There’s an enchanting delight that fills my kitchen when I prepare Ube Cream Puffs. The moment you open that piping hot oven and see the golden-brown domes puffing up, it’s like a little piece of magic has come to life. The first time I made these, I couldn’t believe how effortlessly they came together, transforming simple ingredients into a mouthwatering treat.
Imagine the soft, airy dough giving way to a sweet and creamy ube ice cream filling, all drizzled with a velvety glaze. Whether I’m hosting friends for a weekend gathering or simply treating myself to something special after a long day, these cream puffs are the answer. They’re not just desserts; they’re joyous little bites that elevate any occasion. Let’s dive into the whimsical world of Ube Cream Puffs, where traditions meet modern indulgence—your taste buds will thank you!
Why are Ube Cream Puffs a Must-Try?
Irresistible flavor: Each bite combines the sweetness of ube with rich, creamy ice cream, creating a uniquely delightful experience.
Simple preparation: Even beginner cooks can whip these up, with a straightforward process that still impresses!
Showstopper dessert: Perfect for gatherings, these vibrant puffs add flair to any table, charming your guests.
Customizable: Whether you stick with ube ice cream or explore other flavors, the possibilities are endless.
Fun presentation: Enjoy assembling them with friends or family, making dessert a memorable occasion.
Don’t forget to check out our guide on the best Ube desserts for more inspiration!
Ube Cream Puffs Ingredients
Get ready to indulge in a delightful treat that promises a burst of ube goodness!
For the Dough
- ½ Cup Flour – Sifted for a light and airy texture that’s perfect for puffing up.
- ¼ Teaspoon Salt – Enhances the overall flavor, balancing the sweetness of the ube.
- ½ Cup Water – Keeps the dough moist and aids in puff formation.
- 4 Tablespoons Soft Butter – Adds a rich, buttery flavor that enhances the texture.
- ½ Teaspoon Super Fine Sugar – Just a hint of sweetness to complement the ube.
- 2 Eggs – Whisked to provide structure and create that lovely, airy puff.
For the Ube Glaze
- 2 Tablespoons Ube Cookie Butter – This ingredient gives the glaze its signature ube flavor, ensuring every bite bursts with sweetness.
- ⅓ Cup Powdered Sugar – Creates a perfect sweet contrast to the creamy filling.
- 1 Tablespoon Milk – Adjusts the consistency of the glaze to a gooey perfection.
For the Filling
- Ube Ice Cream – A delicious scoop makes for a creamy center that melts in your mouth!
- 2-3 pieces Ube Polvoron – Frozen, they add a delightful crunch on top, elevating your Ube Cream Puffs to the next level.
Feel free to get creative with the filling and presentation—these Ube Cream Puffs are your culinary canvas!
How to Make Ube Cream Puffs
-
Preheat and Mix: Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a small bowl, mix the flour and salt together, setting the stage for your creamy dough.
-
Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine water, soft butter, and sugar. Heat over medium heat until the mixture comes to a gentle boil, releasing fragrant notes of buttery goodness.
-
Create the Dough: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and stir in the flour-salt mixture. Blend well with a wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball.
-
Cool Down: Transfer the dough into a bowl and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together the eggs in a separate small bowl to prepare them for the next step.
-
Mix in Eggs: Gradually add the whisked eggs to the cooled dough, mixing until the batter is smooth and silky. Use a spatula to smooth down the sides of your bowl for an even consistency.
-
Pipe the Dough: Get your piping bag ready with a 2 cm plain tip! Fill the bag with your delicious dough and pipe out 2-inch domes on a baking sheet lined with a silicon mat, ensuring there’s space in between each puff.
-
Prepare for Baking: Take a moment to dip your finger in water and gently pat down any spikes from the piped dough. This step ensures a lovely, smooth finish!
-
Bake Perfectly: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Afterward, reduce the temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until they’re golden brown and puffed up nicely.
-
Make the Ube Glaze: In a bowl, mix together the Ube Cookie Butter and powdered sugar. Gradually add milk to achieve a gooey consistency, adjusting as needed until it’s just right.
-
Assemble the Puffs: Cut each puff in half and fill with a generous scoop of Ube Ice Cream. Drizzle your luscious Ube Glaze on top and sprinkle with grated frozen Ube Polvoron for that added crunch.
-
Serve or Share: Enjoy the fun of assembling all your puffs, or set out the ingredients for a DIY dessert explosion with family or friends!
Optional: Garnish with extra ube polvoron for a delightful crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Ube Cream Puffs are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy this sweet treat with minimal fuss! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing it and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before piping it onto the baking sheet. The Ube Glaze can also be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days; simply re-whisk before serving to restore its gooey consistency. When you’re ready to indulge, bake the puffs and fill them with Ube Ice Cream right before serving for a delightful dessert experience that feels just as special!
Ube Cream Puffs Variations
Feel free to get creative and add your special twist to these delightful puffs!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and coconut butter for a creamy delight.
- Flavorful Fillings: Swap out ube ice cream with chocolate or mango to create a vibrant flavor explosion. Just imagine the sweetness melding perfectly in each bite!
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these puffs accessible without losing their airy texture. Just ensure to follow the measurements carefully!
- Savory Surprise: Add a pinch of garlic powder and cheese to the dough for a savory twist, elevating them to a perfect appetizer. Picture serving these at your next gathering; they’ll be a hit!
