There’s something enchanting about the vibrant hues of ube that immediately captivates the senses. When I first took a bite of Ube Buchi, I was transformed, swept into the heart of Filipino cuisine with its unique sweetness and delightful texture. This gluten-free treat will become your new favorite when you discover just how easy it is to make! With a crispy exterior and a chewy center, Ube Buchi is perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a cozy snack at home. Not only can you whip these up with simple ingredients, but they also adapt beautifully to different fillings, adding a personal twist to each batch. Curious about how to bring this colorful delight to your kitchen? Let’s dive into the delightful process of crafting these irresistible bites!

Why You’ll Crave Ube Buchi

Gluten-Free Wonder: Ube Buchi is not just a treat; it’s a gluten-free delight that everyone can enjoy without a second thought.
Vibrant Colors: The stunning purple hue will brighten up your dessert table and impress your guests.
Customizable Fillings: Choose from classic mung bean paste to decadent chocolate for a fun twist.
Quick & Easy: Whipping up these treats takes minimal time and effort, perfect for busy days or spontaneous cravings.
Crowd-Pleasing Snack: Serve them at parties or cozy gatherings, and watch as everyone reaches for these scrumptious bites!
Crispy & Chewy Perfection: You’ll adore the delightful combination of crunchy sesame outside and chewy ube inside, creating a snack that’s truly irresistible.

Ube Buchi Ingredients

• Get ready for a flavorful treat!

For the Dough
• Glutinous Rice Flour – This ingredient gives Ube Buchi its essential chewy texture; don’t worry, it’s gluten-free!
• Sugar – Sweetens the dough for that satisfying dessert experience.
• Ube Halaya or Powder – Adds the signature purple color and unique earthy sweetness; you can also use ube powder mixed with water or coconut milk.
• Water – Essential for binding the ingredients into a pliable dough.

For Coating & Frying
• Sesame Seeds – These provide a crispy crust when fried, elevating your Ube Buchi to new heights!
• Cooking Oil – Ensures a perfect fry; heat to 350°F (175°C) for optimal results.

For Toppings (Optional)
• Powdered Sugar or Sweetened Condensed Milk – Drizzle these over your Ube Buchi for a sweet finishing touch that enhances both flavor and presentation.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Ube Buchi

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour, sugar, and ube halaya or powder. Gradually pour in water while mixing until the dough becomes non-sticky and pliable. Knead the dough on a clean surface for about 5 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. This is crucial for achieving the delightful chewy texture of your Ube Buchi.

Step 2: Shape the Dough Balls
Divide the dough into equal portions and flatten each piece in your palm. Place a small spoonful of your chosen filling, such as mung bean paste or coconut jam, at the center. Carefully fold the dough over the filling and seal it tightly. Roll them gently between your hands to form perfect round balls, ensuring all the filling is secure.

Step 3: Coat with Sesame Seeds
Spread sesame seeds on a plate and roll each filled dough ball in the seeds, coating it evenly. This step is essential to achieve that crispy outer layer once fried. Ensure there are no bare spots on the balls; this coating will not only enhance flavor but also provide a delightful crunch to your Ube Buchi.

Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a deep frying pan or pot, pour enough cooking oil to submerge the Ube Buchi partially. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer to ensure accuracy. This temperature is key for frying; too hot, and you may burn the outside while the inside remains raw.

Step 5: Fry the Ube Buchi
Carefully drop the coated dough balls into the hot oil, frying in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry them for about 4 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to monitor their color and ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Drain and Cool
Once golden, remove the Ube Buchi from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This helps absorb excess oil, keeping your treats crispy. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving, as they will retain heat for a little while.

Step 7: Optional Toppings
For an added touch of sweetness, drizzle powdered sugar or condensed milk over the Ube Buchi just before serving. This step is entirely optional, but it elevates the treat’s presentation and flavor. Pair them with tea or Filipino coffee for a delightful snack experience!

Make Ahead Options

These Ube Buchi are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing glutinous rice flour, sugar, and ube; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to keep it fresh. Additionally, you can form the dough balls with your desired filling and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. To maintain their quality, ensure they are well-sealed to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to serve, just fry the prepared Ube Buchi straight from the fridge, following the frying instructions, and enjoy the delightful crispy treat that’s just as good as fresh!

How to Store and Freeze Ube Buchi

Room Temperature: Keep cooled Ube Buchi in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.

Fridge: While refrigeration is possible, it can alter the crispiness. If necessary, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze uncooked dough balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be fried directly from frozen!

Reheating: To reheat, simply fry frozen Ube Buchi in hot oil until golden brown, or bake them at a high temperature until warmed through and crisp.

Helpful Tricks for Ube Buchi

Coating Consistency: Ensure an even layer of sesame seeds around each dough ball for a consistently crispy crust. Gaps can lead to soggy spots.
Frying in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the frying pan! This helps maintain the oil temperature and allows each Ube Buchi to cook evenly, achieving that perfect golden color.
Cooling Tips: Allow your Ube Buchi to cool on paper towels after frying. This helps to retain their delightful crunch and prevents them from becoming greasy.
Storage Secrets: Keep cooled Ube Buchi in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to store them longer, freeze uncooked dough balls for a quick treat later!
Crispy Alternative: If you prefer cooking them without oil, you can bake Ube Buchi for a healthier twist. Just keep in mind that the texture will differ from the traditional fried version.

