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There’s something undeniably captivating about the vibrant purple hue of Ube Milk Bread. The moment you pull this fluffy loaf from the oven, the aroma of sweet ube fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to take a taste. Using the Tangzhong method, which ensures a tender crumb and an airy texture, this delightful Filipino-inspired bread is more than just a feast for the eyes—it boasts a unique flavor profile that will have your taste buds dancing.

I vividly remember the first time I encountered ube at a local bakery; it was love at first bite. Since then, I’ve been on a quest to recreate that magic at home. This recipe not only gives a nod to traditional Filipino baking but also allows you the freedom to explore delightful variations, like Ube Cheese Bread. Perfect for brunch, a cozy snack, or even as a creative dessert, this bread is destined to become a staple in your kitchen. So let’s dive in and start your baking adventure!

Why Is Ube Milk Bread So Special?

Vibrant Color: The stunning purple hue of this bread not only makes it visually appealing but also sparks curiosity in anyone who sees it!
Unique Flavor: Infused with ube extract, this bread has a distinct taste that’s both sweet and nutty.
Excellent Technique: The Tangzhong method ensures a fluffy, moist texture that you won’t easily forget.
Versatile Options: Enjoy it as-is or create delicious variations like Ube Cheese Bread for an extra treat.
Crowd-Pleasing Delicacy: Perfect for brunch or as a show-stopping dessert, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike!

Ube Milk Bread Ingredients

For the Bread Dough
• High Protein Bread Flour – Provides the essential structure and strength for a light and fluffy loaf.
• Fresh Milk (Chilled) – Adds moisture and tenderness; for a lighter option, substitute with water.
• Ube Extract – Infuses the bread with its signature flavor and vibrant color; consider using real mashed ube for a richer taste.
• Egg Yolk – Acts as a richening agent, enhancing moisture and the bread’s golden hue.
• Castor Sugar – Sweetens the dough and contributes to a beautifully golden crust; regular granulated sugar works as a substitute.
• Salt – Essential for flavor enhancement and gluten structure; no substitutes recommended.
• Milk Powder – Improves flavor while softening the crumb; it’s optional but definitely recommended.
• Dried Instant Yeast – Leavens the bread for that ideal soft rise; ensure freshness for best results.
• Unsalted Butter (Softened) – Adds flavor and richness, resulting in a tender and delightful loaf.

For Finishing
• Icy Cold Water or Egg Wash – Use this for spraying before baking to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.

Dive into crafting your Ube Milk Bread with these carefully selected ingredients—each plays a crucial role in creating a loaf that’s not just a treat for the eyes but also a celebration of flavors and texture!

How to Make Ube Milk Bread

Make the Tangzhong: In a small saucepan, whisk together 20g of high protein bread flour and 100g of chilled milk. Cook over medium heat until it thickens to a paste, then set aside to cool completely.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled Tangzhong with 50g of ube extract and 150ml of chilled fresh milk. Stir until well blended.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the dry ingredients: 400g of bread flour, 50g of castor sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 7g of dried instant yeast. Pour in the wet mixture and mix until combined. Add the egg yolk and mix again.
Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If using a Thermomix, knead for 4 minutes, then add 30g of softened unsalted butter and knead for 1 more minute.
Bulk Fermentation: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 45-60 minutes or until it has doubled in size.
Shape Loaves: Once risen, gently deflate the dough and divide it into 2 equal portions. Shape each portion into a loaf and place them in greased loaf tins. Cover and let proof for 40 minutes.
Preheat Oven: About 15 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
Bake: Just before placing the loaves in the oven, spray the tops with icy cold water or brush them with an egg wash. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the loaves are golden brown.
Cool: Remove the loaves from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Optional: Serve warm with butter or your favorite sweet spread.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Ube Milk Bread

Room Temperature: Store Ube Milk Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its fluffy texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven at 180°C (356°F) for about 10-15 minutes to freshen it up.

Slicing: Always slice after the bread has cooled completely to preserve its fluffy structure!

Expert Tips for Ube Milk Bread

Precise Measurements: Accurate ingredient measurement is key; use a kitchen scale to ensure consistent results in your Ube Milk Bread.
Knead Thoroughly: Don’t skip kneading! A smooth, elastic dough is essential for a light texture—aim for at least 10 minutes of kneading by hand.
Temperature Matters: Create the best proofing environment by placing the dough in a warm, draft-free spot, accelerating fermentation for a beautifully risen loaf.
Patience in Cooling: Resist the urge to slice before the Ube Milk Bread cools completely; cutting too soon can compromise texture and flavor.
Butter Up: Make sure your butter is softened before adding it to the dough; this helps to incorporate it well, leading to a richer taste.

What to Serve with Ube Milk Bread?

