There’s something truly enchanting about the vibrant hue of ube, which transforms any ordinary dish into a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. I first discovered ube while exploring an Asian market, captivated by its stunning purple color and sweet, nutty aroma. Inspired, I set out to create an easy but delicious Ube Bars Recipe that would capture the heart of anyone who loves homemade treats. This delightful ube bar bread combines the essence of sweetened condensed milk with the unique flavor of ube extract, resulting in a moist, flavorful dessert that is both satisfying and crowd-pleasing.
Imagine biting into soft, fluffy bars that are not only perfect for brunch but make for a fantastic after-dinner treat as well. Dust them with a sprinkle of shredded coconut to elevate the experience further! Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just need a break from takeout, this recipe will quickly become a beloved addition to your repertoire. Join me in whipping up this stunning ube bar bread and let the deliciousness speak for itself!
Why is this Ube Bars Recipe special?
Vibrant Colors: The stunning purple hue of ube makes these bars a showstopper at any gathering.
Irresistible Flavor: The sweet, nutty notes from ube perfectly complement the richness of sweetened condensed milk.
Simple Steps: With straightforward instructions, this recipe is ideal for both novice and experienced bakers.
Versatile Delight: Perfect as a dessert or a midday snack, these bars transition beautifully through the day.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s brunch with friends or a cozy family dinner, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Don’t miss exploring more delightfully unique recipes like this one to keep your cooking adventures exciting!
Ube Bars Recipe Ingredients
• Get ready to create magic with these delightful components!
For the Bread
- Unsalted butter – provides richness and moisture essential for a soft texture.
- Granulated sugar – sweetens the bars, enhancing the ube’s natural flavors.
- 1% skim milk – keeps the batter light while adding moisture for a fluffy result.
- All-purpose flour – forms the base, giving that perfect structure to your bars.
- Baking powder – helps the batter rise, creating a wonderfully airy texture.
- Salt – balances and enhances the sweet flavors for a balanced taste.
For the Ube Syrup
- Sweetened condensed milk – adds creaminess and sweetness, essential for that unique ube flavor.
- Ube extract – infuses the bars with its signature sweet, nutty taste.
- Water – adjusts the syrup’s consistency, making it easily drizzle-able.
For Coating
- Unsweetened shredded coconut or desiccated coconut – adds a delightful texture and flavor contrast to every bite.
This Ube Bars Recipe is designed to bring a burst of joy into your kitchen!
How to Make Ube Bars Recipe
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Prepare the Batter: Start by creaming softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until fluffy. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes. Add in your skim milk and mix until combined.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Aim for a smooth batter with no dry pockets.
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Mix in Ube Syrup: In a small bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, ube extract, and water to create your ube syrup. Stir until smooth, then fold it gently into the batter for an even color and flavor distribution.
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Bake the Bars: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Coat: Allow the ube bar bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, coat the top with unsweetened shredded coconut for an irresistible finish.
Optional: Drizzle extra ube syrup for a sweeter touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Ube Bars Recipe are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the batter and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance, helping you save precious time on busy baking days. Simply cream the unsalted butter and sugar, mix in the milk, and fold in the dry ingredients and ube syrup – then cover tightly and store in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, allow the batter to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, and then pour it into a greased baking dish and bake as instructed. This way, you’ll enjoy your delicious ube bar bread just as fresh and flavorful as if you made it all in one go!
Expert Tips for Ube Bars Recipe
- Proper Measurements: Always use precise measurements for your ingredients. Over or under-measuring flour or sugar can affect the texture of your ube bars.
- Know Your Oven: Ovens can vary in temperature; keep an eye on your bars closely towards the end of baking to prevent them from overcooking.
- Cooling Time: Allow your ube bar bread to cool completely before adding the coconut topping. This prevents it from becoming soggy.
- Consistency Matters: For the perfect ube syrup, ensure it’s not too thick or too runny. The right consistency will make your bars beautifully moist.
- Test It Right: Use the toothpick test to check doneness; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Enjoy creating your delightful Ube Bars Recipe!
How to Store and Freeze Ube Bars Recipe
Room Temperature: Keep your ube bar bread covered in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and moisture.
