cut into 12 cubes
- 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs - for coating
Instructions
- Place ube powder in a bowl. Pour in hot water and stir until completely rehydrated.
- In a large bowl, add flour, sugar, and salt. Mix to combine.
- Pour in warm milk and oil and add the egg and mix. Add the yeast and mix again.
- Add the rehydrated ube and ube extract (if using) and mix well until well combined. It will be very heavy and sticky. Use your hand greased with oil if you have to or use a stand mixer.
- Tip the dough on a flat surface. Rub oil to both hands and knead for 7-10 minutes or until soft and smooth. Do the windowpane test to check. (SEE NOTE )
- Form the dough into a ball and lightly coat with oil. Place it back the large bowl and cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm area and let it rise until it almost doubled in size. Depending on how warm it is, could take 30 minutes to an hour or more.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 2 equal parts using a knife or dough slicer. Shape a part into a rectangle and then divide it into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. Repeat the same with the other half.
- Flatten a ball and place a cube of cheese at the center. Fold the sides of the dough enclosing the cheese cube inside. Form it again into a ball and roll it in breadcrumbs, completely covering all sides.
- Arrange the pieces on a baking sheet living some gaps in between (at least an inch). Leave them to rise for another 30 minutes. While waiting, preheat oven 340° F /170°C. Bake the Ube Pandesal for 20 minutes or until slightly browned. Remove from oven and serve while hot!
Notes
Nutrition
Bern says
Hi! I finally got my hands on some ube jam so I was just wondering about how much sugar I should decrease from the recipe since my ube jam is already sweetened. Can't wait to bake this!
Bebs says
Hi Bern, you can use the half in the recipe.
loisa says
Hi Bebs! Thank you for this recipe. Made it yesterday. Followed your steps but it turned out super sticky so i had to add more flour while kneading. I think the problem was after mixing Ube powder in a hot water, its really watery compared to yours. I think adding 3/4 of hot water to ube powder is too much? Thanks!
Bebs says
Hi Loisa, I think the ube powder you have is for flavoring only while the one I used is real ube powder that rehydrates once water is added with texture and volume similar to ube halaya.
Yna says
I wanted to do it but only have a microwave, how's the process thanks
Sunshine says
If i want to add more ube powder, do i have to add more water or take out some flour?
Bebs says
You can try it first without changing the recipe as this is very sticky dough. Then add water if it starts to get too dry.
Maria says
Hi! I only have active dry yeast. How many tsp should I use? Can I use the milk to proof it? Thank you!
Bebs says
Hi Maria, you can use the same amount.
Apples says
Hi ms Bebs !
I have been an avid follower of your super yummy recipes. My familys favorite is your egg pie. We love it!
By the way, i wanna try this ube cheese pandesal.. been craving for this, but i dont have the instant yeast , can i use the one that needed to activate first?
I admit i am not that good in baking but love to eat sweets stuff so will deffinitely try this one😘
Bebs says
Hi Apples, happy to know that your family loves our recipes here. Yes, you can use active dry yeast but like you said it has to be activated first before adding to the flour. Take the 1/2 cup of liquids and 1 tsp sugar from the recipe to use for activation.
Almira says
Hi, Do you need a stand mixer to make the dough or will hand mixer work?
ashley says
Hi there,
Thank you for this recipe! I made it earlier this week and they came out perfect. I could not find ube powder but I did as you recommended and replaced the powder+water with 1/2 cup of ube halaya and reduced the sugar. I will be making this again 🙂
Bebs says
That is great, Ashley! Thanks for the great review.
Chie says
Hi! What milk brand did you used? Is it okay fresh milk?
Bebs says
I used Cowhead Fresh Milk...
Chie says
Thank you for your reply.
Ethel says
Hi Bebs,
Before anything else, I would like to say thank you for your original pandesal recipe. It’s so easy to follow. It’s perfect! Now, I want to try this ube pandesal ☺️ with ube halaya inside and crumble cheese outside? Is it possible?
Bebs says
Hi Ethel, sure it is. Just smear or spread some of the ube halaya and then add the cheese on top of it and seal them in.
Kim says
Hi. With the limited amount of yeast available in stores this time around do you know if baking soda/baking powder can be used as a yeast substitute?
