Dreamy Decadent Ube Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Magical ube cinnamon rolls sparkle with unexpected purple charm that beckons sweet adventurers.

These stunning pastries blend Filipino and American baking traditions in one delightful twist.

Soft dough swirls with vibrant purple ube flavor, creating a mesmerizing visual and taste experience.

Warm spices dance alongside creamy ube, promising something extraordinary for breakfast or dessert.

Each bite delivers a luxurious combination of comfort and surprise.

Pillowy rolls draped in cream cheese frosting invite you to savor something truly special.

You won’t be able to resist these stunning purple-hued treats that redefine classic cinnamon rolls.

Best Tips For Decadent Ube Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting

• Yeast Activation Hack: Ensure your milk is warm (not hot) to prevent killing the yeast, which can lead to dense, flat rolls.
• Ube Consistency Check: Use smooth, well-blended ube halaya for an even purple color and consistent texture throughout the dough.
• Dough Kneading Technique: Knead until the dough becomes smooth and springs back when gently pressed, indicating proper gluten development.
• Rising Environment Tip: Place the dough in a slightly warm, draft-free area like a turned-off oven with the light on to promote optimal rising.
• Frosting Consistency Trick: Adjust cream cheese frosting thickness by adding powdered sugar to thicken or milk to thin, creating the perfect spreadable texture.

How To Store And Reheat Decadent Ube Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover ube cinnamon rolls to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover rolls completely to prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 300°F. Wrap rolls in aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through, preserving soft texture.
• Microwave Quick Option: Reheat individual rolls for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Add a small splash of water to keep rolls moist and prevent hardening.

Perfect Pairings For Decadent Ube Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting

• Pair with Tropical Tea Delight: Brew a light, fragrant jasmine or green tea that complements the ube's subtle sweetness and enhances the cinnamon's warmth.
• Match with Coconut Beverage Bliss: Serve chilled coconut water or a creamy coconut latte to echo the ube's tropical roots and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich rolls.
• Complement with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Top the warm cinnamon rolls with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, creating a heavenly combination of temperatures and textures that highlights the ube's unique flavor profile.
• Elevate with Philippine-Inspired Drink: Enjoy alongside a traditional salabat (ginger tea) or calamansi juice, which brings out the rolls' Filipino-inspired essence and adds a bright, zesty note.

Creative Twists On Decadent Ube Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting

• Purple Paradise: Replace ube halaya with purple sweet potato puree for a more rustic, earthy flavor profile that maintains the vibrant purple color and adds extra nutritional value.
• Tropical Fusion: Incorporate shredded coconut into the filling and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top of the cream cheese frosting for a Hawaiian-inspired tropical twist.
• Nutty Crunch: Mix chopped macadamia nuts or roasted cashews into the cinnamon filling for added texture and a rich, buttery undertone that complements the ube's creamy essence.
• Spiced Sensation: Enhance the filling by adding ground cardamom and a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon mixture, creating a warm, complex spice blend that elevates the traditional cinnamon roll flavor.

Your Questions About Decadent Ube Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting

• What is ube and why is it special in this recipe?

Ube is a purple yam from the Philippines with a naturally sweet, slightly nutty flavor. It adds a beautiful purple color and unique taste to these cinnamon rolls, making them extra special and visually stunning.

• Can I use regular yam instead of ube?

While you can substitute, the flavor and color will be different. Ube has a distinct taste and vibrant purple hue that makes these rolls unique. Regular yams won’t provide the same magical result.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these rolls?

A stand mixer with a dough hook is helpful but not essential. You can absolutely make these rolls by hand with a mixing bowl and some elbow grease. A rolling pin and a 9×13 baking dish are the main tools you’ll need.

• How do I know if my yeast is active?

The yeast is ready when it becomes frothy and foamy after 5-10 minutes in warm milk. If it doesn’t bubble or look alive, your yeast might be old or the liquid was too hot or cold. Fresh yeast is key to perfect rise.

Why Decadent Ube Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting Look So Good

• Vibrant Purple Elegance: Ube's stunning purple hue transforms ordinary cinnamon rolls into a visually stunning and Instagram-worthy dessert that will impress guests and family alike.
• Luxurious Flavor Fusion: The unique combination of traditional cinnamon roll warmth with the sweet, slightly nutty ube flavor creates a delightful twist on a classic comfort food that tantalizes taste buds.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking Adventure: This recipe offers a simple, step-by-step process that allows home bakers of all skill levels to create professional-looking bakery-quality rolls with minimal technical expertise and maximum deliciousness.
• Comfort-Meets-Creativity: The soft, pillowy texture of the rolls combined with the creamy cream cheese frosting provides a perfect balance of comfort and innovative Filipino-inspired culinary creativity that feels both familiar and exciting.

