There’s a certain joy that comes from delighting friends and family with an irresistible treat, and these Ube Cream Puffs achieve just that! I found myself enchanted by the vibrant purple goodness of ube—and after whipping up these ethereal choux pastries filled with velvety ube cream, they quickly became my go-to party dessert. Picture this: you’re at a gathering, and one bite of these light, airy puffs transports you to a world of sweet nostalgia; the flavor is both comforting and adventurous.
Having spent a few weekends perfecting this recipe, I can confidently say that the process is both straightforward and rewarding. With just a few pantry staples and some ube halaya, you can craft a show-stopping dessert that not only looks elegant but also tastes heavenly! Whether you’re looking to impress at a potluck or simply treat yourself to something special, these Ube Cream Puffs are a delicious way to escape the ordinary. Come, let’s dive into this delightful baking adventure together!
Why are Ube Cream Puffs irresistible?
Delightful textures: The airy choux pastry pairs perfectly with the creamy ube filling, creating a sensational mouthfeel.
Vibrant color: The stunning purple hue of ube makes these treats visually striking, sure to impress your guests.
Simple ingredients: With just a few staples and ube halaya, you can whip up a dessert that bakes beautifully and tastes divine.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, these puffs bring joy to any occasion.
Unique flavor: Discover a sweet twist on traditional pastries with the unmistakable taste of ube, making every bite a delightful surprise! Enjoy exploring more exciting desserts like these when you check out our collection of delicious pastry recipes that will elevate your baking game.
Ube Cream Puff Ingredients
For the Choux Pastry
- Unsalted butter – adds richness and moisture; crucial for the perfect texture.
- Whole milk – provides creaminess and helps create the light, airy structure.
- Water – essential for steam, allowing the pastry to rise beautifully.
- Sugar – a touch of sweetness that balances flavors in the pastry.
- Salt – enhances the taste and complements the sweetness.
- All-purpose flour – gives structure to the pastry; be sure to measure correctly.
- Large eggs – provide moisture and help the pastry puff up when baked.
For the Ube Cream Filling
- Ube halaya – this sweet purple yam is the star ingredient, giving an authentic ube flavor.
- Whole milk – adds creaminess and helps blend the filling smoothly.
- Heavy cream – ensures the filling is velvety and rich for perfect texture.
- Sugar – sweetens the filling just right without overpowering the ube.
- Cornstarch – thickens the filling, giving it the luxurious consistency needed.
- Egg yolks – enrich the filling, providing depth and creaminess.
- Vanilla extract – enhances the flavor, making the ube cream even more delightful!
With these ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating sumptuous Ube Cream Puffs that will steal the show!
How to Make Ube Cream Puffs
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial for ensuring your pastries puff up perfectly and become golden brown.
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Combine unsalted butter, whole milk, water, sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, allowing the butter to melt completely.
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Stir in all-purpose flour, removing the saucepan from heat. Mix vigorously until a dough forms and it pulls away from the sides of the pan, creating a smooth texture.
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Add eggs one at a time into the dough, mixing well after each addition. The dough should become smoothly incorporated and glossy.
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Pipe the choux pastry dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a piping bag for even and elegant shapes, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastries are puffed and golden brown. Do not open the oven door while baking to keep the heat stable.
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Prepare the ube cream filling by combining ube halaya, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, cornstarch, egg yolks, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Whisk together until smooth.
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Cook the filling over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. This will take about 5-7 minutes, and it should have a custard-like texture.
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Cool the ube cream filling completely before using it to fill the choux pastries. This ensures that it will hold its shape once piped in.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Ube Cream Puffs
Room Temperature: Enjoy Ube Cream Puffs fresh for up to 1 day at room temperature. Keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain their texture.
Fridge: Store filled Ube Cream Puffs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the cream filling fresh, but may slightly soften the pastry.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unfilled Ube Cream Puffs for up to 2 months. Just ensure they are completely cool and wrapped tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating: To refresh cold or frozen Ube Cream Puffs, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. This will restore their crispiness while keeping the ube filling delicious!
Ube Cream Puff Variations
Feel free to explore delightful alternatives that will make these Ube Cream Puffs uniquely yours!
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Dairy-Free: Swap whole milk and heavy cream for coconut milk and coconut cream for a tropical twist. This variation adds a rich, exotic flavor while keeping the filling luscious.
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Flavored Cream: Mix in a tablespoon of matcha powder or espresso powder to the ube cream for a surprising flavor pairing. The earthy notes from matcha or the bold coffee essence will elevate your puffs to new levels.
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Nutty Infusion: Add a tablespoon of almond or hazelnut extract to the cream filling for a delightful nutty backdrop. This rich aroma complements the sweetness of the ube while making each bite luxurious.
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Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Fold in some finely chopped dark chocolate or cocoa powder into the ube cream. The combination of chocolate and ube creates a divine duo that no dessert lover can resist!
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Crunchy Toppings: Top your finished Ube Cream Puffs with crushed peanuts or toasted coconut flakes for a delightful textural contrast. The added crunch will surprise your guests and keep them reaching for more.
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Spicy Kick: Dust some cinnamon or cayenne pepper on the ube cream for a hint of warmth and spice. This unexpected twist will intrigue adventurous eaters and leave a lasting impression.