Bebs says
Hi Kim, I am afraid the answer is no. They do not work the same way and you will just get a flat crumbly bread. I suggest making shortbreads or cakes or like our banana loaf bread.
Ping says
I love baking but haven't tried pandesal, I gave it a ago and this recipe is a keeper, and this website too❤
Thank you for sharing your talent,your techniques and how you make it easy and practical.
My ube pandesal is so moist and fluffy and oozing with cheese.
Maraming Salamat Bebs.
Bebs says
Hey Ping, that is such a nice comment, really glad you are liking our site and recipes. Thanks for the 5 stars...
Juvy B Formoso says
Hi, can i use powder milk?
Bebs says
Sure, just add water to turn it into liquid milk.
Michael says
Hello,
Rookie here, I cant get my hands on ube powder. And I tried using ube spread and mccormick ube extract. I cant really tell how did the taste of ube is gone after baking the pandesal. And if I wanted to use the fresh grated ube, how much do I need to put?
Thank you.
Bebs says
Hi Michael, if you are using fresh grated ube, you need to cook it first similar to making halaya less the sugar and milk/coconut milk. Then use the about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of it for this recipe.
Sining says
Hello there! This site is very helpful! Thank you. Now, I have a question. I can't find ube flavor nowadays, can I use ube powder only instead? Thanks!
Bebs says
Hi Sining, there is ube powder that is only for flavoring and there is one that is really ube powder that when hydrated will have the consistency similar to ube halaya. Our recipe uses the latter. If your ube powder is the first, then just use our plain pandesal recipe and add the ube powder to the dough.
Edz says
I made this for the first time and it was a hit! You can also put ube halaya inside as a filling along with cheese.yummy!
Bebs says
Yes, Eds! Ube Halaya filling should be great! Thanks for the nice comment and for the tip.
Camille says
Can i combine all purpose flour and brrad flour or do u recommend only all purpose flour?
Bebs says
Hi Camille, sure you can combine them.
Tony says
Hi!
Novice baker here. Wife and kids loved your fluffy pandesal recipe, so ive been asked to try ube pandesal for the next adventure. Thing is, could not get a hold of ube powder / jam anywhere. Only Ferna ube flavoring. Will it do? And in what quantities? 🙂
Bebs says
Hi Tony, then just use the same pandesal recipe and add some of the ube flavoring to the mixture. I am not sure about the quantity as every brand varies. Start with a tablespoon and add more if you like.
Abigail says
Hi,
You mentioned that you use your bread machine to knead the dough. Do you still knead it manually before the first rise or do you just let the dough function do the work?
Thank you!!!
Bebs says
My bread machine has a "Dough" function where it does the kneading and the first rising on its own. I then take over in shaping them and letting them rise again in the baking tray.
Ney says
Hi! Do you have any tips in using the bread machine for the kneading? While I was watching it knead, the dough is so sticky that most of the dough gets kneaded on one side of the machine and some of the dough gets stuck on the bottom on the other side untouched, so that part doesn't get incorporated well into the dough. Do you periodically just scoop all the dough and bring it together while its kneading? And if so, do you do it often? Thank you!!!
Bebs says
Hu Ney, you can scrape the dough back from the sides from time to time, but if you just let it knead long enough, it should pull out the dough together.
Marian says
My family loved it!!! It tasted better than those commercially bought ❤️ Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Bebs says
That is like music to my ears, Marian!
bing says
i tried this and the dough went so sticky that i can't even knead it because it's sticked all over my hands . where did i go wrong?
Bebs says
Hi Bing, it is supposed to be really sticky so maybe you are on the right track. You can add a little more flour if you like. But I find that greasing your hands and surface with oil helps so much more for sticky doughs.
Marv says
Hi Bebs,
I have been a silent follower of your’s for a long while now. Actually I have tried quite a few of your recipes which turns out really well, I even shared it with my close friend in Italy. Anyway, I tried this ube pandesal recipe for the first time. I don’t like the idea of this gooey sticky dough. But it all went well, the bread is very soft like no other. My husband and son loved it that half of the freshly baked ube pandesal is gone.
I wanna thank you so much for sharing all this great recipes. God Bless, you and your family take care.
Bebs says
Hi Marv, I know about the difficulty of working with such sticky doughs, it can break you, lol! But I also found out that this is the only way to get that pillowy soft texture, so it is so much worth it. Thanks for being a loyal reader and we will try to share more delicious recipes for you to enjoy!
