Name: Ube Donuts
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 40 min
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup warm milk; 1/2 cup ube halaya or ube jam; 1 large egg; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon ube extract; Toasted coconut flakes (optional); Sprinkles (optional); White chocolate drizzle (optional)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Ube Donuts are soft, airy, and packed with sweet earthy flavor. The ube gives them a beautiful purple color and a rich taste that pairs perfectly with glazes and toppings. They are fun to make and look impressive while still being simple enough for home baking.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the donuts:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup warm milk
1/2 cup ube halaya or ube jam
1 large egg
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

For the glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon ube extract

Optional toppings:

Toasted coconut flakes
Sprinkles
White chocolate drizzle

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.

Add the warm milk, ube jam, egg, and softened butter.

Mix until a soft dough forms.

Knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size.

Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness.

Cut out donut shapes using a donut cutter or round cutters.

Place the donuts on a parchment-lined tray and let them rise again for 30 minutes.

Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).

Fry the donuts in batches for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

Transfer the donuts to a wire rack to cool slightly.

Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and ube extract to make the glaze.

Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze and decorate with optional toppings.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10 to 12 donuts

Prep time: 25 minutes

Rising time: 2 hours

Cook time: 15 minutes

Total time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Variations

Fill the donuts with ube cream or custard.

Bake the donuts instead of frying for a lighter version.

Add cream cheese frosting instead of glaze.

Top with crushed cookies or toasted nuts for extra texture.

Use purple sweet potato puree if ube is unavailable.

Storage/Reheating

Store Ube Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Refrigerate for up to 5 days for longer freshness.

Reheat briefly in the microwave for a softer texture before serving.

Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months.

FAQs

What is ube?

Ube is a purple yam commonly used in Filipino desserts with a sweet, nutty vanilla-like flavor.

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?

Yes. Bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 12 to 15 minutes.

Why is my dough sticky?

Ube jam adds moisture, so lightly flour your surface and hands while kneading.

Can I use active dry yeast?

Yes. Activate it in warm milk before mixing with the other ingredients.

What oil is best for frying donuts?

Neutral oils such as vegetable oil or canola oil work best.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes. Refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise.

Why are my donuts dense?

The dough may not have risen long enough or may have been overworked.

Can I freeze the donuts?

Yes. Freeze unglazed donuts and thaw before glazing and serving.

What toppings pair well with Ube Donuts?

Toasted coconut, white chocolate, sprinkles, or crushed nuts pair wonderfully.

Can I use fresh ube instead of ube jam?

Yes. Cooked and mashed ube can be used, though the flavor may be less sweet.

Conclusion

Ube Donuts are soft, fluffy, and filled with sweet purple yam flavor and vibrant color. Whether glazed, filled, or topped with fun decorations, these homemade donuts are a delicious and eye-catching treat perfect for any occasion.

Ube Donuts

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Ube Donuts are soft and fluffy homemade donuts flavored with sweet purple yam for a unique vanilla-like taste and vibrant purple color. These lightly sweet donuts are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or special occasions.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 10 to 12 donuts
Category: Dessert
Method: Fry
Cuisine: Filipino
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt.
Add the warm milk, ube jam, egg, and softened butter.
Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size.
Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness.
Cut out donut shapes using a donut cutter or round cutters.
Place the donuts on a parchment-lined tray and let them rise again for 30 minutes.
Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the donuts in batches for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Transfer the donuts to a wire rack to cool slightly.
Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and ube extract to make the glaze.
Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze and decorate with optional toppings.

Notes

Bake the donuts at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes for a lighter version.
Use neutral oils such as vegetable or canola oil for frying.
Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months.
Toasted coconut and white chocolate pair especially well with ube flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 donut
Calories: 260 kcal
Sugar: 16 g
Sodium: 140 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 30 mg