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Fruit Fusion: Incorporate pureed mango or passion fruit into the filling for a fruity alternative. This lightens up the dessert, adding freshness and brightness to each bite.
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Miniature Puffs: Make bite-sized puffs by piping smaller rounds of dough. These adorable treats are perfect for parties, offering a fun way for guests to indulge with less guilt!
With these variations, you can craft a personalized experience that truly reflects your taste and culinary creativity. Enjoy every delicious moment!
Make Ahead Options
These Ube Cream Puffs are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the choux pastry dough up to 24 hours in advance by storing it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. The ube cream filling can be made up to 3 days ahead; simply refrigerate it in an airtight container to maintain its luscious texture. When you’re ready to serve, pipe the chilled ube cream into the baked choux puffs for a delightful treat. Just remember to give the pastries a quick warm-up in the oven to refresh their crispiness before showing them off at your gathering! Enjoy making this sweet delight ahead of time and impress your guests effortlessly!
What to Serve with Ube Cream Puffs?
Indulging in these vibrant, velvety treats opens the door to an array of delightful pairings that elevate your dessert experience.
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Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries or blueberries balances the sweetness of ube cream, adding a refreshing touch to each bite.
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Coconut Whipped Cream: This luscious topping complements the richer flavors and enhances the tropical vibe of ube, making every bite a dreamy escape.
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Espresso or Coffee: Pairing your Ube Cream Puffs with a bold cup of coffee creates a beautiful contrast, perfect for delightful afternoon treats.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess and simplicity of vanilla ice cream offer a classic touch that harmonizes with the playful flavor of ube.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling rich chocolate sauce on top adds a decadent layer to the puffs while creating an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist.
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Lemon Sorbet: A scoop of lemon sorbet provides a zesty kick, cutting through the richness of the cream puffs and refreshing your palate.
These pairings not only enhance the experience but also create a beautiful contrast that keeps your taste buds dancing with joy!
Expert Tips for Ube Cream Puffs
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Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements to ensure the right texture in your choux pastry; even a little too much flour can hinder puffing.
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Room Temperature Eggs: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing them into the dough. This helps emulsify the batter more effortlessly for perfectly airy Ube Cream Puffs.
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Don’t Open the Oven: Resist the temptation to peek while baking! Opening the oven door can cause your pastries to collapse, so allow them to rise undisturbed.
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Cool Before Filling: Always let the choux pastries cool completely before filling them with ube cream. This prevents the heat from melting the filling, ensuring the perfect consistency.
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Use a Piping Bag: For even shapes and easy filling, use a piping bag with a wide tip. This helps you fill the pastries uniformly and creates that charming bakery look.
Ube Cream Puffs Recipe FAQs
What type of ube halaya should I use for the filling?
Absolutely! You want to use high-quality ube halaya that is smooth and not overly sweetened. Look for brands that list purple yam as the primary ingredient. If you can’t find it, consider making your own by cooking and mashing purple yams, adding some sugar and coconut milk for the right flavor and texture!
How should I store leftover Ube Cream Puffs?
Very! Store filled Ube Cream Puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the filling fresh while the pastry remains somewhat soft. For cold pastries, you can place them in the fridge, but know that they might lose some of their crispy texture.
Can I freeze Ube Cream Puffs?
The more the merrier! You can freeze unfilled Ube Cream Puffs for up to 2 months. Ensure they cool completely, then wrap each puff tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until crisp!
What if my choux pastry doesn’t puff up?
Don’t worry! If your choux pastry doesn’t puff up, it could be due to insufficient mixing or not enough moisture. Make sure you mix in the flour thoroughly and allow the mixture to steam properly in a hot oven. Remember not to open the oven door during baking! If it still doesn’t puff, consider checking your oven temperature or trying a new batch with accurately measured ingredients.
Are Ube Cream Puffs safe for those with nut allergies?
Yes! Ube Cream Puffs are generally nut-free, especially if you use unsalted butter and standard recipes. However, always check ingredient labels, especially for pre-made ube halaya, as some variations may contain nuts. It’s best to make your own filling if there are allergy concerns!
What can I substitute for heavy cream in the filling?
You can definitely use half-and-half or whole milk as a lower-fat alternative to heavy cream. However, if you want to keep it rich, consider using coconut cream for a non-dairy option that brings a unique flavor to your ube cream filling!
Delicious Ube Cream Puffs for Sweet Moments at Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial for ensuring your pastries puff up perfectly and become golden brown.
- Combine unsalted butter, whole milk, water, sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, allowing the butter to melt completely.
- Stir in all-purpose flour, removing the saucepan from heat. Mix vigorously until a dough forms and it pulls away from the sides of the pan, creating a smooth texture.
- Add eggs one at a time into the dough, mixing well after each addition. The dough should become smoothly incorporated and glossy.
- Pipe the choux pastry dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a piping bag for even and elegant shapes, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastries are puffed and golden brown. Do not open the oven door while baking to keep the heat stable.
- Prepare the ube cream filling by combining ube halaya, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, cornstarch, egg yolks, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Whisk together until smooth.
- Cook the filling over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. This will take about 5-7 minutes, and it should have a custard-like texture.
- Cool the ube cream filling completely before using it to fill the choux pastries. This ensures that it will hold its shape once piped in.