What Makes Ube Special?
Ube, also known as purple yam, is a beloved ingredient in Filipino cooking, particularly in desserts. It’s often used in ice cream, cakes, and pastries due to its natural sweetness, smooth texture, and striking purple color. Ube’s flavor is sweet, slightly earthy, and has a subtle nuttiness, which pairs perfectly with baked goods like scones. In this recipe, ube halaya is used to infuse the dough and glaze, ensuring that the distinct flavor of ube shines through in every bite.
The bright purple hue of ube also adds an element of visual appeal, making these scones not only delicious but also vibrant and eye-catching. The addition of the ube glaze further enhances the color, creating a striking contrast against the golden-brown scones, making them perfect for special occasions, brunch gatherings, or a sweet afternoon treat.
The Secret to Perfectly Flaky Scones
The key to making perfect scones lies in the texture of the dough. For scones to have that signature crumbly, flaky texture, it’s important to handle the dough with care. The cold butter in this recipe is crucial in achieving this texture. When mixed with the dry ingredients, the butter forms small pockets of fat that create layers as the scones bake, resulting in the deliciously tender and slightly crisp texture that everyone loves.
Another important factor in making scones is not overmixing the dough. Overworking the dough can lead to dense scones, which are far from the light, airy texture we’re aiming for. Mixing the wet ingredients until just combined ensures that the scones will rise properly and remain tender. After the dough is formed, patting it gently into a circle and cutting it into wedges helps to maintain that delicate texture while making it easy to portion the scones for baking.
Ube Halaya in Scone Dough and Glaze
In this recipe, ube halaya serves as a star ingredient in both the scone dough and the glaze. Ube halaya is a sweet, jam-like spread made from cooked and mashed ube, sugar, and sometimes coconut milk. It provides a rich, sweet flavor and a smooth texture that blends beautifully into baked goods.
In the scone dough, the ube halaya adds sweetness and moisture, while its subtle flavor enhances the overall richness of the scones. When combined with the heavy cream and vanilla extract, the ube halaya helps to create a smooth, soft dough that bakes into perfectly crumbly scones with just the right amount of sweetness.
The ube glaze, made from powdered sugar, ube halaya, and milk, adds an extra layer of sweetness and color to the scones. It’s the perfect finishing touch, drizzling beautifully over the warm scones and adding a glossy, vibrant sheen. The glaze also helps to intensify the ube flavor, ensuring that each bite is bursting with that signature sweetness.
Baking the Scones
Baking these scones at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 18 minutes ensures that they cook through while developing a golden-brown exterior. The high heat allows the butter to melt and the dough to rise, resulting in a light, airy texture on the inside with a slightly crisp edge. The scones should be removed from the oven when they’re golden and firm to the touch, signaling that they are perfectly baked.
Once out of the oven, allow the scones to cool slightly before drizzling them with the ube glaze. This will prevent the glaze from melting too much and ensure it stays glossy and vibrant. The glaze sets as it cools, creating a smooth, sweet finish on each scone.
Serving Suggestions
These Ube Scones with Ube Glaze are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. For a classic breakfast or brunch, pair them with your favorite hot beverage—whether it’s a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. The rich, buttery texture of the scones complements the warmth and richness of these drinks, making for a comforting start to the day.
If you’re serving them for a brunch gathering or special occasion, consider pairing the scones with other Filipino-inspired dishes or baked goods. They would be a lovely addition to a spread that includes dishes like Filipino longganisa, bibingka (rice cake), or leche flan (caramel custard). The sweet, nutty flavor of ube will pair well with savory or creamy dishes, creating a well-rounded and memorable meal.
For a more casual treat, these scones make a perfect afternoon snack. Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of fresh fruit for a delightful midday indulgence. They’re also great on their own, showcasing the bold flavor of ube in every bite.
Nutritional Benefits and Considerations
While Ube Scones with Ube Glaze are undeniably delicious, it’s important to enjoy them in moderation, especially considering the rich ingredients like butter and cream. However, they do offer some nutritional benefits thanks to the presence of ube. Ube is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, which can contribute to overall health when included as part of a balanced diet.
The heavy cream in the scone dough adds richness and moisture, while the butter helps create the signature flaky texture. While the scones are relatively high in fat, they also provide a good amount of carbohydrates for energy, making them a satisfying treat. For those looking to enjoy these scones without the glaze, you can skip the ube glaze for a slightly lighter option while still enjoying the flavor of the scones themselves.
Conclusion
Ube Scones with Ube Glaze are a beautiful and flavorful treat that’s sure to impress at any breakfast, brunch, or snack time. With their buttery, crumbly texture and the sweet, nutty flavor of ube, these scones are both delicious and visually striking. The easy-to-follow recipe ensures that you can make these scones at home, adding a touch of Filipino flavor to your baking repertoire. Whether you’re enjoying them with a hot beverage or serving them as part of a festive spread, these scones are sure to become a favorite indulgence. So, try making them today and experience the magic of ube in a whole new way!
