The moment that fresh bread comes out of the oven, enveloping your kitchen in a warm, inviting aroma, is truly magical. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Delicious Ube Milk Bread, a delightful twist on your usual loaf. This beautiful purple creation not only looks stunning but also delivers a soft, fluffy texture that begs to be enjoyed with a spread of butter or your favorite jam. What makes this recipe stand out is its versatility—whether you’re vegan or simply looking for a dairy-free option, I’ve got you covered. Plus, it’s quick to make, ensuring you can whip up a crowd-pleaser in no time! Ready to bake and indulge in some homemade bliss? Let’s dive in!
Why is Ube Milk Bread Your New Favorite?
Deliciously Unique: This Ube Milk Bread features the enchanting purple hue of ube, making each loaf not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes.
Versatile Options: Whether you’re vegan or need a dairy-free adaptation, this recipe is easily modified to suit your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers will find joy in creating this stunning bread.
Perfect for Sharing: Its sweet, nutty flavor and soft texture make it a great addition to any brunch or gathering, ensuring it disappears quickly! After enjoying this recipe, you might also want to check out my Banana Bread Home for another delightful baking experience.
Homemade Comfort: The warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen while this bread bakes is perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere at home. Grab your apron and let’s get started on this culinary adventure!
Delicious Ube Milk Bread Ingredients
For the Dough
- All-purpose flour – Serves as a thickening agent for the starter; swap with whole wheat for a richer flavor.
- Whole milk – Adds a creamy texture; use almond milk for a delightful dairy-free alternative.
- Water – Helps to achieve the right dough consistency; warm water is best for activating the yeast.
- Bread flour – Essential for structure and chewiness; don’t substitute with all-purpose flour for best results.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the bread; feel free to reduce the amount based on your preference.
- Dry active yeast – Critical for leavening; always check for freshness to ensure proper rising.
- Milk powder – Enhances both texture and flavor; can be omitted if not available.
- Kosher salt – Essential for flavor balance; never skip this ingredient!
- Large egg – Enriches the dough; replace with a flax egg for a vegan-friendly version.
- Unsalted butter – Lends richness to the bread; coconut oil is a great dairy-free substitute.
- Ube powder – Provides the signature purple color and distinct taste; choose high-quality powder for the best results.
- Ube extract – Optional but suggests a deeper ube flavor; definitely recommended if you can find it.
- Heavy cream – For a beautiful golden finish on the crust; milk can be a suitable alternative in a pinch.
Optional Toppings
- Butter or jam – Perfect for spreading on warm slices for added flavor.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Delicious Ube Milk Bread
Step 1: Prepare Starter
In a medium pot, whisk together all-purpose flour, whole milk, and warm water over medium heat. Cook this mixture until it thickens to a mashed potato consistency, roughly 5-7 minutes. Once achieved, remove from heat and allow it to cool completely. Cover the starter with plastic wrap to keep it from forming a skin while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Make Base Dough
In a stand mixer bowl, combine bread flour, granulated sugar, dry active yeast, milk powder, and kosher salt. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly before adding half of the cooled starter, one large egg, and whole milk. Knead the mixture at low speed for about 5 minutes until a rough dough forms, then add unsalted butter and continue kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare Ube Dough
In a separate bowl, mix together the remaining bread flour, ube powder, sugar, yeast, milk powder, and salt. Incorporate the starter, one egg, whole milk, and ube extract into this dry mixture. Knead the ube dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, similar to the base dough, then cover it and allow it to rest for about 1 hour in a warm area until it doubles in size.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Once both doughs have risen, punch them down to release air. Divide each dough into 8 equal parts, rolling them into balls. Flatten each ball of cream dough and ube dough slightly, layer them alternately, and then roll them together into logs. Make sure each log retains the swirls for that beautiful presentation of the Delicious Ube Milk Bread.
Step 5: Final Rise
Grease your loaf pans thoroughly before placing the shaped logs inside. Cover the pans with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise again for about 30-45 minutes until they have doubled in size. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F, allowing it to reach the proper temperature for even baking of the beautiful purple loaves.
Step 6: Bake
Once the dough has risen, brush the tops with heavy cream to achieve a golden crust. Carefully place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, rotating them halfway through. The Delicious Ube Milk Bread is done when it becomes golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads at least 190°F.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Once baked, allow the loaves to cool in the pans for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Let the Delicious Ube Milk Bread cool completely to ensure slices hold their shape without squishing. As the aroma fills your kitchen, you’ll find it hard to resist enjoying a slice with butter or your favorite jam!
Expert Tips for Delicious Ube Milk Bread
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Check Yeast Freshness: Always verify yeast is active by testing in warm water with sugar; old yeast can lead to disappointing rises in your Delicious Ube Milk Bread.
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Dough Consistency: Aim for a slightly tacky texture but not overly sticky; adjust flour as needed during mixing to achieve the perfect dough.
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Knead for Elasticity: Knead your dough until it’s smooth and elastic, which is essential for that fluffy, airy texture we all love in bread.
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Complete Cooling: Be patient! Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent squished, messy pieces that don’t showcase the stunning purple swirls.
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Substitution Success: Feel free to experiment with the dairy-free options; substituting almond milk and coconut oil not only works well, but it also maintains flavor in your Delicious Ube Milk Bread.
What to Serve with Delicious Ube Milk Bread
Experience the magic of flavor as you create a memorable meal around this vibrant and soft bread.
- Creamy Coconut Soup: A warm bowl of coconut soup complements the sweet, nutty notes of the ube, creating a delightful contrast.
