Ube Bread Rolls with Coconut and Ube Jam Recipe

If you’re anything like me and enjoy the comfort of soft, fluffy bread wrapped around a luscious filling, then you’re going to adore this Ube Bread Rolls with Coconut and Ube Jam Recipe. I absolutely love how these rolls come out perfectly tender with a sweet, creamy ube jam center and a toasty coconut topping that adds just the right amount of crunch. Whether you’re serving this at a family gathering or want a cozy snack to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, this recipe will quickly become your new favorite Filipino-inspired treat. Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure you nail it on your first try!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the balance right between the soft bread, the creamy ube jam, and that toasty coconut is the key here. I like to use fresh, simple ingredients that work together to create the flavors and textures that make this recipe so special.

• Warm water: This helps activate the yeast—make sure it’s warm, not hot, or it can kill the yeast.
• Active dry yeast: The magic behind the fluffy rise of the bread rolls.
• Granulated sugar: Used both for activating yeast and to sweeten the dough slightly.
• Milk: Adds richness and tenderness to the bread crumb.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Unsalted butter (room temperature): For a tender crumb and buttery flavor in the dough.
• Large eggs: Adds structure and richness—room temperature is best to help with even mixing.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough; use fresh for best results.
• Canola oil: Or any neutral oil for kneading and brushing to keep the crust soft.
• Melted unsalted butter: For brushing on rolls before and after baking to keep them shiny and flavorful.
• Brown sugar: Mixed with coconut for a sweet, caramel note on top.
• Unsweetened shredded coconut: Make sure it’s unsweetened so it doesn’t overpower the delicate flavors.
• Ube jam: The star of the show, sweet and creamy purple yam jam to fill the rolls.

Variations

I love making this recipe as is, but sometimes I like to mix it up depending on my mood or what I have on hand. Feel free to play around and make the recipe your own — that’s part of the fun!

• Vegan Version: Substitute milk with coconut milk and use a plant-based butter alternative to achieve a rich, dairy-free bread roll.
• Extra Coconut: I sometimes mix shredded coconut into the dough for an even more coconutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the ube jam.
• With Cheese: For a sweet-salty twist, try adding a small cube of cheese along with the ube jam before rolling; my family goes crazy for this combo.
• Other Fillings: If you’re not a fan of ube, this dough works great with other jam flavors or even sweetened mung bean paste.

How to Make Ube Bread Rolls with Coconut and Ube Jam Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by mixing your warm water (about 110°F) with the package of active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets foamy and bubbly. If it doesn’t, your yeast might be old or the water too hot or too cold — so replace and try again. This step is crucial for those fluffy rolls!

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine milk, the rest of the sugar, salt, softened butter, and lightly beaten eggs. Add your activated yeast mixture and give it a good mix. Gradually add your all-purpose flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. When the dough starts pulling away from the sides, move it to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Don’t rush this part — good kneading means light, airy rolls!

Step 3: First Rise

Lightly oil a clean bowl with canola oil and place your dough inside, turning it to coat all sides. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. I like to place mine near the stove or inside a turned-off oven with the light on — it creates a cozy environment for dough to rise perfectly.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls with Ube Jam Filling

Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Flatten each piece into a small circle and spoon a generous amount of ube jam in the center. Fold the edges over the jam and pinch to seal the filling inside. Arrange the rolls seam-side down on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each.

Step 5: Add the Coconut Topping and Second Rise

In a separate bowl, mix shredded coconut, brown sugar, and the melted butter. Lightly brush the rolls with a little of the remaining melted butter, then sprinkle the coconut mixture evenly on top of each roll. Cover loosely and let the rolls rise again for about 30 minutes until puffy.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown on top and cooked through. Right after taking them out, brush a little more melted butter on top for that irresistible shiny finish. Let them cool slightly before serving — but trust me, warm is best!

How to Serve Ube Bread Rolls with Coconut and Ube Jam Recipe

Garnishes

I like to dust mine lightly with toasted coconut flakes for extra crunch and an inviting look. A little sprinkle of powdered sugar can add a nice touch if you’re serving these as a dessert or at a party.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or tea—perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For a heartier meal, I sometimes serve them alongside fresh fruit or a light salad to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the rolls in a braided shape or bake them in a pull-apart pan so guests can tear off pieces easily. Wrapping individual rolls in parchment paper with a ribbon makes a charming edible gift for friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them soft, I place a slice of bread inside the container to help maintain moisture.

Freezing

These ube bread rolls freeze beautifully! I like to wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I defrost at room temperature and warm the rolls in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. This refreshes the soft texture and melts any slightly hardened butter on top—trust me, it’s like fresh-baked all over again!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I still remember the first time I baked these Ube Bread Rolls with Coconut and Ube Jam Recipe — the house smelled like a tropical bakery, and everyone was eager to grab one right out of the oven. It’s such a comforting, joyful recipe that brings a little bit of Filipino sweetness into your kitchen. I highly encourage you to try making these at home; once you do, I’m pretty sure you’ll be making them again and again. Plus, they’re a wonderful way to share a little taste of my favorite flavors with your loved ones!

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