Ube bread (flower or braided bread)
Ube bread is a delightful and colorful Filipino bread that features purple yam, known as ube, as a key ingredient. Here’s a recipe for Ube Braided Bread:
Ingredients:
For the Ube Filling:
- 1 cup cooked and mashed purple yam (ube)
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup condensed milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Bread Dough:
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
Ube Filling:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine mashed ube, coconut milk, condensed milk, butter, and sugar.
- Cook, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let it cool.
Bread Dough:
- In a bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface, incorporating more flour if needed, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size (about 1 to 1.5 hours).
Assembling:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal parts.
- Roll each portion into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread the ube filling evenly over the rectangles.
- Roll each rectangle into a log and then braid the two logs together.
- Place the braided loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the top with beaten egg for a shiny finish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown.
Optional: You can sprinkle sesame seeds or shredded coconut on top before baking for added texture and flavor.
Allow the bread to cool before slicing. Enjoy your delicious Ube Braided Bread!