Ube Cinnamon Rolls – cinnamon rolls are delightful sweet bread that can come with different options. Some options include adding glazes and additional fillings. While cinnamon is the primary feature of the bread, you can also play around with flavor combinations. For example, you can add chocolate along with the cinnamon mix to create a richer result. Among the different flavor combinations, there is one unique option you can choose, and that is ube. This flavor option is one of the richer takes to the pastry. It is also considered a popular flavor option in the Philippines. There is no simple way to describe ube flavoring but it does add an earthiness to desserts and this recipe is one way to make the cinnamon rolls variation:
Ube Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour or 15.75 ounces
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup 8 fluid ounces buttermilk warmed to 120F – 130F
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or 2 fluid ounces
Ingredients for the Ube Filling
- 1/4 cup 2 ounces ube halaya jam
- 1/4 cup 2 ounces crème fraîche
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ube extract
- 1 pinch salt
Ingredients for the Crème Fraîche (Cream) Glaze
- 3 tablespoons 1.5 ounces crème fraîche
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup 3 ounces confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
Instructions for the Dough
- Add the 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt to a large bowl and whisk them together. Once the ingredients are fully incorporated, set the mixture aside for later.
- Pour the 1 cup buttermilk, 1 large egg, and 1/4 cup vegetable oil into a large liquid measuring cup (you can use a mixing bowl but it will be easier to pour the liquid ingredients with a measuring cup) and mix them well. Note: Make sure the buttermilk is lukewarm at beast lest it affects the yeast growth
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients you set aside first using a tall cup then pour the liquid ingredients into the well.
- Use a wooden spoon or spatula to carefully combine the wet and dry ingredients until a dough starts to form.
- Once the dough is formed, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead it for 10 minutes or until the dough's consistency is smooth and elastic. Note: If you're having trouble with the dough sticking, you can add some flour but don't add too much.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. The dough should double in size after its rest.
- Once the dough has doubled in size, transfer it to a lightly floured counter flatten it out into a rectangle about 12 x 20 inches using a rolling pin.
Instructions for the Ube Filling and Assembly
- Add the 1/4 cup ube halaya jam, 1/4 cup crème fraîche, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ube extract, and a pinch of salt and whisk them together until you get a fully purple mixture with a thick consistency.
- Spread the mixture onto the dough using a spatula. Make sure to give an even spread for better results.
- After spreading the filling, you will want to roll up the dough into a log starting from the longer side. You should be able to cut the log into 7-8 pieces in total.
- Transfer the cut pieces to a 9-inch, deep-dish pan and place them in a way that forms a flower. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the dough pieces rest in a warm place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until the edges are rounded and touching.
- While waiting, you will need to preheat your oven to 350F or 176C
- After the rolls have risen, bake them for around 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges of each bun are golden in color.Note: You can check that the rolls are ready by sticking a toothpick or skewer in the center and see if it comes out clean.
- Once the rolls are baked, place the pan on a cooling rack.
Instructions for the Glaze
- During the cooling process, add the 3 tablespoons crème fraîche, 1 tablespoon whole milk, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract into a bowl. Whisk them together or use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. While the ingredients are being mixed, pour the 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar and beat the mixture until it reaches a consistency where it drizzles off the whisk/paddle.
- Once you reach this consistency, immediately drizzle the glaze onto the cooled rolls and even it out using a spatula or butter knife. After glazing, your ube cinnamon rolls are ready to be served.
Other Options for Ube Cinnamon Rolls
While a cream glaze can help tie the flavors of the ube variant of the roll, you can also enjoy the treat plain. Given that both ube and cinnamon make for rich flavors when baked, you’re sure to get an indulgent treat. If you’re looking to go heavy with the ube flavor, consider a glaze featuring coconut. You also have the option of cutting down preparation by using pastry as an alternative to using dough. It especially helps to consider this option if you’d like to try making a vegan alternative to this dessert recipe. Whatever you choose to do, you’re sure to get a rich dessert to indulge in.
For even more ube recipes, check out our “Red Ribbon Style Ube Cake Recipe” and “Ube Cheese Pandesal Recipe.”
