Yields: 1 loaf
Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus rising)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: ~3 hours

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🥣 Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ½ cup warm plant-based milk (soy or oat recommended)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp vegan butter, softened
• 2 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
• ½ tsp salt

For the Ube Swirl

• ½ cup ube halaya (purple yam jam, store-bought or homemade)
• 1–2 tbsp plant-based milk (to loosen ube if needed)

For Brushing

• 1–2 tbsp plant-based milk

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the yeast

1. In a small bowl, combine warm plant milk, sugar, and yeast.
2. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

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2. Make the dough

1. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
2. Add yeast mixture, vegan butter, and oil.
3. Knead until smooth and elastic (~8–10 minutes by hand or 5–6 minutes with a stand mixer).
4. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.

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3. Prepare the ube swirl

1. Mix ube halaya with 1–2 tbsp plant milk to loosen it slightly.
2. Set aside for spreading.

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4. Shape the shokupan

1. Punch down the dough and roll into a rectangle (~8×12 inches).
2. Spread ube mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border.
3. Roll dough tightly from the long edge to form a log.
4. Pinch the edges to seal and place seam-side down into a greased loaf pan.

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5. Second rise

1. Cover the loaf and let rise 30–40 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.

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6. Bake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brush top with plant-based milk.
3. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
4. Remove from pan and cool on a wire rack before slicing.

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💡 Tips

• Use fresh ube halaya for vibrant color and authentic flavor.
• For an extra soft crust, cover the loaf loosely with foil if it browns too quickly.
• Slice with a serrated knife for clean cuts and to preserve the swirl.

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⭐ Optional Variations

• Coconut Ube Shokupan: Add 2 tbsp coconut milk to the dough for extra richness.
• Chocolate Ube Swirl: Spread a thin layer of vegan chocolate spread along with the ube.
• Mini Loaves: Divide dough into 2 small loaf pans for faster baking.