If you have a soft spot for delicate, airy pastries filled with vibrant, creamy goodness, then you are going to adore this Ube Cream Puffs Recipe. Imagine golden, perfectly puffed shells that hold a luscious, subtly sweet purple yam cream bursting with tropical flavor. The ube not only gives the cream a stunning lavender hue but also infuses each bite with its uniquely rich and nutty essence. These cream puffs are a wonderful twist on a classic French dessert, offering a fun pop of color and an irresistible taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ube Cream Puffs Recipe relies on simple, trustworthy ingredients that come together to create a pastry that is airy yet rich, sweet but balanced, and striking in appearance. Each component plays an essential role, from the flour that forms the structure, to the ube puree that delivers that signature flavor and color, to the luscious cream filling that brings it all home.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup, unbleached): This provides the sturdy yet light structure for the choux pastry dough that puffs beautifully in the oven.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Adds richness and helps create a tender, golden crust for the puffs.
- Water (1/2 cup): The essential liquid that hydrates the flour and allows the dough to form and steam to puff in the oven.
- Ube puree (1/2 cup): The star ingredient that gives the cream puffs their vibrant color and that unmistakable sweet, earthy flavor unique to purple yam.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Just the right amount to sweeten the dough and balance the earthiness of the ube.
- Large eggs (4, room temperature): Critical for structure and moisture; beating them in one by one ensures the perfect choux texture.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Whipped into a fluffy filling that adds luscious creaminess and contrast to the crisp pastry.
- Powdered sugar (3 tbsp): Used to sweeten the whipped cream filling and dust the tops for a delicate finishing touch.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the cream’s flavor, adding warmth that complements the ube beautifully.
How to Make Ube Cream Puffs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to a sizzling 425°F (220°C). While it heats up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cream puffs don’t stick and bake evenly. Getting the oven hot is crucial so the steam can help each puff expand into that perfect airy shell.
Step 2: Cook the Dough Base
Next, place a saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter in the water. Once it’s fully melted and the mixture is bubbling, stir in the flour all at once. Keep stirring until the dough forms a coherent ball that pulls away from the pan edges, cooking it gently for about 1 to 2 minutes to evaporate excess moisture. This step creates the foundation of your choux pastry that will rise beautifully.
Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs and Ube Puree
Remove the pan from heat and let the dough cool just enough so it won’t cook the eggs. Now, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to create a smooth, glossy dough. The eggs provide the leavening power to help puff your shells. Once fully incorporated, stir in the ube puree, which infuses the dough with its vibrant purple color and that distinctive sweet flavor.
Step 4: Shape and Bake the Puffs
With a piping bag or simply a spoon, dollop the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to give them room to puff. Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and irresistibly puffed. Resist the urge to open the oven early—a steady bake is key to maintaining their structure.
Step 5: Whip the Cream Filling
While your cream puffs cool, whip the heavy cream together with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until firm peaks form. The lightly sweetened whipped cream complements the earthy ube flavor perfectly and creates that luscious filling that makes these puffs unforgettable.
Step 6: Assemble the Ube Cream Puffs
Carefully slice the tops off the cooled puffs, spoon or pipe in a generous amount of the whipped ube cream, then replace the tops. For an elegant finish, dust the assembled puffs with powdered sugar. Each bite gives you that delightful contrast of crisp shell and dreamy cream, with a beautiful pop of ube flavor and color throughout.
How to Serve Ube Cream Puffs Recipe
Garnishes
You can easily elevate your Ube Cream Puffs Recipe with a few thoughtful garnishes. Try sprinkling a little extra powdered sugar or some toasted coconut flakes on top for added texture and a tropical twist. A light drizzle of ube syrup or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios also pairs delightfully well and makes the presentation feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Ube cream puffs are a fantastic dessert on their own but can also be served alongside fruit salads featuring tropical flavors like mango or pineapple for a refreshing complement. A hot cup of jasmine tea or a robust espresso also balances the sweetness and makes for a lovely afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party idea, create a cream puff tower by stacking puffs together with ribbons of ube cream piped between layers, kind of like a colorful croquembouche. Alternatively, turn this recipe into delightful individual parfaits by layering chopped cream puffs with whipped cream and purple yam syrup in glass cups. The purple hues will wow your guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, you can keep assembled Ube Cream Puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shells might soften slightly, but the flavors remain incredible and the cream stays luscious and fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfilled puff shells by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw at room temperature and fill with fresh whipped cream and ube puree for best results. Avoid freezing the filled cream puffs as the cream may weep upon thawing.