- Add Some Heat: Incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper in the glaze for a sweet and spicy marriage of flavors, making your dessert unexpectedly thrilling.
- Nutty Texture: Fold in crushed nuts, like pistachios or almonds, into the cream filling to add a delightful crunch with every bite.
- Mini-Magic: Create bite-sized puffs instead of the traditional larger ones for a delightful appetizer or snack. Perfect for parties and more manageable for sharing!
- Chocolate Drizzle: Top your Ube Cream Puffs with a dark chocolate drizzle for an elegant finish that beautifully contrasts with the sweetness of ube. The rich chocolate will invite everyone to come back for seconds!
Expert Tips for Ube Cream Puffs
Room Temperature Eggs: Use eggs at room temperature to ensure they blend smoothly into the dough, creating a light texture for your Ube Cream Puffs.
Avoid Overmixing: After adding the eggs, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense puffs instead of airy, delicious ones.
Oven Door Caution: Resist the urge to open the oven door while baking! This can cause the puffs to deflate. Wait until the baking time is complete.
Perfect Piping: For uniform puffs, practice piping on parchment paper first or use a template beneath your silicon mat. This can help keep shapes consistent.
Cool Down Properly: Allow puffs to cool fully on a wire rack. This prevents a soggy bottom and keeps them crisp for longer when filled with ice cream.
What to Serve with Ube Cream Puffs?
Elevate your dessert experience with delightful pairings that complement the airy sweetness of these delightful treats.
-
Fresh Fruit Medley: A mix of berries and tropical fruits adds brightness and a touch of tartness, balancing the creamy sweetness.
-
Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, this topping enhances the dessert’s tropical vibes while adding a rich, creamy texture that customers adore.
-
Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce creates an indulgent contrast, making each bite a sumptuous experience.
-
Espresso or Coffee: The bold bitterness of coffee perfectly offsets the sweetness of the Ube Cream Puffs, making it an ideal pairing for coffee lovers.
-
Macha Green Tea: This earthy drink complements the dessert’s sweet flavors while adding a refreshing counterpoint that tickles the palate.
-
Almond Cookies: These crunchy cookies provide a delightful textural contrast, with their nutty notes enhancing the overall flavor profile.
-
Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats echo the tropical theme and offer a satisfying bite that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.
-
Lemon Sorbet: A scoop of zesty lemon sorbet adds a refreshing zing, brightening up each bite with its tangy flavor.
-
Matcha Milkshake: The creaminess of this shake complements the Ube flavors while bringing in a vibrant green color for a visual delight.
How to Store and Freeze Ube Cream Puffs
Room Temperature: Enjoy your Ube Cream Puffs fresh for up to 2 hours at room temperature, but avoid leaving them out longer to maintain optimal texture.
Fridge: Store any leftover cream puffs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be aware that refrigeration may affect their crispness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unfilled puffs for up to 2 months. Ensure they’re well-wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in an airtight freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: To enjoy frozen puffs, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore their delightful crispness before filling with ice cream.
Ube Cream Puffs Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ube for the filling?
Absolutely! When selecting ube, look for firm, unblemished tubers with a vibrant purple color. Avoid any that have dark spots or soft areas, as these may be past their prime. Fresh ube will yield the best flavor for your cream puffs!
How should I store leftover Ube Cream Puffs?
Very! If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, keep in mind that the cream puffs may lose their crispness over time. To maintain texture, eat them as soon as possible for the full delightful experience!
Can I freeze Ube Cream Puffs?
Absolutely! To freeze unfilled puffs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore their lovely texture.
What could cause my cream puffs to deflate?
A common issue that leads to deflation is premature opening of the oven door while baking. The sudden change in temperature can cause the puffs to collapse. I always recommend waiting until the baking time is complete. Additionally, make sure your dough is fully mixed before baking, but avoid overmixing, as this can also result in dense puffs.
Can I use other ice cream flavors besides ube?
The more the merrier! While ube ice cream is a fantastic choice that really complements the cream puffs’ flavor, you can definitely experiment with other flavors like coconut or vanilla. Just be mindful that the overall flavor profile might change, so choose something that pairs well with the sweet ube glaze.
Are Ube Cream Puffs safe for my pets?
Very! It’s essential to keep these delightful treats away from pets, as the sweetness from sugar and ice cream isn’t suitable for them. If you want to treat your furry friends, consider making a special recipe just for them that doesn’t include harmful ingredients!
Delicious Ube Cream Puffs: A Sweet Twist to Impress Friends
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a small bowl, mix the flour and salt together.
- In a saucepan, combine water, soft butter, and sugar. Heat until it comes to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low and stir in the flour-salt mixture. Blend until dough forms a ball.
- Transfer the dough into a bowl and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes.
- Gradually add the whisked eggs to the cooled dough, mixing until smooth.
- Pipe out 2-inch domes on a baking sheet lined with a silicon mat.
- Gently pat down any spikes from the piped dough with a wet finger.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the temperature to 350°F and bake for another 5 minutes.
- Mix together Ube Cookie Butter and powdered sugar, adding milk to achieve the right consistency for the glaze.
- Cut each puff in half and fill with a scoop of Ube Ice Cream. Drizzle with Ube Glaze and sprinkle with grated Ube Polvoron.
- Enjoy assembling or serve as a DIY dessert with family or friends!