The moment you open a jar of ube jam, the vibrant purple hue and enticing aroma transport you to a world of culinary delight. I can still recall the first time I tasted Ube Hopia at a vibrant market; the flaky pastry, combined with the sweet, earthy flavor of purple yam, was nothing short of a revelation. As I used to rely on fast food, discovering this traditional treat made me realize how rewarding it can be to create something beautiful at home.
After a weekend of craving something special yet comforting, I decided to recreate this delightful pastry. Not only is Ube Hopia a feast for the eyes, but it also brings a lovely variety to your dessert table, making it perfect for gatherings or just a cozy evening in. With a recipe that allows for some creativity in the kitchen, you’ll find that the process is as enjoyable as the final result. So roll up your sleeves and let’s embark on a flavorful journey that will surely impress your friends and family!
Why is Ube Hopia a Must-Try?
Decadent flavor: The combination of sweet ube jam and flaky pastry delivers a taste that’s both unique and delightful.
Simple preparation: With straightforward steps, you don’t need to be a master chef to impress.
Perfect for sharing: This recipe yields 24 pieces, making it ideal for gatherings, parties, or simply treating yourself and loved ones.
Versatile fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fillings, from ube to red bean, for a personal twist.
Visual appeal: The striking purple hue of the ube makes these pastries not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes! Embrace the joy of homemade treats and dive deeper into baking by exploring other delightful recipes like classic empanadas.
Ube Hopia Ingredients
Get ready to create magic in your kitchen with these delectable Ube Hopia ingredients!
For the Dough
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups + 2 tbsp, perfect for creating the flaky layers.
- Salt – ½ tsp, enhances the overall flavors of the pastry.
- Canola oil – ½ cup, provides tenderness and a light texture.
- Water – ½ cup, helps bind the dough together for easy handling.
- Granulated sugar – ½ cup, adds a touch of sweetness to the pastry.
- Unsalted butter – ½ cup, brings richness and depth to the dough.
For the Filling
- Ube jam – 21 oz, offers that signature sweet, earthy flavor that makes Ube Hopia irresistible!
With these ingredients in hand, you’re well on your way to enjoying a homemade treat that brings joy with every bite. Happy baking!
How to Make Ube Hopia
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Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp flour, salt, canola oil, and water. Stir until incorporated, being careful not to over-mix. Wrap the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
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Prepare the Second Dough: In another bowl, mix 1½ cups all-purpose flour and granulated sugar. Add the unsalted butter and cut into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Wrap this dough with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes as well.
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Shape the Ube Jam: Scoop 21 oz of ube jam and roll it into 24 balls, each about 25 g. This will be the delicious filling waiting inside your hopia!
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Roll the First Dough: Roll the first dough into a rectangle, about ½ inch thick. Crumble the second dough on top until it’s completely covered, then roll it out again to flatten.
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Fold the Dough: Remove the plastic wrap, fold the dough lengthwise and crosswise. Roll, flatten, and fold the dough again—this process creates those lovely flaky layers! Repeat this folding step one more time, totaling 3 times.
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Cut the Dough: Roll the combined dough into a log and slice it into 24 equal pieces.
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Form the Hopia: Roll and flatten each piece into a circle, place a ball of ube filling in the center, wrap the dough around it, and pinch the edges to seal. Flatten slightly to achieve that classic hopia shape.
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Cook the Hopia: In a non-stick pan on medium heat, place the hopia and cook until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes, then flip again to brown the sides.
Optional: Serve warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Ube Hopia Variations & Substitutions
Unleash your creativity in the kitchen with these delightful twists and swaps for classic Ube Hopia!
- Vegan: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based milk instead of water for a dairy-free version.
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to cater to gluten sensitivities while still enjoying texture.
- Flavor Boost: Add a hint of vanilla extract or almond extract to the dough for an aromatic twist that complements the ube nicely.
- Sweetening Options: Replace granulated sugar with brown sugar or coconut sugar to add a deeper, more caramel-like sweetness.
- Nutty Delight: Incorporate finely chopped nuts such as walnuts or macadamia nuts into the filling for added texture and a delightful crunch.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the ube filling for a warm, spicy note that elevates the flavor profile.
- Fruity Fusions: Experiment with different fillings, such as mango or coconut jam, to explore tropical flavors and keep things fresh!
- Baked Version: For a healthier alternative, bake the hopia at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden brown instead of pan-frying.
Let your culinary imagination soar and create your ideal Ube Hopia that’s sure to wow everyone at the table!
Expert Tips for Ube Hopia
- Mixing Dough: Don’t over-mix your dough; this will keep your Ube Hopia flaky and tender. Mix just until incorporated for the best texture.