- Tropical Fruit Salad: Fresh mango, pineapple, and passion fruit not only add freshness but also enhance the tropical feel of the meal.
- Chili Dishes: Pairing with a spicy chili brings a wonderful balance, allowing the sweetness of the ube bread to shine through its heat.
- Savory Spinach Quiche: The richness of a cheesy quiche makes a savory counterpart, perfect for brunch with the bread as a side.
- Charcuterie Board: Include cheeses, nuts, and cured meats for an elegant spread that pairs beautifully with the unique flavors of ube.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla provides a delightful sweetness alongside warm slices, making for a comforting dessert.
- Ginger Tea: A soothing cup of ginger tea adds warmth, enhancing the experience and rounding out the flavors with a touch of spice.
- Coconut Jam: Spread some coconut jam on warm slices for a deliciously sweet treat that maintains the tropical theme.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Drizzling a bit over warm slices creates a luscious dessert experience that caters to the sweet tooth in everyone.
Make Ahead Options
These Delicious Ube Milk Bread loaves are a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the steps to make the base and ube dough, then after shaping them into logs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, allow the dough to rise for 30-45 minutes at room temperature before brushing with cream and placing them in the oven. To maintain their delightful softness, cool the loaves completely before slicing, and store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This makes your mornings a breeze, yielding deliciously fluffy bread with minimal effort!
Delicious Ube Milk Bread Variations
Feel free to customize your Ube Milk Bread with these delightful twists that will tickle your taste buds and satisfy your cravings!
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Dairy-Free: Swap out whole milk for almond milk and replace butter with coconut oil to keep it rich and creamy without dairy.
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Vegan-Friendly: Use a flax egg instead of a large egg for a vegan alternative, ensuring you still get that wonderful texture in your bread.
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Flavor Infusions: Add a splash of vanilla extract to the dough for an inviting aroma that complements the sweet ube flavor beautifully.
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Crunchy Addition: Fold in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to your fluffy bread.
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Sweet Swirl: Mix ground cinnamon and sugar into the dough for an enticing sweet twist that elevates each bite with a warm spiciness.
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Fruity Surprise: Layer in fresh bananas or blueberries for a juicy burst of flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the fluffy texture of the bread.
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Herbal Influence: Experiment by adding dried lavender or rosemary to introduce unique herbal notes, making your Ube Milk Bread even more intriguing.
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Spiced Variation: Consider incorporating ground nutmeg or allspice for a hint of warmth that perfectly complements the sweetness of ube.
These variations allow you to turn a classic recipe into multiple delightful experiences! After enjoying your freshly baked Ube Milk Bread, you might also enjoy my Oatmeal Apple Cake for another sweet treat.
How to Store and Freeze Delicious Ube Milk Bread
Room Temperature: Store your Delicious Ube Milk Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will keep it soft and fresh for your enjoyment!
Fridge: For longer storage, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 1 week, but remember to let it reach room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezer: Slice the bread and place it in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or pop slices in the toaster for a quick reheat!
Reheating: To enjoy your bread warm, reheat slices in a toaster or oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the sweet aroma of the ube to fill your home again!
Delicious Ube Milk Bread Recipe FAQs
How should I select ube powder for the recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing ube powder, look for a high-quality brand that has a vibrant purple color and no additives. The best ube powder should have a rich, sweet scent, ensuring a stronger flavor in your Delicious Ube Milk Bread.
What is the best way to store leftover Ube Milk Bread?
Store your Delicious Ube Milk Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it, where it will last for up to 1 week.
Can I freeze Ube Milk Bread?
Of course! To freeze your Delicious Ube Milk Bread, slice it into individual pieces and place the slices in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. This way, it will last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw at room temperature or warm it in a toaster for that fresh-baked taste.
What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise properly?
Very well! If your dough isn’t rising, first check the freshness of your yeast—old yeast can hinder the rising process. Make sure you’re using warm water (not hot) when activating the yeast, as temperatures above 120°F can kill it. If these steps are correct, try letting the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area, covered with a damp cloth.
Can I modify Ube Milk Bread for dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! This recipe is friendly for various dietary needs. You can make it vegan by replacing the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes) and using almond milk instead of whole milk. For a totally dairy-free option, substitute coconut oil for unsalted butter—your bread will still be delicious!
Delicious Ube Milk Bread: Bake Your New Favorite Treat!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Starter: Whisk together all-purpose flour, whole milk, and warm water in a medium pot. Cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely, covering with plastic wrap.
- Make Base Dough: In a stand mixer, combine bread flour, granulated sugar, dry active yeast, milk powder, and kosher salt. Add half of the cooled starter, egg, and whole milk. Knead for 5 minutes, add unsalted butter and continue kneading until smooth and elastic, 8-10 minutes.
- Prepare Ube Dough: In a separate bowl, mix remaining bread flour, ube powder, sugar, yeast, milk powder, and salt. Incorporate starter, egg, whole milk, and ube extract. Knead until smooth and elastic, cover and rest for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough: Punch down both doughs, divide into 8 parts, roll into balls. Flatten and layer cream dough and ube dough, rolling them into logs, ensuring swirls are visible.
- Final Rise: Grease loaf pans and place shaped logs inside. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes until doubled. Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Bake: Brush tops with heavy cream. Bake for 35-40 minutes, rotating halfway through. Bread is done when golden brown and thermometer reads at least 190°F.
- Cool and Slice: Cool loaves in pans for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Let cool completely for best slicing.