Pandesal is the Philippines’ favorite breakfast roll. Soft. Slightly sweet. Perfect with coffee. But this version? It’s a purple dream. Ube (purple yam) makes the dough gorgeous and nutty-sweet. A melty cheese center makes every bite a surprise.
Fluffy. Purple. Gooey. Let’s bake.
Makes 12 rolls.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Dough
Combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, egg, ube halaya, and ube extract.
Mix until a soft, slightly sticky purple dough forms. Knead 8-10 minutes until smooth.
First Rise
Place in a greased bowl. Cover. Let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled.
Shape and Fill
Punch down dough. Divide into 12 pieces.
Flatten each piece. Place a cheese cube in the center. Seal tightly.
Roll each ball in breadcrumbs until coated.
Second Rise
Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover. Let rise 30-45 minutes until puffy.
Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown on top. Cheese may ooze—that’s a feature.
Serve warm. Pull apart. Watch the cheese stretch.
Summary
Prep Time: 25 mins | Rise Time: 1.5 hours | Bake Time: 18 mins | Total: ~2.5 hours
Yield: 12 rolls
Difficulty: Medium (needs patience for rising)
Storage Notes
Store at room temperature for 2 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds to bring back softness and melt the cheese. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat straight from frozen. Best eaten warm.
