There’s something truly enchanting about the first whiff of baked goods wafting through my kitchen, and these addictively creamy ube cream puffs are no exception. I stumbled upon this delightful dessert while experimenting with different flavors, and the bright purple hue of ube caught my eye immediately. As I took my first bite, the crunch of the golden shell gave way to the creamy, nutty filling, and I knew I had discovered a gem worth sharing.
These puffs are not only visually stunning, ideal for impressing your friends at gatherings, but they’re also surprisingly easy to whip up in your own home. You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to create this bakery-style treat; just a few simple ingredients can transform your kitchen into a dreamy dessert haven. Whether you’re craving a unique twist on traditional pastries or looking for a new dessert to dazzle at your next gathering, these ube cream puffs will surely delight both your taste buds and your senses!
Why are Ube Cream Puffs so irresistible?
Visually Stunning: Their vibrant purple color makes these cream puffs a showstopper at any gathering.
Decadent Filling: The nutty ube cream filling ensures every bite is packed with unique flavor, leaving a lasting impression.
Easily Whipped Up: Made with simple ingredients, even novice bakers can achieve bakery-quality results without breaking a sweat.
Versatile Treat: These cream puffs can be enjoyed on their own or paired with your favorite coffee or tea for an afternoon delight.
Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for parties, these treats will impress friends and family, making them a go-to option for any occasion! Explore more creative ideas to elevate your dessert game with this unique recipe.
Ube Cream Puffs Ingredients
• These easy-to-make Ube Cream Puffs come together beautifully with just a handful of ingredients!
For the Dough
- Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and flavor; margarine can be a suitable alternative.
- Milk – Adds moisture to the dough; feel free to use non-dairy milk for a vegan option.
- Water – Helps create steam for puffing; no substitutions needed here.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough; you can adjust the amount based on your taste.
- Salt – Essential for enhancing overall flavor—they really need it!
- All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure of the pastry; gluten-free flour can work too.
- Eggs – Provide binding and moisture, crucial for the perfect texture; no substitutes recommended.
For the Cream Filling
- Ube Halaya – The star of the show, delivering that unique purple flavor; you can use store-bought and adjust added sugar.
- Heavy Cream – Adds richness to your filling; swap with coconut cream for a dairy-free version!
- Cornstarch – Thickens the filling effectively; no substitutions here.
- Egg Yolks – Enrich and enhance the cream filling; they are important for the velvety texture.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor of the filling; go for pure extract for the best taste.
Optional Toppings
- Powdered Sugar – Optional for dusting; adds both sweetness and visual appeal to your stunning ube cream puffs!
How to Make Ube Cream Puffs
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Heat Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine butter, milk, water, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the mixture boils, creating a rich and aromatic base for your dough.
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Add Flour: Once boiling, add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until a smooth dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
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Cool the Dough: Let the dough cool slightly for around 5 minutes. This is important to prevent cooking the eggs, which will follow.
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Incorporate Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should become smooth and glossy, resembling a thick batter by the time you’re done.
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Shape the Puffs: Spoon or pipe 2-inch rounds onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each for expansion—this is essential for puffing up beautifully!
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Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 20 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
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Cool Puffs Completely: Allow the puffs to cool completely on a wire rack; this helps achieve the perfect airy texture inside.
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Make the Ube Cream: In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together ube halaya, milk, heavy cream, sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes, stirring continuously.
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Add Flavor: Stir in vanilla extract and remove from heat. Let the filling chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before using it.
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Fill the Puffs: Poke a small hole in the bottom of each puff and use a piping bag or spoon to fill with the chilled ube cream, making each puff a delightful surprise!
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Dust and Serve: If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving. These cream puffs can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making them perfect for any occasion.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top for an extra layer of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Ube Cream Puffs
Room Temperature: Store unfilled cream puffs at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 day for optimal freshness.
Fridge: Filled ube cream puffs should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoyed within 2 days to maintain their lovely texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unfilled cream puffs on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating: To re-crisp frozen unfilled puffs, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, allowing them to regain their crunch before filling.
What to Serve with Ube Cream Puffs?
Elevate your dessert experience with delightful pairings that balance the unique flavors of your ube cream puffs.
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Fresh Berries: The tangy sweetness of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries complements the creamy ube filling beautifully, adding a burst of freshness to each bite. Serve them on the side for a vibrant color contrast.
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Whipped Coconut Cream: This light and airy topping adds a tropical flair, enhancing the creamy texture of the ube. The subtle coconut flavor rounds out the sweetness of the puffs while adding richness.
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Green Tea: Crisp and refreshing, green tea offers an earthy balance to the sweetness of your cream puffs. Its subtle bitterness cleanses the palate, making each bite even more enjoyable.
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Chocolate Dipping Sauce: A warm chocolate sauce brings an indulgent twist to the delightful dessert. With every bite, the rich chocolate will enhance the nutty flavors of the ube filling—perfect for chocolate lovers!
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Coconut Macaroons: These chewy, sweet treats provide a soft texture that contrasts the crispy shells of the ube cream puffs, while the coconut flavors harmonize perfectly with the ube’s nuttiness.