Janelle says
Hi! What kind of ube powder did u use? Is it the one they’re using for boba drink? Thanks in advance 😊
Bebs says
Hi Janelle, it is not just a flavoring powder but is actually ube turned into powder. I got it from a baking supply store and I think it is now widely available.
Grace says
Hi,
My first time baking pandesal.. Super excited but hope I can follow your recipe to the tee. My question are I am using active yeast (how to activate and when do I add the yeast)? I am using my mixer for kneading? How long? Thank you for your help
Bebs says
Hi Grace, take 1/2 cup lukewarm milk and 1 teaspoon sugar from the recipe and add the yeast. Let it bloom for 5 minutes.
Grace says
Thank you so much.. I tried it last night and my family loved it!!! Making another batch tonight 🙂
Bebs says
That is awesome, Grace. Thanks also for leaving us a perfect score.
Irene says
This recipe is sooo good. Had attempted to make pandesal before but never this soft and pillowy even after 2 days. Will make this again for sure!
Bebs says
Hi Irene, thanks for the great review!
Gracey says
Hello,
I am really excited to try this. But only Mc Cormick Ube flavor is available. Can I use this and what will be the measurement if so?
Bebs says
Hi Gracey, I suggest using our Pandesal Recipe and just add the ube flavor.
Kim says
How much ube halaya should I use as a substitution?
Bebs says
Hi Kim, use same amount. You may have to see if you need to adjust the liquids if the dough is too dry.
Greg says
Can I use yeast extract instead of instant yeast?
Bebs says
Hi Greg, I do not think that they work the same way.
April Lem says
Can i use high grade flour?
Bebs says
Hi April, sure you can. But as high-grade flour or bread flour tends to absorb more liquids, you may need to adjust it. The result will also, of course, not be the same, it may rise higher and be a little chewier.
Deyeh says
Hello,
Can i used cooked ube Haleya ?
Bebs says
Sure you can.
Rhea Igarta says
I tried this today for the very first time and it turned out perfect! Thank you!!!
Bebs says
Hi Rhea, that is great!
Yoly says
If I use frozen grated ube. What is the measurement to be used. If I boil it, shoukd I drain the water used for boiling. Thank you
Bebs says
Hi Yoly, add about double the amount of water to the grated ube used and cook until it forms a smooth thick consistency.
Nona says
Hi Bebs,
If i want to apply Tanzhong in this recipe, i'll combine 25g Flour and 100ml Milk? Thanks!
Bebs says
Hi Nona, I find that the addition of purple yam acts the same way as Tanzhong as it absorbs a lot of liquid as well. But if you are using only ube flavoring, then sure go ahead. Yes, the measurement seems fine.
mic pettinato says
Can I use the frozen grated Ube that is find on the store?
Bebs says
Yes, you can. But you need to cook it first with little water.
ann says
Hi,
Tried making this but turned out hard and dry. Not sure what went wrong. Is there a difference if i use active dry yeast? and i used ube jam should i still add water?
Bebs says
Hi Ann, if you used proper measuring tools and followed the recipe you should have a very sticky dough. ADY only needs to be activated but same amount of liquids should work. Now, it must be the ube jam you used. If the dough is not sticky or is dry then add more liquid and continue to knead.
Francis Santos says
Hi Ma’am, we only have home made ube Jam and ube extract (mccormick). How are we going to substitute them with the ube powder? What would be the portions? (Jam and extract)
Thank you very much! 🙂
Bebs says
Hi Francis, as mentioned in the post, use about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of ube jam. You can also reduce the sugar if the jam is already sweet.
Inez says
Hi,
Made this recipe and it takes some getting used to with handling the very sticky dough. But turned out very well. My husband loves the consistency! How can I make regular pandesal with this same consistency?
Also, how do you suggest I store this if we don’t eat it after baking? Air tight container?
Thanks!
Bebs says
Hi Inez, yes ours lasted some days staying moist and soft in an airtight container. Just add more liquid and use oil for pandesal to get similar results. I know adding mashed potato to bread makes them also more pillowy.
Donna says
Hi! Can i use active dry yeast instead of instant? Stores ran out of yeast. And also whats the measurement for active dry yeast? Thanks
Donna says
Hi! I really want to make ube cheese pandesal but the stores ran out of instant yeast. Can u help me, can i use active dry yeast and how? Thank you. Hope u response.