Whether you’re indulging in this purple loaf for brunch or dessert, pairing it with delightful accompaniments can elevate your experience.

Creamy Butter: Simple yet effective, spreading this bread with a dab of rich, creamy butter enhances the subtle sweetness of the ube.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: The luscious texture and sweetness of condensed milk complement the bread’s airy fluffiness perfectly.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve slices of slightly warm Ube Milk Bread alongside vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast of temperatures and flavors.
Fruit Jam: Fruity jams, like strawberry or mango, offer a vibrant burst of flavor that pairs well with the rich notes of ube.
Coconut Spread: A creamy coconut spread brings tropical vibes to the table, elevating the Filipino flavors of your bread.
Homemade Ube Butter: For a true ube lover’s delight, create a flavored butter by mixing softened butter with ube extract.
Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or fragrant tea makes for an inviting pairing, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the bread.
Coconut Milk Drink: A chilled coconut milk drink can amplify tropical flavors, making every bite even more delightful.

Embrace these combinations to turn your Ube Milk Bread into a truly delightful experience!

Ube Milk Bread Variations

Feel free to customize your baking adventure with delightful twists that elevate the flavor and texture of your bread!

Ube Cheese Bread: Add a creamy cheese filling before shaping the loaves for a savory contrast to the sweet ube. The melty cheese creates a deliciously rich experience in every bite!
Mashed Ube: Substitute ube extract with real mashed ube for a deeper, earthier flavor. Just adjust the liquid ingredients slightly, as the mashed version is thicker than the extract.
Coconut Delight: Mix in shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist. This adds lovely texture and a hint of coconut sweetness that complements the ube beautifully.
Spiced Ube: Incorporate warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a cozy flavor profile. These spices can transform your loaf into a comforting seasonal treat.
Blueberry Ube Bread: Toss in fresh or frozen blueberries during mixing for a fruity burst. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the ube, creating a delightful contrast.
Nutty Ube: Fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to introduce crunch. The texture contrasts with the fluffy bread, providing an exciting bite!
Chocolate Chip Ube: For a sweet twist, add semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough. The chocolate pairs luxuriously with the ube for an unforgettable flavor pairing.
Vegan Option: Replace milk with almond milk and use aquafaba (chickpea water) in place of egg yolk for a dairy-free version. This ensures everyone can enjoy a slice of this delightful bread!

Make Ahead Options

These Ube Milk Bread loaves are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy homemade bread without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply complete Steps 1 through 5, let the dough rise, then cover it tightly and refrigerate after the bulk fermentation. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge, shape the loaves, and allow them to proof for about 40 minutes at room temperature before proceeding to bake. This helps maintain the delightful texture and flavor, ensuring your bread is just as delicious as fresh-baked! With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have a fluffy Ube Milk Bread ready for breakfast or snacks with minimal effort on busy mornings.

Ube Milk Bread (Tangzhong Method) Recipe FAQs

What type of ube should I use for the best flavor?
Absolutely! For the fullest and richest flavor, I recommend using real mashed ube if you can find it. This will give you that authentic taste and beautiful color that ube extract alone might not fully provide. Adjust the liquid ingredients slightly to maintain the dough consistency, as real ube will add more moisture.

How should I store Ube Milk Bread to keep it fresh?
For optimal freshness, store your Ube Milk Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag; it can safely be frozen for up to 2 months. Just remember to let it cool completely before wrapping to avoid extra moisture that could lead to sogginess!

Can I freeze Ube Milk Bread? What’s the best way to do it?
Absolutely! Freezing is a great way to preserve your Ube Milk Bread. After the bread has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring there are no exposed areas, to prevent freezer burn. Then place the wrapped bread in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it at room temperature or pop it in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for about 10-15 minutes to refresh it.

What if my dough doesn’t rise as expected?
Very rarely, you might encounter a rising issue! If your dough doesn’t rise, ensure that your yeast is fresh and active. You can test this by mixing the yeast with warm water and a bit of sugar—if it bubbles after 10 minutes, it’s good to go. If not, you may need to start with new yeast. Additionally, make sure your proofing area is warm enough; a lukewarm spot works wonders in helping the dough rise!

Is Ube Milk Bread safe for those with nut allergies?
Great question! Ube itself is a root vegetable and is not related to nuts, making it generally safe for those with nut allergies. However, it’s always important to check the labels on any extracts or ingredients used, as cross-contamination can occur in manufacturing. If you’re unsure, opt for fresh mashed ube for a completely safe option!

Can I modify the recipe for different flavors or dietary needs?
The more, the merrier! You can definitely experiment with flavors by adding zest from citrus fruits or spices for a unique twist. Additionally, if you seek a dairy-free option, substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative and ensure that your butter is vegan-friendly. Just remember to maintain the balance of wet and dry ingredients for a perfect loaf!