Ube Pandesal Recipe: Soft Filipino Purple Yam Rolls

Ube Pandesal is a delightful variation of the classic Filipino pandesal. This version features a soft purple dough flavored with ube extract and ube halaya, and each roll is filled with melty cheese for a warm, comforting bite. Made from scratch with a simple homemade dough, these rolls are easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser — perfect with a cup of coffee on a cool morning.

For more easy Filipino recipes, try this step-by-step Pandesal or No-knead Bread.

Where did Ube Cheese Pandesal originate

Ube pandesal originated in the Philippines and is based on the traditional pandesal recipe. The main differences are the addition of ube flavoring (ube extract and/or ube halaya) to the dough, which gives the bread its distinctive purple hue, and the inclusion of a cheese filling that melts when baked.

Why You Should Make This?

• Affordable – Making your own is more economical than buying from a shop.
• Clear Instructions – The recipe provides detailed, easy-to-follow steps.
• Soft & Fluffy – The rolls bake up tender and airy.
• Versatile – Great for breakfasts, snacks, or sandwiches; make a big batch to share.

Why is Pandesal Ube trending?

Ube pandesal stands out because of its vibrant purple color and unique ube flavor. It’s a modern twist on a familiar favorite, which helps explain its popularity. Bakers may use different flours — such as all-purpose or bread flour — with good results. The finished rolls remain soft and moist for days when stored properly.

You can customize the filling: cream cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, or quick-melt cheese all work well. Choose a firmer cheese if you want it to retain some shape during baking, or softer varieties if you prefer a creamier, more oozing center.

What is Ube Pandesal Made of?

Most ingredients for ube pandesal are pantry staples. Ube extract is commonly found at Asian grocery stores in the flavoring or spice aisle. Ube halaya (ube jam) or powdered dehydrated ube may need to be bought from specialty stores or online. Frozen grated ube can also be cooked down into ube halaya if you prefer to make it from scratch.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Produces soft, fluffy ube pandesal with gooey cheese in every bite.
• Easy to freeze and reheat, so you can bake a large batch in advance.
• Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or simple sandwiches.
• Best served warm so the cheese becomes deliciously melty.

Equipment Needed

• Large greased bowl
• Parchment paper-lined baking sheet (optional)
• Stand mixer with dough hook (recommended)
• Kitchen scale for accurate portioning

Recipe Ingredients

• Active dry yeast (use active dry, not instant or fast-rise)
• Granulated sugar
• Warm water and warm milk
• All-purpose flour (bread flour can be substituted)
• Melted butter (unsalted or salted)
• Room-temperature eggs
• Salt
• Ube extract or ube flavoring
• Ube halaya (ube jam) or rehydrated ube powder
• Bread crumbs for coating
• Cubed cheese for filling (cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, or quick-melt)

Ingredient Notes

• Ube flavor comes in several brands; liquid ube extract (such as McCormick) is convenient and easy to use.
• Rodelle and other brands also make organic ube extract.
• Bread flour will yield slightly chewier rolls but all-purpose flour works well for tender results.
• Rehydrate ube powder to make a quick ube halaya if fresh or canned halaya isn’t available.
• Use melted butter in the dough rather than softened butter for the best texture.
• Check that your yeast is active: mix it with warm water and a bit of sugar — it should bubble within a few minutes.

Tips to Make Ube Pandesal

• Always use active dry yeast for this recipe. Fast-rise yeast can create overly large holes in the crumb.
• Proof the yeast in warm water and sugar until foamy to ensure it’s active.
• Keep the dough in a warm, draft-free place to rise.
• Use a firmer cheese or stack thinner slices to prevent the filling from disappearing into the dough during baking.
• Measure flour accurately — too much flour will make the dough dense. The dough should be slightly tacky but manageable.

Ube Cheese Pandesal Recipe

Soft, fluffy ube pandesal filled with melted cheese. Follow these instructions for clear, easy steps to make this comforting bread.

• Prepare the equipment: Lightly brush a large bowl with oil and set aside.
• Prepare the yeast mixture: Warm 2/3 cup water, add the active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit 5 minutes until bubbly. Stir in 1 cup of all-purpose flour and rest for 45 minutes.
• Make the dough: Warm 2/3 cup milk for about 45 seconds. In the mixer bowl add warm milk, 1/4 cup melted butter, 1 egg, ube flavor, and 1/2 cup sugar. Whisk 3 cups flour with 1/2 teaspoon salt separately. Add the yeast mixture to the mixer bowl, then add the flour mixture. Mix with the dough hook until combined and knead about 7 minutes until smooth.
• Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface, shape into a ball, place in the oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
• Divide the dough into 16 portions (about 60 g each if weighing). Flatten each portion, place a cube of cheese in the center, seal completely, then shape into rounds.
• Place rolls on a baking sheet, cover with a damp cloth, and proof another 30 minutes. Roll each roll in breadcrumbs before baking.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until lightly golden and cooked through.

How Do You Store

• Store cooled pandesal in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a few days.

Can You Freeze Pandesal?

• Yes. Freeze baked or unbaked rolls in an airtight freezer bag. Thaw before eating and reheat in the microwave for about 45 seconds or in a warm oven for a few minutes.

For more easy Filipino recipes, try this step-by-step Pandesal or No-knead Bread.

For More Bread Recipes

• • SPANISH BREAD — a soft, fluffy Spanish bread recipe with step-by-step guidance.
  • SIOPAO (STEAMED BUNS) — easy filling and dough instructions for tender siopao.
  • ENSAYMADA — a no-fail recipe for fluffy ensaymada, perfect for gatherings.
  • EMPANADA — a baked version of chicken empanadas that’s lighter and less greasy.
  • PANDESAL — the best classic pandesal recipe with step-by-step video.
  • Filipino Bread Collection

For more Pandesal Flavor

• Pandan Pandesal
• Classic Pandesal Recipe
• Chocolate Pandesal