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Macadamia Nut Cookies: Crunchy and buttery, these cookies offer a satisfying bite alongside the delicate cream puffs. Their rich flavor pairs wonderfully, creating a delicious dessert platter everyone will love.
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Mint Tea: The refreshing minty notes cleanse the palate and offer a delightful contrast to the ube’s distinct sweetness, making it an ideal drink pairing for your dessert spread.
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Pineapple Sorbet: A scoop of this fruity dessert beside the cream puffs will add a refreshing chill, enhancing the sweet flavors while creating a fun contrast in temperature.
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Mango Sticky Rice: The combination of creamy coconut sticky rice and fresh mango provides a tropical twist, enriching your dessert experience and complementing the ube’s flavors.
Ube Cream Puffs Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to play around with these ideas to make this delightful treat truly your own!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to enjoy the same fluffy texture.
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and opt for a non-dairy milk for the dough.
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Flavor Twist: Swap out ube halaya for purple sweet potato or taro paste for an exciting flavor change.
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Fruit Infusion: Enhance the filling with a swirl of mango puree for a tropical twist and beautiful color contrast.
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Extract Variety: Experiment with flavored extracts, like almond or coconut, to add a fun dimension to your cream filling.
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Nutty Addition: Fold in finely chopped roasted nuts, such as pistachios or hazelnuts, into the filling for a delightful crunch.
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Chocolate Lovers: Incorporate cocoa powder into the dough for a rich, chocolaty base that pairs surprisingly well with the ube cream.
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Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, comforting flavor that’s perfect for cooler days.
These variations are sure to inspire your creativity and enhance your experience with every batch!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful ube cream puffs are perfect for busy schedules and can definitely be made ahead of time! You can prepare the unfilled puffs and freeze them for up to 1 month; simply ensure they’re well cooled, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag to maintain their crispiness. When you’re ready to serve, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to re-crisp them. The ube cream filling can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, ensuring it’s in an airtight container to prevent any chilling discrepancies. When it’s time to fill your puffs, just pipe or spoon in the chilled filling, dust with powdered sugar, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dessert ready to impress with minimal last-minute effort!
Expert Tips for Ube Cream Puffs
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal mixing, creating a smooth and airy dough.
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Chill the Filling: Always let the ube cream chill thoroughly before filling the cream puffs. This helps prevent the delicate shells from getting soggy.
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Perfect Baking Time: Keep an eye on your puffs while baking—if they’re not golden brown and crisp, they’ll lose their puffiness.
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Avoid Overfilling: When filling the puffs, use just enough ube cream to ensure they remain light and airy. Too much filling can cause them to collapse.
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Storage Tips: For best results, consume filled ube cream puffs within two days. Store them in the refrigerator to maintain texture and flavor.
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Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to adjust the cream filling by adding flavors like coconut or vanilla to elevate your already delicious ube cream puffs!
Ube Cream Puffs Recipe FAQs
What type of ube halaya should I use?
Absolutely! You can either make your own ube halaya from scratch, which involves cooking ube, mashing it, and sweetening it, or opt for store-bought versions. Just be sure to check the sugar content on the packaging, as some brands can be quite sweet, and you might want to adjust the sugar in your cream filling accordingly!
How should I store leftover cream puffs?
Filled ube cream puffs should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and are best enjoyed within 2 days. If you have unfilled puffs left over, they can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 day or frozen for longer shelf life.
Can I freeze ube cream puffs? If so, how?
Very! To freeze unfilled cream puffs, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, which should take about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag and they can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispness before filling.
What if my cream puffs deflate while baking?
If your cream puffs deflate, it’s often due to underbaking. Make sure to let them bake until they are a lovely golden brown and have fully set inside. It’s crucial not to open the oven door too early, as the sudden change in temperature can cause them to collapse. Always give them the full baking time indicated in the recipe.
Are there any dietary considerations with ube cream puffs?
Definitely! If you or your guests have specific dietary needs, you can easily adapt this recipe. Use non-dairy milk and coconut cream for a vegan option. For gluten-free diets, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Always double-check any store-bought ingredients for allergens like egg or allergens related to ube products.
How can I enhance the flavor of the ube cream filling?
You might try adding a splash of coconut milk for a tropical twist or a hint of coconut extract for more depth. Another fun option is to mix in different flavored extracts, like almond or maple, for a unique take on the ube cream. Experimenting will lead you to your perfect flavor combination!
Deliciously Easy Ube Cream Puffs You’ll Love to Make
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a saucepan, combine butter, milk, water, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the mixture boils.
- Once boiling, add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously until a smooth dough forms, about 1-2 minutes.
- Let the dough cool slightly for around 5 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
- Spoon or pipe 2-inch rounds onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space for expansion.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, then reduce to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow the puffs to cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together ube halaya, milk, heavy cream, sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks. Cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in vanilla extract and remove from heat. Chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
- Poke a small hole in the bottom of each puff and fill with the chilled ube cream using a piping bag or spoon.
- If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving.