Table of Contents
Introduction
Have you ever wondered how to transform your ordinary breakfast into a vibrant, Instagram-worthy meal? The answer lies in the stunning purple beauty of Ube French Toast. This Filipino-inspired breakfast dish combines the earthy sweetness of ube (purple yam) with the comforting familiarity of classic French toast, creating a culinary experience that’s both visually striking and incredibly delicious. Making this at home allows you to experiment with flavors while enjoying a nutritious meal packed with antioxidants and complex carbohydrates.
The ube French toast recipe brings a unique twist to breakfast that will impress your family and friends, making weekend mornings something special to look forward to.
Materials & Supplies
Ingredients:
– 1 large purple yam (ube), peeled and cubed
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Pinch of nutmeg
– 8 thick slices of bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast work best)
– 2 tablespoons butter or oil for cooking
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
– Fresh berries or sliced bananas, for serving (optional)
– Maple syrup or honey, for serving (optional)
Tools & Equipment:
– Blender or food processor
– Mixing bowls
– Whisk
– Large skillet or griddle
– Spatula
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Vegetable peeler
– Cutting board
– Plate for serving
Optional Add-ons:
– Cream cheese or coconut cream for spreading
– Chopped nuts for topping
– Lemon zest for brightness
Substitutions:
– For gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread
– For vegan: Use plant-based milk and omit butter, use oil instead
– For less sweetness: Reduce sugar or use a sugar substitute
Timing / Cooking Schedule
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 20 minutes for steaming ube)
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes (including ube preparation)
Helpful Comparisons:
– Similar to preparing regular French toast but with additional time needed to cook the ube
– Takes about the same time as making pancakes from scratch
– Slightly longer than standard French toast due to the ube preparation
– Can be prepped the night before for quicker morning assembly
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the ube puree: Steam or boil the cubed purple yam until tender (about 15-20 minutes). Drain well and transfer to a blender. Blend until smooth, adding a tablespoon of milk if needed to achieve a smooth consistency. Set aside.
2. Make the ube custard: In a blender or mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the ube puree and blend until well combined and the mixture has a uniform purple color.
3. Heat the pan: Place a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add butter or oil. Allow it to melt and heat until a drop of water sizzles when sprinkled in the pan.
4. Soak the bread: Dip each slice of bread into the ube custard mixture, allowing it to soak for about 20-30 seconds per side. Ensure both sides are well-coated but not saturated.
5. Cook the French toast: Place the soaked bread slices in the hot pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
6. Serve immediately: Transfer the cooked ube French toast recipe to a serving plate. Dust with powdered sugar, top with fresh berries or sliced bananas, and drizzle with maple syrup or honey if desired.
7. Enjoy: Serve hot while the French toast is still crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Nutritional Benefits / Advantages
Ube French Toast offers more than just stunning aesthetics – it’s packed with nutritional benefits. Purple yam is rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which give it the vibrant purple color and help fight inflammation. This breakfast provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, protein from the eggs, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Each serving (two slices) contains approximately:
– Calories: 380-450
– Protein: 12-15g
– Carbohydrates: 45-50g
– Fat: 18-22g
– Fiber: 2-3g
The dish also provides vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and manganese. Using whole-grain bread can increase fiber content and nutritional value, while the natural sweetness of ube allows for reduced added sugar compared to traditional French toast recipes.
Tips, Variations, or Cooking Advice
– Cooking Methods: Try cooking in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes for a crispier texture with less oil
– Flavor Variations: Add matcha powder for a green tea twist, or cocoa powder for a chocolate version
– Seasonal Ideas: Top with seasonal fruits like mangoes in summer or apples in fall
– Dietary Versions:
– Vegan: Use flax eggs and plant-based milk
– Keto: Replace bread with low-carb alternatives and use a sugar substitute
– Gluten-free: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free
– Presentation: Create a beautiful purple gradient by layering different shades of ube puree
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Soggy French toast: Don’t oversoak the bread; 20-30 seconds per side is sufficient
2. Uneven cooking: Ensure your pan is properly preheated before adding bread
3. Ube not cooked through: Steam or boil the ube until completely tender before blending
4. Sticking to the pan: Use enough butter or oil and don’t rush the cooking process
5. Color fading: Cook on medium heat rather than high to preserve the vibrant purple color
6. Overcrowding the pan: Cook in batches for even browning and better control
Storage / Meal-Prep Tips
– Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
– Freezing: Freeze cooked French toast slices with parchment paper between them for up to 2 months
– Reheating: Reheat in a toaster oven, regular oven, or skillet to maintain crispness
– Meal Prep: Make the ube custard mixture ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
– Batch Cooking: Prepare multiple batches and freeze for quick weekday breakfasts
Conclusion
Transforming your breakfast routine with Ube French Toast is a delicious way to start your day with both nutrition and visual appeal. This purple-hued masterpiece not only tastes incredible but also offers health benefits that regular French toast can’t match. The ube French toast recipe is surprisingly simple to master with just a few extra steps for preparing the purple yam, making it accessible even for home cooks new to Filipino ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want to brighten up your morning routine, this vibrant breakfast will surely become a favorite. Share your creations with friends and family, and explore more exciting flavor combinations to keep breakfast exciting!
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen purple yam instead of fresh?
A: Yes, frozen ube works well and may actually be easier to prepare. Simply thaw and steam until tender before blending into a puree.
Q: Why is my ube French toast not purple enough?
A: The color can vary depending on the ube variety used. Adding a small amount of purple food coloring can enhance the color if desired, though natural variations are normal.
Q: Can I make this ahead for a brunch?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the custard mixture the night before and cook the French toast fresh in the morning for best results, or cook ahead and reheat just before serving.
Q: Is ube difficult to find?
A: While it may not be available at all grocery stores, many Asian markets carry fresh or frozen ube. It’s also available canned or as powder in specialty stores or online.
Q: Can I use this recipe for regular French toast?
A: Yes! Simply omit the ube puree and follow the same steps for a classic French toast with a beautiful purple twist.
