Why Ube Buchi Is the Perfect Sweet Bite

If you’ve never tried Ube Buchi, prepare yourself for a delightful twist on a classic favorite. This Filipino-inspired treat is a vibrant purple, delightfully crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and bursting with the earthy sweetness of ube in every bite. Ube Buchi turns a simple sesame ball into an unforgettable dessert experience, making it the perfect sweet bite to satisfy your cravings and brighten your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Vibrant Flavor Boost: Ube adds a naturally sweet, nutty flavor that elevates traditional sesame balls to a new level.
• Texture Perfection: Crispy exterior with a chewy, soft interior creates an amazing contrast you’ll want to savor.
• Eye-Catching Color: That unmistakable purple hue makes the dish as fun to look at as it is to eat.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples plus ube, this recipe is easy to follow and quick to whip up.
• Versatile Snack: Great for dessert, merienda, or party treats, perfect anytime you want a sweet pick-me-up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting the perfect Ube Buchi requires only a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering the ideal texture, flavor, and that signature purple color.

• Glutinous rice flour: The foundation for the chewy dough that makes up the sesame balls.
• Ube halaya or ube powder: Adds natural ube flavor and vibrant purple color with every bite.
• Sugar: Balances flavors and enhances the sweet notes of the ube.
• Water: Helps form the dough, binding everything together without making it too sticky.
• Sesame seeds: For rolling on the outside to create that iconic crispy shell and nutty crunch.
• Oil for frying: A neutral oil like vegetable or canola is perfect for deep-frying the bu… uchies golden and crispy.
• Optional filling: Sweetened mung bean paste or coconut jam for an extra layer of flavor and surprise inside.

Variations for Ube Buchi

The beauty of Ube Buchi is how easily you can adapt it. Whether you’re experimenting with flavors or adjusting for dietary needs, these variations make customizing a breeze.

• Cheese Stuffed: Add a small cube of cheddar or mozzarella inside the dough for a creamy, savory surprise.
• Coconut Sugar: Substitute white sugar with coconut sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based fillings and skip any dairy additions while keeping all the textures intact.
• Pandanggo Sesame: Mix black and white sesame seeds for a visually captivating twist.
• Ube-Cheese Fusion: Combine ube halaya and cream cheese filling for a rich, indulgent center.

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How to Make Ube Buchi

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine glutinous rice flour, sugar, and ube halaya or powder. Slowly add water while mixing until the dough forms but doesn’t become sticky. Knead gently until smooth and pliable.

Step 2: Shape and Fill

Divide dough into equal-sized balls. Flatten each ball before placing a small spoonful of your preferred filling in the center. Carefully seal the dough around the filling, reshaping into a smooth ball.

Step 3: Coat with Sesame Seeds

Roll each filled dough ball in sesame seeds, ensuring a generous, even coating to achieve that classic crispy crust once fried.

Step 4: Fry to Perfection

Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to around 350°F (175°C). Fry the sesame balls in batches, turning occasionally until they are evenly golden and crispy on the outside, typically 4-6 minutes.

Step 5: Drain and Cool

Remove the fried Ube Buchi from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly before serving for the best taste and texture.

Pro Tips for Making Ube Buchi

• Consistent Dough: Make sure the dough isn’t too wet to avoid breaking during frying.
• Oil Temperature: Maintain steady medium heat to cook the inside fully without burning the crust.
• Sealing Fingers: Wet your fingers slightly when sealing dough around filling to prevent cracking.
• Small Batches: Fry a few at a time to avoid overcrowding, which can drop oil temperature.
• Test One First: Fry a test ball to check texture and adjust dough or oil temperature if needed.

How to Serve Ube Buchi

Garnishes

Sprinkle powdered sugar or drizzle sweetened condensed milk on top for added sweetness and a pretty presentation that complements the ube flavor perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair Ube Buchi with a hot cup of tea or rich Filipino coffee for the ultimate snack experience, balancing sweetness with a soothing beverage.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these colorful bites on bamboo skewers with alternating fresh fruits or drizzle with coconut caramel sauce for a festive platter that’s sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store Ube Buchi in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days; refrigeration can affect the crispy exterior.

Freezing

Freeze uncooked dough balls in a single layer on a tray before transferring to a sealed bag for up to a month. Fry directly from frozen for convenience.

Reheating

Reheat leftover Ube Buchi in a toaster oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness, avoiding the microwave which can make them soggy.

FAQs

What is Ube Buchi?

Ube Buchi is a Filipino sweet snack combining traditional sesame balls with ube, a purple yam, giving it a chewy interior and crisp exterior with a unique sweet flavor.

Can I use ube powder instead of ube halaya?

Yes, ube powder works well and can be mixed with water or coconut milk to create the flavor and color similar to ube halaya.

Is Ube Buchi gluten-free?

Yes, since it’s made with glutinous rice flour, it is naturally gluten-free despite the name “glutinous,” which refers to its sticky texture.

Can I bake Ube Buchi instead of frying?

While traditionally fried, you can bake them for a healthier option, though they won’t be as crispy as the deep-fried version.

What fillings work best inside Ube Buchi?

Sweet fillings like mung bean paste, coconut jam, or cream cheese complement the ube flavor beautifully and add extra richness.

Final Thoughts

Ube Buchi is a wonderfully vibrant and delicious treat that combines the best of tradition and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re new to ube or a longtime fan, this recipe is a must-try experience that’s sure to brighten up your snack time. Dive in, and enjoy the magic of that crispy exterior and chewy, purple goodness inside!

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