How do I keep the center from being underbaked?

Use a thermometer and bake to 190-195 F (88-90 C) in the center. If the top browns early, tent with foil and continue baking until the target temp is reached.

Can I make the dough ahead?

Yes. After the first rise, refrigerate overnight and shape the next day. Cold dough is easier to roll and gives a cleaner swirl.

Can I use ube extract instead of ube jam?

Ube extract adds color and aroma but not body. For the swirl and flavor, use ube haleya. If your jam is very stiff, loosen it with a little softened butter.

Ube Babka (Brioche Dough, Swirled Ube Jam)

Name: Ube Babka (Brioche Dough, Swirled Ube Jam)
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 5 h 20 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 250 g Eggs (room temperature); 120 g Whole milk (warm, about 30 C (90 F)); 60 g Granulated sugar; 250 g Bread flour; 250 g All-purpose flour; 1 tsp Instant yeast; 200 g Unsalted butter (cubed, room temperature); 10 g Salt; 2 tsp Ube extract (adjust to color preference); 300 g Ube haleya (ube jam); 15 g Unsalted butter (softened); 1 pinch Salt; 1 large Egg; 15 g Whole milk

Ube Babka

This babka uses a rich brioche dough tinted with ube extract for a soft purple crumb. The filling is ube haleya, which bakes into a thick, fragrant spiral.

Flavor Profile

Expect a buttery, tender crumb with a pronounced ube aroma and a sweet, mellow purple yam flavor. The swirl creates pockets of jam and a lightly caramelized crust.

Ingredient Highlights

Ube extract adds color and aroma to the dough, while ube haleya provides the concentrated flavor in the swirl. The mix of bread and all-purpose flours keeps the loaf soft yet structured enough to hold the twist.

How It Comes Together

The dough is mixed and kneaded until elastic, then rested for a first rise. After chilling, it is rolled, filled, and twisted before a final proof. Bake until the center hits 190-195 F for a fully set crumb.

Chef's Tips

Chilling the filled log makes cleaner cuts and a sharper swirl. If the loaf browns early, tent with foil and keep baking until the internal temperature is in range.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Store wrapped at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for four days. For longer storage, freeze slices and toast gently to rewarm.

Serving Notes

Ube babka is best sliced once fully cooled so the swirl stays defined and the crumb does not compress. It is excellent on its own, but lightly toasting a slice brings back the buttery edges and deepens the ube aroma.

Texture Tips

If the dough feels too soft to shape neatly, chill it briefly before twisting. That short rest makes the loaf easier to handle and helps the layers stay more distinct during baking.