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Ube Cheese Pandesal with Creamy center

Ube Cheese Pandesal with Creamy Center

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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Dough Rising 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine Filipino
Servings 12 Rolls

Equipment

  • Stand mixer with dough hook (optional) Great for ease but hand kneading works fine too.
  • Mixing bowls One for the dough, one for the filling.
  • Measuring cups and spoons Precision is key with baking.
  • Baking sheet A large one, preferably with parchment paper.
  • Oven Set for consistent baking at 350°F (175°C).
  • Rolling pin (optional) Helps with flattening the dough, but your hands work just as well.
  • Plastic wrap or damp towel For covering the dough while it rises.

Ingredients
  

For the Dough

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup purple yam ube, cooked and mashed or ¾ cup ube halaya
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • 2 tsp instant yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¾ cup warm milk
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs for coating

For the Filling

  • 1 cup cream cheese slightly softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Eden cheese for a more Filipino touch
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar optional, for a touch of sweetness

Optional Glaze

  • 2 tbsp melted butter for brushing after baking

Instructions
 

Activate the yeast (optional for extra lift)

  1. If you're not using instant yeast, dissolve your yeast in warm milk with a bit of sugar and let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.

Mix the dough

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Add mashed ube (or ube halaya), egg, warm milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms. Knead for 10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a stand mixer until the dough is soft, smooth, and slightly sticky.

First rise

  1. Shape the dough into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Make the filling

  1. While the dough is rising, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and powdered sugar in a bowl. Mix well until creamy and set aside in the fridge.

Shape the rolls

  1. Once the dough has doubled, punch it down and divide into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a small disc, place about a tablespoon of filling in the center, then pinch the edges together to seal.

Coat with breadcrumbs

  1. Roll each filled dough ball in breadcrumbs and place them seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Second rise

  1. Cover and let the rolls rest for 30 minutes. They’ll puff up beautifully.

Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 18–20 minutes, or until golden on top.

Finish

  1. Brush the warm rolls with melted butter if desired. Serve warm for the ultimate cheesy, creamy experience.