How to Make Ube Buchi for Dessert Fans

If you’re a dessert fan who loves exploring vibrant and unique flavors, then you’re going to fall in love with Ube Buchi. This delightful Filipino treat combines the sweet, earthy notes of purple yam with a crispy, golden exterior that’s perfect for snacking or sharing. Ube Buchi offers a wonderful balance of chewy, creamy, and crunchy textures, making it a perfect dessert for those craving something truly special. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious recipe at home with ease!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold, Unique Flavor: Ube Buchi uses purple yam, giving it a distinct, sweet flavor that stands out among typical desserts.
• Textural Delight: Crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside, every bite is full of contrasting textures.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with easy-to-find ingredients that come together quickly for a homemade treat.
• Perfect Snack Size: These bite-sized balls are great for sharing or enjoying as a quick sweet bite anytime.
• Adaptable Recipe: You can tweak flavors and fillings to suit your taste or dietary needs effortlessly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for making Ube Buchi are straightforward yet essential, each contributing to the texture, flavor, or vibrant purple color of this dessert. Having fresh or powdered ube will bring out the signature taste, while glutinous rice flour ensures the perfect chewy bite.

• Glutinous Rice Flour: Provides the chewy texture that’s key to authentic Ube Buchi.
• Ube Halaya or Purple Yam Paste: The star ingredient that gives the sweet, earthy purple flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the natural flavors with the perfect hint of sweetness.
• Water or Coconut Milk: Used to bind the dough, coconut milk adds subtle richness.
• Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle on the outside for a toasted, nutty flavor and appealing crunch.
• Vegetable Oil: For deep-frying to a golden, crispy finish.

Variations for Ube Buchi

One of the best parts of making Ube Buchi is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to add an extra dimension of flavor or tweak it for dietary preferences, these variations can help personalize your batch!

• Cheese Filling: Add a small cube of cheese inside each ball for a savory-sweet surprise.
• Coconut Sugar: Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free glutinous rice flour blends to keep it compatible with gluten sensitivities.
• Dessert Fusion: Mix in a little crushed pinipig (toasted rice flakes) for an extra textural crunch.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use coconut milk and ensure fillings are plant-based to keep the recipe vegan-friendly.

How to Make Ube Buchi

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by mixing the glutinous rice flour with the ube halaya, sugar, and enough water or coconut milk to form a pliable dough. It should feel soft but not sticky, ready to hold shape for frying.

Step 2: Shape the Balls

Pinch off small portions of the dough, about the size of a ping-pong ball, and roll them between your palms until smooth and round. If you’re adding fillings like cheese, flatten the dough, place the filling inside, then seal and roll.

Step 3: Coat with Sesame Seeds

Roll each ball in a shallow dish filled with sesame seeds, pressing lightly to ensure they stick all around. This adds flavor and a great crunch once fried.

Step 4: Heat the Oil and Fry

Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to about 350°F (175°C). Fry the balls in batches, turning occasionally to get an even, golden brown crust. Once done, transfer them to a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow the Ube Buchi to cool slightly before serving to enjoy the perfect chewy and crispy combination.

Pro Tips for Making Ube Buchi

• Don’t Overload the Oil: Fry in small batches to maintain consistent temperature for even cooking.
• Use Fresh Ube Paste: Fresh or good quality ube halaya enhances flavor, so avoid substitutes that limit authenticity.
• Test One Ball First: Fry a small test piece to check oil temperature and dough texture before cooking the entire batch.
• Handle Dough Gently: Over-kneading can make the dough tough; mix just until combined and smooth.
• Serve Warm: Ube Buchi tastes best warm when the exterior is crisp and the inside still soft.

How to Serve Ube Buchi

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds or powdered sugar on top for an added finishing touch that looks beautiful and enhances the flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside fresh tropical fruits like mango or mango sticky rice for a balanced, sweet experience, or pair with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a comforting combo.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange Ube Buchi on a colorful serving tray with edible flowers or banana leaves to bring out that authentic Filipino vibe and wow your guests visually.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Ube Buchi in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate to keep them fresh for 2-3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked Ube Buchi balls by placing them on a parchment-lined tray, freezing them until firm, and then transferring them to a freezer bag. Fry straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to cooking time.

Reheating

Reheat by lightly frying or baking at low temperature to restore crispiness without drying out the chewy center.

FAQs

What if I can’t find ube halaya?

If fresh ube halaya isn’t available, you can use ube powder rehydrated with water or coconut milk, or substitute purple yam puree, but the flavor may vary slightly.

Can I bake Ube Buchi instead of frying?

While frying gives that classic crispiness, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes for a healthier version. The texture will be less crispy but still delightful.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough, shape the balls, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying.

Is Ube Buchi gluten-free?

Since it’s made with glutinous rice flour, Ube Buchi is naturally gluten-free, but always check labels if you have gluten sensitivities.

What fillings go well with Ube Buchi?

Classic options include cheese, sweetened red bean paste, or even chocolate chips for a fun twist.

Final Thoughts

Trying your hand at making Ube Buchi is like taking a flavorful trip to the Philippines from your own kitchen. It’s simple, fun, and incredibly rewarding to savor these sweet purple yam treats warm, fresh, and crispy. If you love dessert adventures, Ube Buchi is a must-try that will quickly become a favorite to share with friends and family. Grab your ingredients and dive in — you’ll be delighting your taste buds and impressing dessert fans everywhere!

Related Posts

• Why Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Almonds Delight
• Easy Instant Pot Cheesecake You Must Try

Print