Double body ( Ube)

Double-body ube bread is a unique Filipino bread recipe featuring two layers or sections of dough: one plain and one infused with ube (purple yam) flavor and color. This bread is soft, sweet, and vibrant, combining the rich taste of ube with a beautifully marbled or layered appearance.

Ingredients for Double-Body Ube Bread

For the Dough:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (divided)

• 1/3 cup sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 packet (7g) instant yeast

• 1/4 cup warm milk

• 1/4 cup softened butter

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 cup warm water (adjust as needed)

For the Ube Layer:

• 1/3 cup ube halaya (ube jam) or ube powder (rehydrated)

• 1/2 teaspoon ube flavoring (optional, for more vibrant color and flavor)

• Purple food coloring (optional)

Optional Topping:

• Breadcrumbs

• Butter glaze

• Grated cheese

How to Bake Double-Body Ube Bread

1. Activate the yeast:

   • Dissolve the yeast in warm milk with 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.

2. Prepare the plain dough:

   • In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, butter, and warm water. Mix until a sticky dough forms.

   • Knead on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes.

3. Prepare the ube dough:

   • Take half of the plain dough and place it in a separate bowl. Add the ube halaya, ube flavoring, and a few drops of purple food coloring if desired. Knead until fully incorporated and smooth.

4. Proof the dough:

   • Place the plain and ube doughs in separate greased bowls. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let rise for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

5. Shape the bread:

   • Punch down both doughs to release air. Roll out the plain dough and ube dough into rectangles of similar size.

   • Lay the ube dough on top of the plain dough. Roll them together tightly into a log or fold them alternately for a layered look.

6. Second proofing:

   • Place the shaped dough in a greased loaf pan or arrange as desired (e.g., braided or rolled). Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes.

7. Bake the bread:

   • Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

8. Cool and serve:

   • Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.