- Chill Right: Chilling the dough is essential. It helps the gluten relax, resulting in a tender pastry while also making it easier to roll out.
- Filling Size: Make sure your ube jam balls are uniform in size (about 25 g each). This ensures even cooking and consistency in each delicious bite.
- Heat Control: Cook hopia on medium heat; too high may burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Patience is key!
- Sealing Edges: Make sure to pinch the edges tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking. Proper sealing keeps the goodness inside!
How to Store and Freeze Ube Hopia
Room Temperature: Store Ube Hopia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Fridge: For longer storage, you can keep Ube Hopia in the fridge for 5-7 days, but be sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: To freeze, place Ube Hopia in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the Ube Hopia overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a non-stick pan on medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through and slightly crispy.
What to Serve with Ube Hopia?
Indulging in these delightful pastries opens the door to a perfect pairing of flavors and textures that will elevate your dessert experience.
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Coconut Milk: Its creamy richness complements the sweet depth of ube, creating a comforting and harmonious taste.
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Fresh Mango Slices: The bright, juicy sweetness of fresh mango balances the earthy flavor of ube, adding a refreshing touch.
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Green Tea: A warm cup of green tea offers a light and herbal contrast, helping to cleanse the palate between bites.
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Coffee: For those who enjoy a kick, pairing Ube Hopia with a robust cup of coffee creates a delightful balance of sweet and bitter notes.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling a bit of chocolate sauce adds a rich, velvety sweetness that makes every slice even more indulgent.
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Macapuno Flan: The subtle nuttiness and natural sweetness of macapuno flan harmonize beautifully, making it a rich ending to your meal.
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Ube Ice Cream: For true ube lovers, a scoop of ube ice cream beside your hopia creates a beautiful showcase of color and flavor!
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Spanish Hot Chocolate: Thick and rich, this decadent drink pairs perfectly with Ube Hopia, enhancing the overall indulgent experience.
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Coffee Flan: It’s a delightful fusion of flavors, where the coffee and ube create a delicious contrast that’s sure to please.
With these splendid accompaniments, your Ube Hopia will shine even brighter!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Ube Hopia are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the dough (both parts) up to 24 hours in advance; simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. The ube jam filling can also be rolled into balls and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your hopia, simply remove the dough from the fridge, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then proceed with rolling, filling, and cooking as per the recipe. This ensures that your pastries will be just as delicious, flaky, and comforting as if made fresh!
Ube Hopia Recipe FAQs
What type of ube jam should I use for Ube Hopia?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, use a high-quality ube jam that contains natural ingredients. Look for brands that list ube as the primary ingredient without a lot of additives or preservatives for a rich, authentic taste.
How should I store leftover Ube Hopia?
To keep your Ube Hopia fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them wrapped in plastic wrap for about 5-7 days. This will prevent them from drying out while keeping their delightful flavor intact.
Can I freeze Ube Hopia, and how?
Yes! Freezing Ube Hopia is a great way to enjoy them later. Here’s how: First, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, squeezing out excess air. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a pan for that freshly cooked texture.
What should I do if my hopia dough is too sticky?
If you find your hopia dough is sticky, don’t worry! Start by dusting your work surface and hands with a little extra flour while shaping. If it’s still too difficult to handle, you can add a tablespoon of flour at a time until you reach the desired consistency, ensuring you don’t compromise the flakiness by adding too much.
Is Ube Hopia safe for those with nut allergies?
Yes! Ube itself is a root vegetable and does not contain nuts, making it a suitable option for those with nut allergies. However, always check the labels on your ube jam to ensure it hasn’t been processed in a facility that handles nuts. Always prioritize safety, especially for family and friends who have allergies.
Delicious Ube Hopia Recipe: Easy Homemade Sweet Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp flour, salt, canola oil, and water. Stir until incorporated, being careful not to over-mix. Wrap the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix 1½ cups all-purpose flour and granulated sugar. Add the unsalted butter and cut into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Wrap this dough with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes as well.
- Scoop 21 oz of ube jam and roll it into 24 balls, each about 25 g.
- Roll the first dough into a rectangle, about ½ inch thick. Crumble the second dough on top until it's completely covered, then roll it out again to flatten.
- Remove the plastic wrap, fold the dough lengthwise and crosswise. Roll, flatten, and fold the dough again—this process creates those lovely flaky layers! Repeat this folding step one more time, totaling 3 times.
- Roll the combined dough into a log and slice it into 24 equal pieces.
- Roll and flatten each piece into a circle, place a ball of ube filling in the center, wrap the dough around it, and pinch the edges to seal. Flatten slightly.
- In a non-stick pan on medium heat, place the hopia and cook until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes.