If you’re a fan of vibrant colors and delightful flavors coming together in a light, airy dessert, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Ube Cream Puffs Recipe. These delicate puffs are a perfect marriage of tender choux pastry infused with the natural purple goodness of ube, filled generously with luscious whipped cream. Every bite offers a cloud-like texture with a subtly sweet, earthy flavor that feels both special and comforting. Whether it’s for a festive occasion or an everyday treat, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture and flavor, from the lightness of the choux pastry to the creamy, slightly sweet filling enhanced by the beautiful ube color. These simple ingredients come together to make a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (unbleached): The base of the choux pastry, giving structure without heaviness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create that delicate, flaky texture.
- 1/2 cup water: Essential for hydrating the dough and allowing it to puff up nicely in the oven.
- 1/2 cup ube puree: The star ingredient providing that gorgeous purple hue and signature sweet, earthy flavor.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances the slight earthiness of the ube with a touch of sweetness.
- 4 large eggs (room temperature): Critical for aerating and binding the dough, ensuring perfect puffiness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Whipped to creamy perfection for the indulgent filling.
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream and helps stabilize it.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting depth to the cream filling.
How to Make Ube Cream Puffs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures your choux pastry will bake evenly and not stick, setting you up for perfectly golden, puffed shells.
Step 2: Make the Choux Pastry Base
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the water and butter until the butter melts completely. Then quickly stir in the flour until the mixture pulls together into a smooth ball. This process cooks the flour, which is crucial for the right texture. Cook for about 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Ube Puree
Remove the dough from the heat and let it cool just enough so you don’t scramble the eggs. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. When the dough is smooth and sticky, fold in the vibrant ube puree, which adds its lovely purple hue and subtle flavor twist.
Step 4: Pipe and Bake the Puffs
Using a piping bag or a spoon, dollop the dough onto the parchment-lined sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow room for puffing. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the puffs are irresistibly golden brown on the outside and beautifully puffed. The result is a crisp shell that’s incredibly light inside.
Step 5: Whip the Cream Filling
While the cream puffs cool, whip the heavy cream together with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This luscious cream will be the delightful filling that complements the pastry’s slight chew and the ube flavor perfectly.
Step 6: Fill and Finish the Cream Puffs
Once cooled, carefully slice the tops off each puff. Generously fill them with the whipped cream, then replace the lids. For an extra touch of elegance and sweetness, dust with more powdered sugar if you like. Your Ube Cream Puffs Recipe comes to life right here with every filled bite promising pure delight.
How to Serve Ube Cream Puffs Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate enhance the elegance without overwhelming the delicate flavors. You can also sprinkle a pinch of toasted coconut flakes for added texture and a tropical hint that pairs beautifully with ube.
Side Dishes
These cream puffs shine as a standalone treat, but they also pair wonderfully with fresh fruit like ripe mango slices or a bright berry compote, which adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy richness. A cup of aromatic tea or freshly brewed coffee rounds out the experience perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, consider arranging these Ube Cream Puffs Recipe creations in a tiered display or placing them in decorative pastry cups. You can even fill them with different flavored whipped creams for variety, such as coconut or pandan, to delight your guests with unexpected twists.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the filled cream puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because of the whipped cream filling, they are best enjoyed within 1-2 days to maintain the freshest, fluffiest texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked but unfilled puffs by placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw completely and fill as instructed. Avoid freezing once the cream is inside to prevent sogginess.
Reheating
To refresh frozen or refrigerated puffs, warm them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to regain crispness before adding the filling. If already filled, it’s best to enjoy them cold or at room temperature to keep the cream stable.
FAQs
Can I use ube extract instead of ube puree?
Yes, you can substitute ube extract, but since it’s more concentrated and less bulky than puree, reduce the liquid in the dough slightly and adjust the color and flavor to your liking. Puree provides both moisture and texture that extract alone doesn’t.
What if I don’t have a piping bag?
No worries! You can simply use two spoons to dollop the dough onto the baking sheet. The shape might be a bit more rustic, but the taste and puffiness won’t be compromised at all.
Can I make the whipped cream filling dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use coconut cream or another stable dairy-free whipping alternative. Just make sure to chill it well before whipping, and add a touch of powdered sugar for sweetness and stability.
Why are my cream puffs not puffing up?
This often happens if the dough is too runny or if the oven temperature is off. Ensure your dough forms a stiff ball and your oven is preheated well. Also, avoid opening the oven door during baking, as the puffs can collapse from sudden temperature changes.
Can I add flavor variations to the filling?
Definitely! Ube pairs beautifully with flavors like coconut, pandan, or even a hint of citrus zest. Experiment by folding in these flavors gently to the whipped cream for a personalized touch to your Ube Cream Puffs Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Ube Cream Puffs Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a pop of color and delightful flavor to your dessert table. The combination of crispy, airy pastry and dreamy whipped cream filling makes every bite a treat to savor. I can’t wait for you to try it out and see how it brightens your day and wows your friends and family with its charm. Happy baking!
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Ube Cream Puffs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cream puffs
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Filipino
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these vibrant Ube Cream Puffs, featuring light and airy choux pastry filled with a luscious ube-infused whipped cream. This recipe combines classic French cream puffs with the unique flavor and color of ube, a purple yam popular in Filipino desserts, making for an irresistible and visually stunning treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (unbleached)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup ube puree
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make the Choux Pastry Dough: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the water and unsalted butter. Heat until the butter melts and the mixture begins to simmer. Stir in the all-purpose flour and granulated sugar all at once. Mix vigorously until the dough forms a cohesive ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Incorporate Eggs and Ube Puree: Remove the pan from heat and let the dough cool slightly for a few minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Once all eggs are mixed in and the dough is smooth and glossy, fold in the ube puree, which provides a lovely purple color and sweet flavor.
- Shape and Bake the Cream Puffs: Using a piping bag or spoon, dollop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each mound about 2 inches apart to allow for puffing. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and have fully puffed up. Avoid opening the oven door during baking to prevent them from collapsing.
- Prepare the Ube Whipped Cream Filling: While the cream puffs cool, whip the heavy cream using a mixer until it starts to thicken. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form, creating a light and sweet filling with a hint of vanilla.
- Assemble the Cream Puffs: Once the baked puffs have cooled completely, carefully slice off the tops. Generously fill the bottom halves with the ube whipped cream using a spoon or piping bag. Replace the tops and optionally dust with additional powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature for easier incorporation and better texture.
- Do not open the oven door during baking to prevent the puffs from deflating.
- Use fresh ube puree or good-quality frozen ube puree for the best flavor and vibrant color.
- The cream puffs are best served the same day but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
- For a vegan variation, substitute butter with vegan margarine and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
