Imagine biting into a soft, pillowy cinnamon roll, infused with the sweet, nutty flavor of ube, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. These ube cinnamon rolls are the perfect fusion of a classic favorite and a vibrant Filipino twist. This recipe is inspired by the comforting warmth of homemade cinnamon rolls but elevated with the unique, earthy sweetness of ube. Whether you’re familiar with ube or discovering its magic for the first time, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.
Growing up, ube was a staple in my family—featured in everything from cakes to halo-halo during festive gatherings. Its rich purple hue and velvety texture always made it feel extra special. Combining ube with cinnamon rolls feels like a celebration of nostalgia and creativity, bringing together the best of two worlds in one irresistible treat. Whether you’re baking these for brunch, a special occasion, or just because, you’re in for a deliciously unique experience that will impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Uniquely Flavorful: The subtle nutty sweetness of ube takes classic cinnamon rolls to the next level.
- A Feast for the Eyes: The vibrant purple swirl and the creamy frosting make these rolls a showstopper.
- Soft and Pillowy: These rolls are perfectly fluffy, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s brunch, dessert, or a cozy weekend baking session, these cinnamon rolls fit the bill.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Ube Filling:
- 1/2 cup Trader Joe’s ube spread (or your favorite brand)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
How to Make Ube Cinnamon Rolls:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5–7 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial for ensuring your rolls rise beautifully.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and whisk until smooth. Slowly add the flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, this step becomes even easier. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Ube Filling
While the dough is rising, mix the ube spread, softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl until it forms a creamy, spreadable mixture. This filling is the heart of your rolls and gives them that signature sweet, nutty flavor.
Step 3: Roll Out and Fill
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
Spread the ube filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife or floss to slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
Step 4: Second Rise
Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each one for them to expand. Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise again for 30–40 minutes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and fragrant. The smell of ube and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen is pure bliss!
Step 6: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, beating until creamy and spreadable.
Step 7: Frost and Enjoy
Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes. Generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls, letting it melt into all the nooks and crannies.
Helpful Tips:
- Make Ahead: Prepare the rolls the night before, cover them tightly, and store them in the refrigerator. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and bake as directed.
- Customize Your Filling: Add chopped nuts or shredded coconut to the ube filling for extra texture.
- Storage Tip: These rolls stay fresh for 2–3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months!
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Filipino-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes:
- If you can’t find ube spread, you can use ube halaya (ube jam) or make your own by blending cooked ube with condensed milk and butter.
- For extra vibrant rolls, mix a teaspoon of ube extract into the dough or filling.
Nutritional Information:
Per Roll: Calories: 310 | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Sugar: 24g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different frosting?
Absolutely! While the cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with the ube flavor, you can try a simple vanilla glaze or even a coconut-based frosting for a tropical twist.
What is ube?
Ube is a purple yam commonly used in Filipino desserts. It has a mildly sweet, nutty flavor and is known for its stunning purple color.
Can I make these rolls vegan?
Yes! Substitute plant-based milk, vegan butter, and vegan cream cheese for the dairy ingredients.
Storage Instructions:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, but warm them slightly before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze the baked rolls without frosting for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost them when ready to serve.
Related Recipes:
If you loved these Ube Cinnamon Rolls, check out these other irresistible treats:
Conclusion:
There’s something truly magical about ube—it transforms even the simplest recipes into something extraordinary. These ube cinnamon rolls are no exception. They’re warm, soft, sweet, and packed with that nutty, vibrant ube flavor we all love. Whether you’re baking them for family, friends, or just yourself, they’re sure to bring joy to every bite. Go ahead, give them a try, and let your kitchen be filled with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked goodness.
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Decadent Ube Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Description
Imagine biting into a soft, pillowy cinnamon roll, infused with the sweet, nutty flavor of ube, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. These ube cinnamon rolls are the perfect fusion of a classic favorite and a vibrant Filipino twist. This recipe is inspired by the comforting warmth of homemade cinnamon rolls but elevated with the unique, earthy sweetness of ube. Whether you’re familiar with ube or discovering its magic for the first time, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.
Growing up, ube was a staple in my family—featured in everything from cakes to halo-halo during festive gatherings. Its rich purple hue and velvety texture always made it feel extra special. Combining ube with cinnamon rolls feels like a celebration of nostalgia and creativity, bringing together the best of two worlds in one irresistible treat. Whether you’re baking these for brunch, a special occasion, or just because, you’re in for a deliciously unique experience that will impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Ube Filling:
- 1/2 cup Trader Joe’s ube spread (or your favorite brand)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5–7 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial for ensuring your rolls rise beautifully.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and whisk until smooth. Slowly add the flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, this step becomes even easier. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Ube Filling
While the dough is rising, mix the ube spread, softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl until it forms a creamy, spreadable mixture. This filling is the heart of your rolls and gives them that signature sweet, nutty flavor.
Step 3: Roll Out and Fill
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
Spread the ube filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife or floss to slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
Step 4: Second Rise
Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each one for them to expand. Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise again for 30–40 minutes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and fragrant. The smell of ube and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen is pure bliss!
Step 6: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, beating until creamy and spreadable.
Step 7: Frost and Enjoy
Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes. Generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls, letting it melt into all the nooks and crannies.
Notes
- If you can’t find ube spread, you can use ube halaya (ube jam) or make your own by blending cooked ube with condensed milk and butter.
- For extra vibrant rolls, mix a teaspoon of ube extract into the dough or filling.