Ingredients For Decadent Ube Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting

• Warm Milk: Helps activate the yeast and creates a soft, tender texture.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise and creating a light, fluffy texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to the dough.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure to the dough.
• Ube Halaya: Gives a unique purple color and sweet, creamy flavor to the rolls.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
• All-Purpose Flour: The main structure of the rolls, creating a soft and pillowy texture.

• Softened Butter: Helps spread the filling evenly and adds richness.
• Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Create a classic, sweet, and warm filling for the rolls.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Provide a creamy, rich base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor.
• Milk: Adjusts the consistency of the frosting.

How To Bake Decadent Ube Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Awaken the Yeast

Pour warm milk into a spacious mixing bowl. Sprinkle yeast and sugar, then let it dance and bubble for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and alive.

• Warm milk
• Active dry yeast
• Granulated sugar

Whisk the mixture gently, watching the yeast come to life.

Step 2: Craft the Magical Dough

• Melted butter
• Eggs
• Ube halaya
• Salt

Gradually fold in flour until a soft, pillowy dough emerges. Knead on a flour-dusted surface, working the dough with loving hands for 8-10 minutes. The texture should feel smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Allow the Dough to Rest

Nestle the dough into a greased bowl, drape with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a cozy spot for 1-1.5 hours. Watch it transform and grow.

Step 4: Create the Flavor-Packed Filling

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Mix until the ingredients become a delectable, fragrant spread.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Roll the dough into a large rectangle. Lavish the filling across the surface, leaving a small border. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then slice into 12 perfect rounds.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish. Let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until beautifully puffy.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Heat the oven to 375F (190C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 8: Whip Up the Creamy Topping

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Add milk slowly to reach the perfect drizzling consistency.

Step 9: Finish with Fabulous Frosting

Generously spread the cream cheese topping over warm rolls. Serve immediately and savor every delightful bite!

Decadent Ube Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sinful Ube Cinnamon Rolls elevate breakfast with Philippine purple yam’s rich, creamy sweetness and warm spice. Silky cream cheese frosting crowns these luxurious rolls, promising pure comfort in each heavenly bite.

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Ingredients

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For the Dough:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters/8 fluid ounces) warm milk
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (125 grams) ube halaya (purple yam jam)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 cups (480 grams) all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) milk (for consistency)

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Instructions

1. Awaken the yeast by dissolving it in warm milk with a sprinkle of sugar. Allow the mixture to transform into a frothy, bubbly concoction, signaling the yeast’s activation.
2. Incorporate melted butter, eggs, ube halaya, and salt into the yeast mixture, creating a vibrant purple-hued base. Gradually fold in flour until a soft, pliable dough emerges.
3. Massage the dough on a flour-dusted surface, working it until smooth and elastic. The kneading process develops gluten, promising a tender texture.
4. Nestle the dough in a greased bowl, drape with a damp cloth, and let it luxuriate in a warm environment. Watch as it doubles in volume, a testament to the yeast’s magical transformation.
5. Gently deflate the risen dough and roll it into a generous rectangle. Blend softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a tantalizing filling.
6. Spread the aromatic filling across the dough, leaving a narrow border. Roll the dough into a tight log, creating mesmerizing swirls of ube and cinnamon.
7. Slice the log into 12 uniform rounds, arranging them in a greased baking dish. Allow a second rise, watching the rolls become delightfully puffy.
8. Heat the oven to 375F and bake until the rolls transform into a golden, fragrant masterpiece.
9. Whip cream cheese and butter into a silky smooth base. Fold in powdered sugar and vanilla, adjusting with milk to achieve the perfect frosting consistency.
10. Lavish the warm rolls with a generous layer of cream cheese frosting, creating a decadent finale to this ube-infused treat.

Notes

• Select high-quality ube halaya for the most vibrant purple color and rich flavor profile.
• Use instant yeast at room temperature to ensure proper dough rising and optimal texture.
• Accurately measure flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling with a knife to prevent dense rolls.
• Proof dough in a warm, draft-free area like a turned-off oven with a pan of hot water to create ideal rising conditions.
• Allow cream cheese and butter to soften naturally at room temperature for 30 minutes before preparing frosting for smoother blending.
• Customize rolls by adding toasted coconut flakes or chopped macadamia nuts into the filling for extra crunch and tropical flair.
• Make ahead by refrigerating assembled rolls overnight, then baking fresh in the morning for convenient breakfast preparation.
• Adapt for gluten-free diets by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and adding xanthan gum for structure.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Filipino

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg