Growing up in the Philippines, I have so many fond memories of my grandma’s Ube Butter Mochi. Every time she made it, the whole house would fill with the irresistible aroma of sweet ube and buttery mochi. I can still picture myself as a little girl, peeking into the kitchen and watching her carefully knead the dough, her hands moving with such grace and precision.
Grandma would let me help shape the mochi into little balls, and I loved seeing the vibrant purple color of the ube peek through the soft, chewy exterior. The first bite was always pure bliss – that delightful contrast of the pillowy mochi and the creamy, fragrant ube filling. Ube Butter Mochi was a special treat that brought our family together, and it’s a tradition I’ve carried on to this day.
Why This Ube Butter Mochi Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The secret behind this perfect Ube Butter Mochi recipe lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The sweet, earthy ube is perfectly complemented by the rich, buttery mochi, creating a truly indulgent and addictive dessert. But what sets this recipe apart is the attention to detail – from the proper kneading techniques to the precise cooking times.
The Secret Behind Perfect Ube Butter Mochi
One key technique is to thoroughly cook the ube puree before incorporating it into the mochi dough. This ensures the ube flavor is fully developed and the texture is smooth and creamy. Additionally, the mochi dough is kneaded just the right amount, resulting in a chewy yet tender consistency.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ube (purple sweet potato): This vibrant root vegetable is the star of the show, providing a rich, sweet flavor and beautiful purple hue.
- Mochiko (sweet rice flour): This specialized flour is essential for achieving the perfect chewy mochi texture.
- Butter: Adding a touch of butter creates a decadent, creamy filling that complements the ube perfectly.
- Sugar: Just the right amount of sugar balances the natural sweetness of the ube and mochi.
- Milk: A splash of milk helps to bind the filling and adds a creamy richness.
- Vanilla extract: A small but crucial ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Ube Butter Mochi Instructions
Preparing Your Ube Butter Mochi
This Ube Butter Mochi recipe is surprisingly straightforward, with just a few simple steps. The total preparation time is around 45 minutes, and all you’ll need is a large pot, a mixing bowl, and a rolling pin.
1- Start by cooking the ube puree until it’s thick and creamy, about 15-20 minutes. This ensures the ube flavor is fully developed.
2- In a separate bowl, combine the mochiko, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the warm ube puree and knead the dough until it’s smooth and pliable.
3- Dust a clean work surface with mochiko and roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or biscuit cutter to cut out circles.
4- Place a small spoonful of the butter filling in the center of each mochi circle, then carefully pinch and fold the dough over to enclose the filling, creating a half-moon shape.
5- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then gently drop the filled mochi into the water. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the mochi floats to the top and becomes translucent.
6- Remove the cooked mochi with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a serving dish. Drizzle with a touch of the reserved ube puree for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Pro Tips for Success
To achieve the perfect Ube Butter Mochi, be sure to thoroughly cook the ube puree until it’s thick and concentrated in flavor. Overworking the mochi dough can make it tough, so knead it just until it comes together. And when cooking the mochi, be gentle to prevent them from bursting open.
Serving and Storing Your Ube Butter Mochi
Perfect Pairings for Ube Butter Mochi
Ube Butter Mochi is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of accompaniments. Try serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm coconut milk for a truly indulgent experience. It also pairs beautifully with a cup of fragrant jasmine tea or strong Filipino coffee.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Ube Butter Mochi is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply steam the mochi for a few minutes until warm and soft. You can also freeze the uncooked mochi dough for up to 2 months – just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before shaping and cooking.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Ube Butter Mochi
Creative Ube Butter Mochi Variations
For a fun twist, try adding a sprinkle of toasted coconut or chopped nuts to the filling. You can also experiment with different shapes, like spirals or triangles, for a visually stunning presentation. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating seasonal flavors like pumpkin or matcha.
Making Ube Butter Mochi Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the mochiko with a gluten-free rice flour. For a vegan version, use plant-based milk and replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative, like coconut oil or vegan margarine. And for a lower-carb option, you can reduce the sugar or use a sugar substitute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular sweet potatoes instead of ube?
A: While you can use regular sweet potatoes, the flavor and color won’t be the same as authentic Ube Butter Mochi. Ube has a unique, more intense sweetness and vibrant purple hue that really makes this recipe shine.
Q: How do I know when the mochi is cooked through?
A: The mochi is ready when it floats to the top of the boiling water and becomes translucent. You can also give one a gentle poke – it should feel soft and pillowy, with no raw dough inside.
Q: Can I make the mochi dough in advance?
A: Absolutely! The uncooked mochi dough can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before shaping and cooking.
Q: How many Ube Butter Mochi does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields approximately 18-20 individual mochi, depending on the size of your cutter. It’s a great recipe for sharing with family and friends.
Q: What if my mochi start to crack or burst open while cooking?
A: If the mochi crack or burst, it’s likely due to overworking the dough or not being gentle enough when shaping and cooking them. Try to handle the dough as little as possible and be very delicate when dropping the mochi into the boiling water.
Ube Butter Mochi
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 12
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Ube Butter Mochi, a delightful Hawaiian treat that melts in your mouth. This no-fail recipe combines the vibrant purple hue and delicate texture of ube (purple sweet potato) with the rich creaminess of butter, creating a truly life-changing dessert.
Ingredients
– 1 lb purple sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup mochi flour (or sweet rice flour)
Instructions
1. 1. In a medium saucepan, cover the diced sweet potatoes with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
2. 2. Drain the potatoes and mash them with a fork or potato masher until smooth.
3. 3. In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, softened butter, and sugar. Mix until well incorporated.
4. 4. Gradually add the mochi flour, kneading it in until a smooth, sticky dough forms.
5. 5. Dust a clean surface with more mochi flour. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and roll each into a smooth ball.
6. 6. Place the mochi balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a chewier texture, you can steam the mochi balls for 5-7 minutes before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Snacks & Desserts
- Method: Stovetop, No-Bake
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Conclusion
Ube Butter Mochi is a truly special dessert that’s sure to delight your taste buds. With its vibrant color, irresistible texture, and rich, creamy flavor, this recipe is a true celebration of Filipino culinary heritage. I hope you’ll give it a try and experience the magic of Ube Butter Mochi for yourself. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out in the comments below!