Reheating
To enjoy warm cream puffs with crisp shells, reheat the unfilled shells in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes. Let cool briefly before filling with the freshest whipped ube cream. This ensures your puffs have that perfect light crunch combined with cool, creamy filling.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ube puree with another flavor?
While ube puree is what gives these cream puffs their unique taste and color, you can experiment with other purees like sweet potato or taro. Just keep in mind that the flavor and color will change, and the recipe is optimized for ube’s moisture and sweetness.
Do I need to use room temperature eggs?
Yes! Room temperature eggs incorporate more easily into the dough, resulting in smoother batter and puffier shells. Cold eggs can cause the dough to seize or cook unevenly.
Can I make the whipped cream filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can whip the cream and fold in the ube puree a few hours before assembling, but be sure to keep it refrigerated and use it within the day for the best texture and flavor.
What if my cream puffs deflate after baking?
That usually means the puffs were underbaked or exposed to sudden temperature changes. Make sure to bake until golden brown and avoid opening the oven door during the first 15-20 minutes to keep steam trapped inside, which creates the puff.
Can these cream puffs be made gluten-free?
Traditional choux pastry relies on all-purpose flour for its structure, so gluten-free versions are tricky. However, some bakers have had success with specialized gluten-free flour blends designed for pastries, but expect some variation in texture.
Final Thoughts
This Ube Cream Puffs Recipe is one of those delightful desserts that’s both impressive and approachable, perfect for treating yourself and loved ones to something special. The harmonious blend of light, crisp pastry and luscious, vividly hued ube cream makes every bite a moment of pure joy. So why not gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and give this delicious recipe a try? You’re bound to create smiles and maybe even a new favorite dessert!
Print
Ube Cream Puffs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Filipino
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these vibrant and fluffy Ube Cream Puffs, featuring a light choux pastry infused with purple yam puree and filled with sweet, fluffy whipped cream. Perfect as a unique dessert or a festive treat, these cream puffs combine the earthy sweetness of ube with a classic French pastry technique for a show-stopping, colorful delight.
Ingredients
Choux Pastry
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (unbleached)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup ube puree
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
Filling
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking the cream puffs.
- Make Dough Base: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the water and unsalted butter until the butter melts fully. Stir in the all-purpose flour until the mixture forms a cohesive ball and cook for about 1-2 minutes to dry the dough slightly.
- Add Eggs and Ube Puree: Remove the pan from heat and let the dough cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing very well after each to fully incorporate and achieve a smooth batter. Then fold in the ube puree to impart the purple color and subtle flavor.
- Pipe or Spoon Dough: Transfer the batter into a piping bag or use a spoon to dollop mounds about 2 inches apart onto the prepared baking sheets, shaping evenly sized puffs.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cream puffs are puffed up and golden brown on the outside. Avoid opening the oven early to ensure proper rise.
- Prepare Filling: While the cream puffs are cooling, whip the heavy cream together with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form to create a sweet, airy filling.
- Assemble Cream Puffs: Once the puffs have cooled completely, carefully cut off their tops, fill generously with the whipped cream, replace the tops, and optionally dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the dough.
- Do not open the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking to allow proper puffing.
- Ube puree can be homemade from cooked purple yam or store-bought for convenience.
- For a firmer filling, chill whipped cream before filling; alternatively, stabilize with gelatin if desired.
- Store cream puffs in the refrigerator if filled, and consume within 2 days for freshness.
