The first time I tasted Ube Cream Puffs, I was transported to a cozy bakery filled with the sweet, nutty aroma of purple yam nestled in golden pastry. These delightful pastries marry a crispy shell with a creamy, dreamy filling that’s both unique and irresistible. Perfect for gatherings or a special treat at home, they’re not just beautiful to look at; they’re deceptively simple to whip up, making them an excellent choice for any home cook looking to impress. Not only do they bring a stunning pop of color to your dessert table, but they also allow for playful variations based on your taste. So, what flavor twist will you try when diving into this delightful recipe?
Why Are Ube Cream Puffs So Special?
Unforgettable Flavor: The unique flavor of ube brings a sweet and nutty taste that’s unlike any other dessert you’ve experienced.
Crispy Yet Creamy: Enjoy a perfect blend of textures with a crunchy outer shell and silky filling that melts in your mouth.
Versatile Filling: Feel free to experiment with flavors—try swapping the ube with matcha, taro, or even a classic vanilla custard.
Make-Ahead Convenience: These puffs can be made ahead of time and frozen, making them a fantastic option for impressing guests without last-minute pressure.
Gorgeous Presentation: Their vibrant purple filling ensures that your dessert table will wow your guests, not just with taste but also with stunning color.
Dive into this delightful recipe, and if you’re looking for other crowd-pleasing bites, check out my Cranberry Cream Cheese or Chili Cream Cheese dips for a flavorful spread!
Ube Cream Puffs Ingredients
For the Choux Pastry
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture to the dough; feel free to substitute with margarine for a dairy-free option.
• Whole Milk – Contributes to a creamy texture in both pastry and filling; almond milk can be used for a non-dairy variation.
• Water – Hydrates the dough, essential for steam creation; no substitution is necessary.
• Sugar – Sweetens the dough; adjust based on your taste preferences.
• Salt – Enhances flavor; you can omit if you need to limit sodium intake.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; consider using a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
• Eggs (4 large) – Binds the ingredients and gives the pastry lift; for vegan options, aquafaba works well.
For the Ube Filling
• Ube Halaya (mashed sweet purple yam) – Infuses the filling with natural sweetness and color; store-bought is a convenient choice, just check the sugar levels.
• Heavy Cream – Adds richness and helps achieve a silky texture; substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
• Cornstarch – Thickens the ube filling; arrowroot powder can be used as a replacement if needed.
• Egg Yolks (2) – Adds richness and stabilizes the filling; opt for a mixture of flaxseed meal and water for a vegan substitute.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor profile; it’s optional but highly recommended for a fragrant touch.
Now, dive in and bring these Ube Cream Puffs to life! Your friends and family will be enchanted by both the taste and the stunning appearance.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Ube Cream Puffs
Step 1: Prepare the Choux Pastry
In a medium saucepan, combine ½ cup unsalted butter, 1 cup whole milk, 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons sugar, and a pinch of salt. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat. Once boiling, remove from the heat and add 1 cup all-purpose flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball.
Step 2: Incorporate the Eggs
Let the choux pastry cool for about 5 minutes to avoid scrambling the eggs. Add 4 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is glossy and smooth. To check if it’s ready, the dough should hold its shape when piped. Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper while you let the dough rest for a moment.
Step 3: Pipe the Pastry
Using a piping bag fitted with a large round tip, pipe 2-inch rounds of the choux pastry onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Make sure each round is uniform in size for even baking. Once piped, gently smooth any peaks with a wet finger to ensure a nice, rounded puff.
Step 4: Bake the Cream Puffs
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the Ube Cream Puffs for 10 minutes. After this, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes. The puffs should be golden brown and firm to the touch. Avoid opening the oven door during baking, as this can cause them to deflate.
Step 5: Cool the Pastry
Once baked, remove the cream puffs from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. This will help them maintain their shape and crispiness. While they cool, start preparing the ube filling to ensure everything is fresh and ready for assembly.
Step 6: Make the Ube Filling
In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together 1 cup ube halaya, ½ cup whole milk, ½ cup heavy cream, ¼ cup sugar, and 2 tablespoons cornstarch. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens—about 5 to 7 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat, stir in 2 egg yolks and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then let it cool to room temperature.
Step 7: Assemble the Cream Puffs
Once both the choux pastry and ube filling have cooled, poke a small hole in the bottom of each puff using a knife or straw. Fill a piping bag with the ube filling and carefully inject the filling into each puff until they feel slightly heavier in your hands.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
For a beautiful finishing touch, dust the assembled Ube Cream Puffs with powdered sugar just before serving. These delicate pastries are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, perfect for impressing guests at your next gathering.
Expert Tips for Ube Cream Puffs
• Proper Cooking: Make sure your choux pastry is fully cooked; undercooked pastry can lead to deflated puffs. Keep an eye on the baking time!
• Cool Before Filling: Always let the pastries cool completely before adding the ube cream. This prevents moisture from making them soggy.
• Adjust Sweetness: If using store-bought ube halaya, taste it first; you may not need to add extra sugar to the filling.
• Piping Technique: Use a large round tip for piping to ensure uniformity. This helps the Ube Cream Puffs bake evenly and look professional!
• Filling Technique: Poke a small hole at the bottom for easier filling. Overfilling can cause the puffs to burst, so go slow and steady!
• Make-Ahead Options: You can freeze unfilled pastries for up to two months. Just re-crisp them in the oven before serving for that fresh-baked experience!
What to Serve with Dreamy Ube Cream Puffs
These delightful pastries are sure to steal the spotlight at any gathering, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience to new heights.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries offer a tart contrast that beautifully complements the sweet ube filling, adding vibrant color to your dessert spread.
