Ingredients:

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (approximately 440g)
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (50g)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm milk (240ml)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (60g)
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup ube extract (120ml)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (optional, for topping) (14g)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for topping) (12g)

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and sugar.
  2. Stir in instant yeast and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
  4. Add ube extract, melted butter, and egg to the yeast mixture.
  5. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined.
  6. Turn the dough onto a floured surface.
  7. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  8. Place the dough in a greased bowl, covering it with plastic wrap.
  9. Allow to rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.
  10. Punch down the risen dough.
  11. Shape into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan.
  12. Cover the loaf with a kitchen towel and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
  13. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  14. Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar if using.
  15. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  16. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
  17. Wait until fully cooled before slicing.