Purple Sweet Bread Rolls became a little treasure in my kitchen over the years. I remember the first time I made Purple Sweet Bread Rolls; I was inspired by the gorgeous, vibrant hue of the purple yam, also known as ube, and how it felt like a splash of joy on the dinner table. I wanted to make something unique yet simple, a bread that would be soft, sweet, and fun to eat. The sweet, earthy flavor of the ube mixed with the warmth of freshly baked bread created something special, and soon, Purple Sweet Bread Rolls became a family favorite.
A Unique Color and Taste
What makes these rolls so memorable is the stunning purple color. Each time I bake a batch of Purple Sweet Bread Rolls, they bring such a happy surprise to anyone who sees them for the first time. The purple color comes naturally from the ube, which I mash and blend right into the dough. It creates a mild sweetness and earthy richness that’s different from regular bread. I always get a little thrill seeing the bright purple rolls sitting next to more traditional breads on the table, and they always get everyone asking for seconds.
Simple Yet Comforting
One of the things I love about Purple Sweet Bread Rolls is how easy they are to make. With just a few simple ingredients, the process is straightforward enough for a beginner but comforting enough for a seasoned baker like me. As the dough rises, the kitchen fills with a subtle, sweet aroma that feels like a warm hug. Kneading the dough and shaping it into little rolls is relaxing; there’s something satisfying about working with such a soft, vibrant dough.
A Touch of Joy on the Table
When the rolls come out of the oven, they have a beautiful golden-brown crust, but inside, the purple color stays bright and inviting. Purple Sweet Bread Rolls make any meal feel special, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual weekend lunch. They’re sweet enough to enjoy on their own or alongside a little butter, and they’re just as delightful paired with savory dishes. Baking these rolls has become a little ritual for me, a way to add a touch of joy to the table and share something beautiful and delicious with my loved ones.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Purple Sweet Bread Rolls
- Dough Temperature and Consistency: Keep ingredients like butter and eggs at room temperature. This ensures they incorporate smoothly, leading to a softer, fluffier dough.
- Monitor Yeast Activation: If the yeast mixture doesn’t become foamy, the water may have been too hot or cold, or the yeast could be old. In that case, start with fresh yeast to ensure your rolls rise beautifully.
- Kneading Precision: Knead until the dough feels elastic and smooth—over-kneading can make the dough tough, while under-kneading may affect texture. Aim for about 8–10 minutes.
- Flavor Enhancements: Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a touch of cinnamon to the dough can add a deeper layer of flavor that pairs nicely with ube and coconut.
- Perfect Toasted Coconut: Lightly toast the shredded coconut in a pan before adding it as a topping. This will bring out the coconut’s nutty flavor and add a nice crunch to the rolls.
Purple Sweet Bread Rolls
12
pieces40
minutes20
minutes417
kcal1
hour30
minutes2
hours30
minutesDive into the vibrant flavors of the Philippines with these Soft and Fluffy Purple Sweet Bread Rolls! Bursting with the rich taste of ube jam and crowned with toasted coconut, these rolls are perfect for breakfast or as a delightful snack. Inspired by the expertise of top chefs, this recipe promises simplicity without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll find joy in creating these visually stunning and irresistibly delicious treats. Elevate your baking game and impress your loved ones with this colorful and comforting recipe!
Ingredients
- Dough Mixture
½ cup warm water around 110°F
1 package (0.25 oz) active dry yeast
1 tsp white sugar
½ cup whole milk
¼ cup white sugar
1 tsp kosher salt
¼ cup room-temperature unsalted butter
2 large eggs lightly beaten at room temperature
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp canola oil or any neutral oil
- Filling and Topping
½ cup melted unsalted butter slightly cooled
½ cup packed brown sugar
1½ cups unsweetened shredded coconut
15 oz ube jam
- Alternative Ingredients:
Canola Oil: Substitute with vegetable oil or avocado oil for a neutral flavor.
Ube Jam: Can replace with purple sweet potato jam or any other berry jam for a different flavor profile.
Unsalted Butter: Use margarine or a vegan butter alternative for a dairy-free option.
Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar or honey can be used as a natural sweetener alternative.
All-Purpose Flour: For a gluten-free version use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Directions
- Activating Yeast: Begin by mixing ½ cup of warm water (about 110°F) with 1 package of active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon of white sugar in a measuring cup. Stir until fully dissolved and set aside in a warm place until the mixture becomes bubbly, approximately 10 minutes.
- Preparing Milk Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, gently warm ½ cup of whole milk until small bubbles appear around the edges (around 180°F). Remove from heat and blend in ¼ cup white sugar, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ cup unsalted butter until the butter melts completely. Allow the mixture to cool to a lukewarm state.
- Combining Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the activated yeast mixture, cooled milk mixture, and lightly beaten eggs with 1½ cups of all-purpose flour. Stir until well incorporated. Gradually add the remaining 2½ cups of flour, ½ cup at a time, ensuring each addition is thoroughly mixed.
- Kneading the Dough: Once the dough begins to form a cohesive ball and starts to pull away from the sides, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Be cautious not to add excessive flour to maintain the desired elasticity and slight stickiness.
- First Rise: Lightly oil a large bowl with 1 tablespoon of canola oil. Place the kneaded dough into the bowl, turning it to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm, dry area (around 90°F) until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Preparing Filling Base: In a medium bowl, mix together ½ cup melted butter, ½ cup packed brown sugar, and 1½ cups unsweetened shredded coconut. Spread this mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Shaping the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, place it on a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle approximately 12×14 inches. Brush the rolled dough with the remaining melted butter, then evenly spread the 15 oz of ube jam, leaving a half-inch border around the edges.
- Rolling and Cutting: Tightly roll the dough from the long side, sealing the seams by pinching them together. Brush the top with additional melted butter. Using a sharp knife, divide the roll into 12 equal pieces and place them cut side down in the prepared baking dish, ensuring enough space for them to rise.
- Second Rise: Cover the baking dish and allow the rolls to rise for an additional 30 minutes in a warm environment.
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they achieve a golden brown color.
- Serving: Allow the rolls to cool slightly in the baking dish before inverting them onto a serving platter. For an extra touch, sprinkle with more toasted coconut from the bottom of the dish.-
Equipment
- Rolling Pin
- bench scraper
- silicone pastry mat
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 417kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Potassium: 85mg
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 6g
- Vitamin A: 200IU
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Calcium: 40mg
- Iron: 1mg
FAQ- Purple Sweet Bread Rolls
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast, but you won’t need to activate it in water first. Add it directly to the dry ingredients and reduce the rise time by about 10 minutes.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Bring them to room temperature before baking the next day.
What can I use if I don’t have ube jam?
If ube jam isn’t available, you can substitute it with purple sweet potato jam or even a berry jam for a different flavor while keeping the vibrant color.
How can I store leftover rolls?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze them for up to a month. Reheat in the oven to refresh.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free milk (like almond or soy), and replace butter with a vegan alternative to make the rolls dairy-free.