Ube Buchi Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to explore these exciting variations to make your Ube Buchi experience truly unique and delightful!

Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute any dairy-based filling with a creamy coconut custard for a rich, plant-based option that stays true to its roots.
Imagine sinking your teeth into that sweet, creamy texture while enjoying the tropical coconut flavor!
Chocolate Indulgence: Swap traditional fillings with melted chocolate or chocolate ganache for a decadent twist.
This luscious filling pairs perfectly with the chewy exterior, making every bite a delightful experience!
Savory Surprise: Try adding a savory filling like cheese or spiced lentils for a unique twist that balances sweet and savory perfectly.
The combination of flavors is a flavor explosion that will keep your taste buds guessing and delighted.
Nutty Crunch: Incorporate finely chopped nuts into the dough for an added crunch and rich flavor.
The nutty goodness complements the ube’s sweetness, creating a satisfying texture contrast in every bite!
Baked Option: For a healthier twist, bake your Ube Buchi instead of frying them.
While the texture will differ, they will still offer the delightful ube flavor with less oil, perfect for those mindful of calories.
Fruity Fillings: Substitute the traditional fillings with fruit jams or purees like guava or mango for a refreshing change.
These fruity variants can add vibrant colors and a burst of sweetness that compliments the ube beautifully.
Spiced Ube: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that enhances the ube’s sweetness.
This aromatic touch creates a cozy, comforting vibe that makes these treats perfect for any occasion.
Extra Crispy: For an added crunch, double coat the dough balls in sesame seeds before frying.
This little trick will give you a delightful crunch with every bite that enhances the eating experience!

Try these variations to truly personalize your Ube Buchi, and make each batch a reflection of your unique flavor preferences! And if you need inspiration, check out our other delicious recipes like Classic Mung Bean Paste or indulge in a rich Chocolate Cake that pairs perfectly with these sweet bites!

What to Serve with Crispy Ube Buchi

Transform your Ube Buchi into a complete feast with these delightful pairings that enhance the experience of this colorful treat.

Fruity Tropical Salad: A mix of ripe mango, pineapple, and banana brings a refreshing burst that complements the earthy ube flavor perfectly.
Brighten your meal with the fresh taste of tropical fruits, and enjoy the contrast of textures alongside your warm Ube Buchi.
Coconut Caramel Drizzle: This sweet and creamy sauce adds a luscious finish, enhancing the dessert with its rich flavor.
Drizzle it generously over your Ube Buchi for an inviting presentation that will elevate your dessert experience.
Filipino Coffee: Strong and aromatic, this robust beverage balances the sweetness of Ube Buchi while deepening the culinary experience.
Serve it alongside your treats for a charming pairing that will awaken your senses.
Sesame Spinach Salad: Lightly dressed spinach with sesame seeds offers a crisp and nutty contrast to the chewy sweetness.
This salad not only adds color but also provides a delightful crunch that will keep your palate engaged.
Chilled Lychee Drink: Refreshing and subtly sweet, this drink will cleanse your palate between bites and harmonize with your meal.
Serve it over ice for a cooling contrast to the warm and crispy Ube Buchi.
Mango Sticky Rice: A classic dessert pairing, the sweet and creamy rice offers a comforting contrast to your crunchy bites.
This combination provides a satisfying sweet experience that beautifully showcases tropical flavors.

Ube Buchi Recipe FAQs

What type of ube should I use for the Ube Buchi?
You can use either ube halaya, which is a sweet purple yam spread or ube powder. If using powder, mix it with water or coconut milk to achieve the right consistency. Make sure the ube is vibrant in color for a beautiful final product!

How do I store leftover Ube Buchi?
For best texture, store cooled Ube Buchi in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, freezing is the way to go! Just ensure they are completely cooled before transferring to the freezer.

Can I freeze Ube Buchi dough?
Absolutely! To freeze uncooked Ube Buchi, shape the dough balls, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they are frozen solid, transfer them into a freezer bag. They can be fried directly from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the frying time for perfect results!

What can I do if my Ube Buchi bursts while frying?
If your Ube Buchi bursts, it might be that the dough was too thin or not sealed properly. To prevent this, ensure you seal the dough tightly around your filling. Try using a small spoonful of filling to avoid overfilling, and shape them gently to maintain a good seal before frying.

Is Ube Buchi suitable for people with gluten allergies?
Yes! Ube Buchi is naturally gluten-free since it’s made with glutinous rice flour, which is gluten-free despite its name. Always verify that other ingredients, like your filling or toppings, are also gluten-free to keep it safe for anyone with sensitivities.

How long will my Ube Buchi stay crispy?
Crispiness is best enjoyed fresh! They will maintain their texture for about a day when stored at room temperature. After that, you can pop them into the oven for a few minutes to rejuvenate their crunchiness, or enjoy them as a chewy treat later!