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Coconut Ice Cream: The creamy coconut flavor harmonizes with ube’s nutty notes while providing a refreshing, tropical twist that will transport you to paradise with each bite.
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Matcha Green Tea: This earthy beverage not only enhances the flavors of the cream puffs but also introduces a calming balance, making it a sophisticated pairing for your guests.
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Whipped Cream: Adding a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream creates an indulgently creamy experience that accentuates the silky filling of the ube cream puffs.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over your cream puffs adds a rich depth of flavor, inviting a delightful contrast to the light and airy dessert.
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Lemon Sorbet: This zesty sorbet refreshingly cuts through the sweetness of the puffs while providing a lovely palate cleanser between bites.
These pairings not only enhance the joy of your Ube Cream Puffs but also create a delightful spread that will leave your guests talking long after the last crumb is gone. Enjoy exploring these delicious combinations!
How to Store and Freeze Ube Cream Puffs
Fridge: Store filled Ube Cream Puffs in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. Enjoy them chilled for the best taste experience.
Freezer: Freeze unfilled choux pastries on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to an airtight container. They can be stored for up to 2 months; bake until crisp before serving.
Reheating: To restore crispness, reheat frozen unfilled puffs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.
Filling Storage: If you have leftover ube filling, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Give it a stir before using it again!
Make Ahead Options
These Ube Cream Puffs are perfect for meal prep, allowing busy cooks to enjoy delicious desserts without last-minute stress! You can prepare the choux pastry up to 24 hours in advance—just pipe the rounds and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For the ube filling, it can be made and refrigerated for up to 3 days, ensuring you have a silky, ready-to-use filling when you’re set to assemble. To maintain quality, make sure the pastry is completely cooled before storing, preventing any sogginess. When it’s time to serve, simply fill the pastries with the chilled ube cream, dust with powdered sugar, and enjoy the delightful, fresh flavors of your homemade Ube Cream Puffs!
Ube Cream Puffs Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with your Ube Cream Puffs—experimenting with flavors and ingredients is half the fun!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use almond milk for a delightful, creamy filling that everyone can enjoy.
- Gluten-Free: Switch all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to ensure that those avoiding gluten can indulge in the delightful treat.
- Vegan: Replace eggs with aquafaba and use a plant-based cream alternative for the filling. Your puffs will still be airy and delicious!
- Flavor Boost: Experiment with the filling by mixing in a touch of cardamom or cinnamon for a warm spice twist that elevates the flavor profile wonderfully.
- Sweet Substitute: For a unique twist, consider replacing ube halaya with sweet red bean paste or even a yogurt-based filling to surprise your taste buds!
- Creative Shapes: Instead of traditional puffs, pipe the dough into mini eclairs for a delightful variation that enhances the presentation.
- Texture Twist: Add finely chopped nuts or even toasted coconut to the filling for a crunchy element that complements the creamy consistency beautifully.
- Fiery Kick: Mix a bit of chili powder or cayenne into the ube filling for those who crave a spicy twist—simplifying the classic dessert into something more daring.
Dive into creating your own Ube Cream Puffs, and if you’re interested in other delightful flavors, consider trying out my Cinnamon Sugar Cream for a sweet dose of inspiration!
Ube Cream Puffs Recipe FAQs
What’s the best way to select ripe ube for my filling?
Absolutely! When choosing ube, look for firm tubers with smooth, even skin. Avoid any that have dark spots or soft areas, as these can indicate spoilage. Squeeze gently; they should yield slightly without feeling mushy. Fresh ube will also have a vibrant purple hue that hints at its sweet and nutty flavor.
How should I store filled Ube Cream Puffs?
Filled Ube Cream Puffs are best stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. This helps maintain their delicate texture. Before serving, enjoy them chilled for a refreshing treat. If you notice them getting a bit soggy, don’t worry—just enjoy them right away for the best flavor!
Can I freeze Ube Cream Puffs? If so, how?
Very much so! To freeze unfilled Ube Cream Puffs, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, until they are beautifully crisp again.
What should I do if my choux pastry doesn’t puff up?
Don’t worry! If your choux pastry doesn’t rise as expected, it might be due to undercooking or not enough steam. Ensure you cook the butter and water mixture to a rolling boil before adding the flour. Also, avoid opening the oven door during baking, as this can cause them to collapse. If you feel really unsure about the results, just try again!
Can I adjust the sweetness of the ube filling?
Absolutely! If you’re using store-bought ube halaya, taste it first before adding extra sugar. It often has a good balance of sweetness already. For a lighter option, you could also reduce the sugar gradually until you find the flavor balance that works best for you—everyone’s palate is different!
Are Ube Cream Puffs pet-friendly?
Not quite! Ube is not toxic to pets, but the other ingredients like sugar and cream are not ideal for their diets. It’s best to keep these delightful pastries out of reach from furry friends and stick to pet-safe treats to keep them happy and healthy!
Heavenly Ube Cream Puffs That Will Wow Your Tastebuds
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan, combine ½ cup unsalted butter, 1 cup whole milk, 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons sugar, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat.
- Remove from heat and add 1 cup all-purpose flour, stirring until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a ball.
- Let the pastry cool for about 5 minutes, then add 4 large eggs, mixing well after each addition until glossy.
- Using a piping bag, pipe 2-inch rounds onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced 2 inches apart.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 10 minutes, then reduce to 350°F (175°C) for an additional 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a saucepan, whisk together 1 cup ube halaya, ½ cup whole milk, ½ cup heavy cream, ¼ cup sugar, and 2 tablespoons cornstarch over medium heat until thickened.
- Remove from heat, stir in 2 egg yolks and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then let cool.
- Poke a small hole in the bottom of each puff, fill with the ube filling using a piping bag.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve chilled or at room temperature.