Bebs says
Hi Donna, the only difference is that you have to activate the ADY before adding it to the flour. Take about 1/2 cup of the liquid from the list and warm it to lukewarm. Add half a teaspoon of sugar and mix. Sprinkle the ADY on top and let it proof for 5 minutes. Then add this when you add the water to the flour.
Donna says
Thank you so much. Stay safe!
Kim says
If we use the use halaya, how much would we need to reduce the sugar and would it still be the same measurement as the use powder?
Bebs says
You will use about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of halaya. As for the sugar, it depends on how sweet your ube jam is.
Ana says
Tried this today & it didn’t come out as moist because I had to add flour while kneading. The dough was super sticky & thick there was no way for me to just oil my hands. I used my stand mixer to mix all the ingredients together. So if I tried making these again, what consistency should the dough be before attempting to knead? My whole right arm is literally sore from kneading! 😫
Bebs says
Hi Ana, it is really sticky. The secret is to knead in very fast motion so it will not stay and stick on your hands. We have a video in our FB page and I will upload it here in a while.
jaoie says
Just tried this one and it went well. I just have to add more cheese though. It disappeared 😀 but some were gooey. Really nice! I love the recipe, not too complex for a newbie like me.
Bebs says
That is great Jaoie! Glad you like it!
Joliza Tan says
Hi! I dont have ube powder can i use ube jam? Is it the same method and ingredients as thenpowder? Thanks
Bebs says
Hi Joliza, yes it is, but maybe you have to reduce the sugar as ube jams normally are sweet already.
Elize says
Hi, just a follow up question regarding use of frozen ube - how much of the UBE (overall total measurement of ube) should I use if I were to use the frozen type?
Do you have a youtube video so we can see how sticky the dough should be?
Thanks!
Bebs says
Hi Elize, you will need about 1/2 to 3/4 cups of the cooked and mashed ube. You may need to add more liquid to the recipe if the ube is too starchy. Here is the link to the video https://www.facebook.com/foxyfolksy/
Elize says
Wonderful!! Thank you Bebs!!
Bebs says
Welcome, Elize.
Hazel says
Hi since i have no ube powder or ube halaya, can i use ube essence?
Bebs says
Hi Hazel, sure you can but it will not be as soft and moist as the one with. But generally, it will still be soft. Use 3 cups flour instead.
Candice says
Hi! I only have ube extract. How much should I put with 3 cups flour?
Bebs says
Hi Candice, I would suggest that you use our pandesal recipe and just add the ube extract.
Janet says
Hi Bebs, thank you for the recipe. I'm curious if I can use my stand mixer to knead the dough? Thanks!
Bebs says
Sure thing Janet. I usually use my bread machine to knead so stand mixer is also fine.
Michelle says
Hi Bebs,
Can i use frozen ube?
If yes, do i need to add the same water (3/4) as in your recipe using uber powder?
Thanks
Bebs says
Hi Michelle, sure you can use frozen ube. You may need to boil it first though. The water was to rehydrate the ube powder so no need for this. Just check if the dough is too dry then just add a bit.
Ina says
I find it not easy to make breads and always turn very hard after baking :(.... do you have specific temp for warm milk? Any substitutefor quick melt (its difficult to find here in middle east)... I'm thinking of trying this.
Bebs says
You can use any cheese actually, it might not melt as much but would still be good. Milk should only be warm and not hot or it will kill the yeast. If you can still touch it with your finger and feel that it is warm then that should be fine.
Marian says
Hi, if you will use active dry yeast do you need to proof it first or just follow the instructions as is? Thanks!
Bebs says
Hi Marian, most active dry yeats nowadays can be added to the flour or dough directly. But that is if you are 100% sure that the yeast is still good. Newly opened pack does not guarantee freshness. There are several factors that can "kill" the yeast, like hot temperature for example. So better be sure than sorry, proof if not sure.
Vir Manaloto says
Hi Bebs,
Looks really yummy. I got to try this.
Can these be baked on a small countertop oven?
Bebs says
Hi Tito Vir, yup Armin liked them too. Sure you can bake them on a small countertop oven, just lower the heat a bit so they will not brown too fast or tent them with aluminum foil.