Fridge: For extended freshness, store the bars in the refrigerator, wrapped well, for up to 1 week. This can enhance the flavors too!
Freezer: To freeze, wrap the bars tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a cozy treat!
What to Serve with Ube Bar Bread?
Elevate your Ube Bar Bread experience with delicious side dishes that complement its sweet, nutty flavors.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing zing, balancing the sweetness of the ube. Juicy berries and citrus will brighten every bite.
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Coconut Whipped Cream: This light, fluffy topping made with coconut cream offers a delightful creaminess that pairs beautifully with the ube bars. Its tropical notes beautifully enhance the flavors.
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Coffee or Espresso: A rich, bold cup brings forward the nutty undertones of the ube while providing a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the bread. It’s a comforting way to enjoy your bars.
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Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The smooth, creamy texture of this classic dessert makes for an indulgent pairing. The vanilla notes harmonize wonderfully with the ube’s unique characteristics for a truly decadent treat.
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Toasted Pecans: Sprinkling crunchy, toasted pecans over your bars adds a delightful crunch, offering both texture and a nutty flavor that complements the overall experience.
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Chai Tea: This spiced tea not only warms the soul but also enhances the sweet, earthy notes of the ube while providing a soothing beverage option. It’s an ideal companion for cozy gatherings!
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Chocolate Drizzle: A sweet chocolate drizzle over the ube bars elevates them to a new level of deliciousness! The slight bitterness of chocolate pairs exceptionally well with the ube’s sweetness.
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Lemon Zest Garnish: A light sprinkle of lemon zest adds brightness and an unexpected twist, cutting through the sweetness and bringing a refreshing finish to your meal.
Ube Bars Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative with this ube bars recipe and make it your own! Explore delightful twists that will tantalize your taste buds.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil and use almond or oat milk for a non-dairy version. This keeps the bars just as rich while catering to dietary needs.
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Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to cater to gluten sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy a slice!
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Extra Ube: Enhance the ube flavor by adding more ube extract and a bit of ube puree to the batter. This extra oomph will make the color and flavor pop even more!
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Chocolate Drizzle: Add a decadent touch by melting dark or white chocolate to drizzle over the cooled bars. This chocolatey layer elevates every mouthful to a whole new level of indulgence.
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Coconut Flake Boost: Mix in some sweetened flaked coconut into the batter and sprinkle more on top before baking. The toasty coconut adds crunch and flavor that pairs brilliantly with the ube.
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Nuts for Texture: Incorporate chopped walnuts or macadamia nuts into the batter for a crunchy surprise. Nuts add a delightful contrast to the soft, fluffy texture of the bars.
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Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder into the batter. This unexpected twist will leave your taste buds dancing with joy!
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Maple Sweetness: Swap out granulated sugar for pure maple syrup for a subtle twist in sweetness and a deliciously unique flavor. Your bars will smell heavenly while baking!
Ube Bars Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe ube for my Ube Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting ube, look for firm, smooth, and blemish-free tubers. They should have a vibrant purple color and feel heavy for their size. Avoid ube with dark spots or wrinkles, which may indicate overripeness.
How should I store my Ube Bar Bread?
To keep your ube bar bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap the bars securely and place them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For even extended storage, freezing is a fantastic option!
Can I freeze Ube Bars?
Very! To freeze your ube bars, first, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, and warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds if you prefer them warm.
What should I do if my Ube Bars turn out too dry?
If your ube bars are dry, they may have been overbaked or not enough moisture was added. To avoid this, always ensure your oven temperature is accurate, and use a toothpick to check doneness a few minutes before the recommended time. If you find they are already baked, consider serving them with whipped cream or drizzling extra syrup on top for added moisture and flavor.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Yes, absolutely! If you’re serving ube bars to those with allergies, be cautious of the ingredients. This recipe contains dairy (butter and milk) and may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. For a dairy-free version, you can substitute unsalted butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond or oat milk instead. Always check that other ingredients, like ube extract and sweetened condensed milk, meet dietary needs.
Delicious Ube Bars Recipe: Irresistible Ube Bar Bread Magic
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add skim milk and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- In a small bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, ube extract, and water for the ube syrup. Stir until smooth and fold gently into the batter.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Pour batter into a greased baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once cooled, coat with shredded coconut.