How to Bake Ube Cheese Pandesal: Easy Recipe & Tips for Beginners

Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds? Today, we’re diving into the world of Filipino baking with a recipe that combines the vibrant purple hue of ube with the irresistible tang of cheese: how to bake ube cheese pandesal. This delightful treat is a fusion of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious beginner, this step-by-step guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to create this beloved Filipino staple.

The Allure of Ube Cheese Pandesal

Ube cheese pandesal, also known as “ube cheese bread,” is a popular Filipino pastry that embodies the country’s rich culinary heritage. The name itself tells a story: “pandesal” refers to the classic Filipino bread roll, typically made with flour, yeast, and salt. The addition of ube, a root crop known for its vibrant purple color and sweet, nutty flavor, elevates the pandesal to a whole new level. And the crowning touch? A generous sprinkle of cheese, adding a savory dimension that perfectly complements the sweetness of the ube.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we embark on our baking journey, let’s gather the essential ingredients:

• For the Ube Halaya:
• 1 pound ube (purple yam), peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Pandesal Dough:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
• ½ cup warm water (105-115°F)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg, beaten
• ½ cup ube halaya
• 1/4 cup grated cheese (such as cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Getting Started: Preparing the Ube Halaya

The foundation of our ube cheese pandesal lies in the ube halaya, a creamy, sweet ube spread. Here’s how to create this essential ingredient:

1. Steam the ube: Place the ube chunks in a steamer basket and steam for 20-30 minutes, or until tender.
2. Mash the ube: Once cooked, transfer the ube to a food processor or blender and puree until smooth.
3. Cook the halaya: In a saucepan, combine the pureed ube, milk, sugar, butter, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. This will take about 15-20 minutes.
4. Cool and store: Transfer the cooked ube halaya to a bowl, cover, and let it cool completely before using. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Crafting the Pandesal Dough

Now, let’s transform our ingredients into a delicious pandesal dough:

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until foamy.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add wet ingredients: Add the yeast mixture, beaten egg, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
5. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Incorporating the Ube and Cheese

With our dough ready, it’s time to infuse it with the signature flavors of ube and cheese:

1. Punch down the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
2. Add ube halaya and cheese: Divide the dough into two equal portions. To one portion, add the ube halaya and mix well until evenly distributed. To the other portion, add the grated cheese and mix well.
3. Shape the pandesal: Divide each portion of dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Second rise: Cover the baking sheet with a clean kitchen towel and let the pandesal rise for another 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Baking the Ube Cheese Pandesal

Our pandesal is ready for the oven! Here’s how to bake them to perfection:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the pandesal: Bake the pandesal for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. Cool and enjoy: Remove the pandesal from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Tips for Baking Success

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your ube cheese pandesal turns out perfectly:

• Use quality ingredients: Fresh ube and good-quality cheese will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of your pandesal.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can make the pandesal tough. Just mix until the ingredients are combined.
• Let the dough rise properly: Give the dough ample time to rise, as this will ensure a light and airy texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Leave some space between the pandesal to allow for even baking.
• Keep an eye on the oven: Watch the pandesal closely while they’re baking to prevent them from burning.

Beyond the Basics: Variations and Ideas

While our classic recipe provides a delicious foundation, feel free to experiment with different variations:

• Add a touch of sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter pandesal, you can add a tablespoon or two of sugar to the dough.
• Experiment with cheese: Try different cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or even Parmesan for a bolder flavor.
• Add other flavors: Incorporate other ingredients like toasted sesame seeds, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries for added texture and flavor.
• Create a sweet and savory spread: Serve your ube cheese pandesal with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey for a delightful treat.

A Final Flourish: The End of Our Baking Journey

As we reach the end of our baking journey, we’ve created a sweet and savory masterpiece that’s sure to impress. The vibrant purple hue of the ube, the delightful tang of the cheese, and the soft, fluffy texture of the pandesal come together in a symphony of flavors.

This recipe is more than just a recipe; it’s a bridge to Filipino culture and a testament to the power of baking to bring people together.

Questions We Hear a Lot

1. Can I use frozen ube instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen ube. Thaw it completely before steaming and pureeing it.

2. How long can I store ube cheese pandesal?

Ube cheese pandesal can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

3. What if my pandesal doesn’t rise properly?

This could be due to several factors, including using expired yeast, not letting the dough rise in a warm enough place, or overmixing the dough.

4. Can I make these pandesal without ube?

Yes, you can make a classic cheese pandesal by simply omitting the ube halaya and using plain dough.

5. What are some other Filipino pastries I can try?

Other popular Filipino pastries include ensaymada, bibingka, and puto.