Name: Cheesy Ube Pandesal
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 4 cups (500 g) all purpose flour; 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar; 2 1/4 teaspoons (7 g) active dry yeast; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk; 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 cup (250 g) ube halaya; 1 teaspoon ube extract; 150 g cheddar cheese, cubed; 1/2 cup bread crumbs

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There is something magical about pulling a tray of warm purple bread rolls out of the oven. The aroma is slightly sweet, a little nutty, and when you tear one open, that creamy cheese center gently melts into the soft crumb. Trust me, you’re going to love this. It is cozy, colorful, and honestly hard to stop at just one.

Why This Purple Bread Steals the Show

The first time I made this, I knew it was a keeper. The vibrant color makes everyone curious, and the first bite seals the deal. It is soft, lightly sweet, and balanced with a savory cheese surprise inside. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite.

A Sweet Nod to Filipino Baking Traditions

Pandesal is a beloved Filipino bread roll, often enjoyed for breakfast with coffee or hot chocolate. Adding ube, which is a purple yam popular in Filipino desserts, gives this classic bread a playful twist. The addition of cheese became popular as bakers experimented with sweet and savory combinations, and now it is a bakery favorite across many homes and shops.

Why You Can Count on This Recipe Every Time

Before we roll up our sleeves, let me share why this one works so beautifully.

Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, merienda, or even as a sweet snack after dinner.

Budget-Friendly: Simple pantry staples and affordable cheese make this easy on the wallet.

Quick and Easy: The steps are straightforward, even if you are new to baking with yeast.

Customizable: You can adjust sweetness or switch up the filling.

Crowd-Pleasing: Kids love the color, adults love the flavor.

Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepped in advance and baked fresh.

Great for Leftovers: They reheat beautifully and stay soft.

Pro Tips for Bakery Style Results

A little guidance goes a long way.

Use room temperature ingredients so the dough blends smoothly.
Knead until the dough is soft and slightly tacky, not sticky.
Do not rush the proofing, the dough needs time to rise properly.
Seal the cheese well inside to prevent leaks while baking.

Kitchen Tools That Make It Easier

Having the right tools keeps everything smooth.

Mixing Bowl: Large enough to allow the dough to expand.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy matters in baking.

Stand Mixer or Wooden Spoon: For mixing and kneading.

Baking Tray: Lined with parchment for even baking.

Kitchen Towel: To cover the dough while it rises.

Ingredients That Bring It All Together

The harmony of sweet ube and creamy cheese is what makes this special.

All Purpose Flour: 4 cups or 500 grams, gives structure and softness.
Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup or 100 grams, adds gentle sweetness.
Active Dry Yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons or 7 grams, helps the dough rise.
Salt: 1 teaspoon, balances the sweetness.
Warm Milk: 1 cup or 240 ml, activates the yeast and enriches the dough.
Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup or 60 grams, softened for tenderness.
Eggs: 2 large, room temperature for richness.
Ube Halaya: 1 cup or 250 grams, provides flavor and color.
Ube Extract: 1 teaspoon, enhances the purple hue.
Cheddar Cheese: 150 grams, cut into small cubes for filling.
Bread Crumbs: 1/2 cup, for coating before baking.

Simple Ingredient Swaps You Can Try

You can easily adjust based on what you have.

All Purpose Flour: Bread flour for a slightly chewier texture.

Cheddar Cheese: Mozzarella for a stretchier center.

Ube Halaya: Mashed cooked purple yam with a bit of sugar.

Milk: Warm plant based milk if needed.

Spotlight on the Star Ingredients

Ube Halaya: This sweet purple yam jam gives natural color, subtle sweetness, and that unmistakable nutty aroma.

Cheddar Cheese: Slightly salty and creamy, it melts beautifully and balances the sweetness.

Let’s Bake This Beauty Together

Now let dive into the heart of the process, step by step.

Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 350 F or 175 C once the dough has finished its second rise.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Add sugar, eggs, butter, ube halaya, and ube extract. Stir well, then add flour and salt gradually until a soft dough forms.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Lightly grease a clean bowl, place the kneaded dough inside, and cover with a towel. Let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Assemble the Dish: Punch down the dough, divide into equal portions. Flatten each piece, place a cube of cheddar in the center, seal tightly, then roll in bread crumbs.
Cook to Perfection: Arrange on a lined baking tray and let rise again for 30 to 40 minutes. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until set and lightly golden at the base.
Finishing Touches: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. The tops should be soft with a delicate crust.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm to enjoy the gooey cheese center.

The Texture and Flavor Story

The outside is soft with a gentle crumb coating. Inside, the bread is fluffy and slightly sweet, while the cheese melts into a creamy core. As it bakes, the aroma deepens, bringing out nutty notes from the ube and buttery richness from the dough.

Extra Baking Tips for Success

Let the dough rise in a warm, draft free spot.
Do not overbake, or the bread may turn dry.
Use freshly grated bread crumbs for better texture.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Overpacking flour can make the dough dense, measure carefully.
Skipping the second rise leads to heavy rolls, be patient.
Not sealing the cheese properly causes leakage, pinch edges firmly.

Nutrition Overview at a Glance

Servings: 12 rolls
Calories per serving: 230

Note: These are approximate values.

Time Breakdown for Planning

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours including rising time

Make Ahead and Storage Guide

You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator. Once baked, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to bring back that fresh baked softness.

Serving Ideas You Will Love

Serve with hot coffee, cocoa, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a playful dessert. They also pair nicely with fresh fruit on the side.

Turn Leftovers into Something New

Slice and toast them lightly, then spread with butter. You can also turn them into mini bread pudding cubes for a fun twist.

Even More Helpful Tips

Brush the tops lightly with milk before baking for a softer finish. If you prefer sweeter rolls, add an extra tablespoon of sugar.

Make It Look Bakery Perfect

Arrange the rolls close together so they rise upward instead of outward. Their bright purple color looks beautiful on a simple white plate.

Fun Variations to Experiment With

Add a sweet cream cheese filling instead of cheddar.
Sprinkle grated cheese on top before baking.
Mix coconut flakes into the dough for extra texture.
Shape into mini rolls for bite sized treats.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

Q2: Why is my dough sticky?

It may need a bit more flour, add gradually.

Q3: Can I make it less sweet?

Reduce the sugar slightly without affecting texture.

Q4: What cheese works best?

Cheddar or mozzarella both melt well.

Q5: Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, after the first rise.

Q6: How do I know it is fully baked?

The bottom should be lightly golden.

Q7: Can I skip bread crumbs?

Yes, but they add nice texture.

Q8: Why did my cheese leak out?

The dough was not sealed tightly.

Q9: Can I use homemade ube jam?

Absolutely, it works perfectly.

Q10: How long do they stay soft?

Best within two days when stored properly.

Conclusion

There is something comforting about baking bread that feels both nostalgic and exciting. The color, the aroma, the soft texture, it all comes together in the most satisfying way. This one’s a total game changer for anyone who loves sweet and savory in one bite. Give it a try, and enjoy every warm, cheesy moment.