Elaine GordonAs summer gathers steam and we all begin craving light, delightful treats perfect for picnics, I recollect my first encounter with ube polvoron. This charming Filipino delicacy quickly stole my heart and taste buds. Soft, crumbly, and infused with the mesmerizing flavor of purple yam, or “ube,” these morsels provide a wonderful bite-sized sweet treat that pairs perfectly with a steaming cup of coffee or milky tea. The experience of savoring a piece of ube polvoron intrigued me so much that I jumped right into making them myself. Trust me, you’ll want to join me on this flavorful journey.
What is Ube Polvoron?
Ube polvoron is a classic Filipino powdered milk candy made particularly special through the addition of ube, a vibrant purple yam that’s not just pretty but also rich in flavor. The polvoron’s name translates to “crumb” in Spanish, which describes its wonderfully crumbly texture. Simple in design yet packed with delightful taste, these little treats have roots in the Philippines but have captured hearts — and taste buds — worldwide.
The Ingredients
Before diving deeper, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to create this colorful treat:
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup purple yam powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
How to Make Ube Polvoron
Before I jump into the detailed steps, I want to emphasize that making ube polvoron is as rewarding as it is delicious. It’s an opportunity to get your hands slightly “dirty” (there’s no real mess here, promise!) and create something that will impress friends and family alike. Let’s get to the steps!
Step 1: Prepare Your Workstation
Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools. I recommend having a large bowl, a whisk, measuring cups, and a polvoron mold (though you can also shape them with your hands if you don’t have one).
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In the large bowl, combine the purple yam powder, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk everything together until you have a uniform mixture. The bright purple hue should be a sight to behold.
Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Now, let’s add the melted butter and vanilla extract to your dry mix. Use a spatula for stirring. The warmth from the butter should start bringing the mixture together. It can turn a little crumbly — that’s what we’re after!
Step 4: Knead
Scrape the mixture onto a clean countertop. Using your hands, knead it gently until it forms a cohesive dough that holds together nicely. This step should not take long.
Step 5: Mold the Polvoron
Take a handful of the dough and press it into your mold. Don’t be shy; pack it in firmly. If you’re using your hands, shape them into small, tight balls or oval shapes.
Step 6: Chill (Optional)
For a firmer finish, wrap your shaped polvoron in wax paper and place them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help them hold their shape during serving.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve immediately or store them for later. You can enjoy these treats with friends, family, or as a sweet snack when you need a lift.
Notes
As with any great recipe, there are tips to enhance your experience:
- Use fresh purple yam: If you can find fresh ube, that’s even better! Boil and mash it for a richer flavor.
- Customize the sweetness: Adjust sugar based on your preference. You can also replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a unique twist.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add nuts or desiccated coconut to the dough for an interesting texture.
- Garnish: A dusting of powdered sugar can elevate the presentation.
- Mold variations: If you don’t have a mold, use small cups or simply shape them by hand.
Storage Tips
Ube polvoron is best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week or more. However, I doubt they’ll be around that long! If they seem dry after a few days, simply place them in a moist environment (like a cabinet with a slice of bread) for a few hours to regain some moisture.
Nutrition Information
Serving Suggestions
Here are some entertaining ways to enjoy your ube polvoron:
- With Coffee: Pair a polvoron with your morning brew. The sweetness complements coffee’s bitterness perfectly.
- Dessert Platter: Create a colorful dessert board. Add fruits, chocolates, and assorted treats alongside your polvoron for an appealing contrast.
- Gift Idea: Wrap them up nicely for gifts. They make for a beautiful and unique present.
- With Ice Cream: Crush them up atop vanilla or coconut ice cream. The flavor explosion is delightful!
- Cookie Crust: Use crushed polvoron as a crust for cheesecakes. It transforms the ordinary into a tempting dessert.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Ube Polvoron?
If you can’t source some ingredients, here are alternatives to consider:
1. Sweet Potato Powder: It retains an earthy sweetness that mirrors ube.
2. Coconut Flour: This can replace regular flour. Just adjust the liquid to maintain consistency.
3. Ghee or Coconut Oil: Use instead of butter for a dairy-free alternative while still retaining richness.
4. Agave Nectar: You can replace granulated sugar with agave for a lower glycemic index option.
5. Almond Flour: Add a nutty flavor and gluten-free option, but adjust other liquid ingredients accordingly.
Ube Polvoron Recipe
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Measuring cups
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup purple yam powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools. I recommend having a large bowl, a whisk, measuring cups, and a polvoron mold (though you can also shape them with your hands if you don’t have one).
- In the large bowl, combine the purple yam powder, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk everything together until you have a uniform mixture. The bright purple hue should be a sight to behold.
- Now, let’s add the melted butter and vanilla extract to your dry mix. Use a spatula for stirring. The warmth from the butter should start bringing the mixture together. It can turn a little crumbly — that’s what we’re after!
- Scrape the mixture onto a clean countertop. Using your hands, knead it gently until it forms a cohesive dough that holds together nicely. This step should not take long.
- Take a handful of the dough and press it into your mold. Don’t be shy; pack it in firmly. If you’re using your hands, shape them into small, tight balls or oval shapes.
- For a firmer finish, wrap your shaped polvoron in wax paper and place them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help them hold their shape during serving.
- Serve immediately or store them for later. You can enjoy these treats with friends, family, or as a sweet snack when you need a lift.
Notes
- Use fresh purple yam: If you can find fresh ube, that’s even better! Boil and mash it for a richer flavor.
- Customize the sweetness: Adjust sugar based on your preference. You can also replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a unique twist.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add nuts or desiccated coconut to the dough for an interesting texture.
- Garnish: A dusting of powdered sugar can elevate the presentation.
- Mold variations: If you don’t have a mold, use small cups or simply shape them by hand.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Making ube polvoron is not just about the final treat; it’s a fun, colorful journey into Filipino culture and flavors. Each crumbly piece tells a story, bringing both nostalgia and sweetness into each bite. Whether it’s a summer gathering or a quiet evening at home, having ube polvoron around always makes for a delightful treat. I hope you find joy in creating these little gems as much as I do. Happy cooking!
