Ube cake is a delicious and vibrant Filipino dessert made with the purple yam known as ube. It has a light and fluffy texture, complemented by the unique, subtly sweet flavor of ube. Perfect for celebrations or as a treat for any occasion, this cake is sure to impress with its eye-catching color and rich taste.
FULL RECIPE
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup ube halaya (ube jam)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup ube extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup ube halaya (for frosting)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the ube halaya and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Add the ube extract and mix until the batter is evenly colored.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Fold in the ube halaya until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of one layer with the ube frosting, then place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake.
- Decorate as desired and serve.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 20g
The Origins of Ube Cake
Ube cake is a beloved dessert in Filipino cuisine, rooted in the country’s rich culinary heritage. The star ingredient, ube—a purple yam native to the Philippines—has long been used in traditional sweets. Ube cake, however, elevates this tuber into a moist, vibrant cake made by blending ube halaya (sweet ube jam) into a soft cake base. Its eye-catching color and subtly earthy flavor have made it an international favorite.
Cultural Significance of Ube in Filipino Desserts
In the Philippines, ube symbolizes celebration and joy. It features prominently in many traditional desserts like ube ice cream, ube pandesal, and of course, ube cake. These desserts are often served at festive events, family gatherings, birthdays, and holidays. Each region adds its own twist to ube-based treats, but the common thread is their role in bringing people together through food.
The Growing Popularity of Ube Cake Worldwide
Ube cake has gained global traction, especially in the U.S., Canada, and parts of Asia. Its rise can be credited to a renewed interest in Filipino cuisine and the accessibility of ube in international markets. Social media has also played a vital role—vibrant images of purple desserts have captured the attention of food lovers and influencers around the world.
Flavor Profile of Ube Cake
What makes ube cake stand out is its unique flavor. While mildly sweet, ube offers earthy, nutty undertones that pair beautifully with butter, sugar, and cream. The cake’s light, airy texture enhances its appeal, making it a dessert that’s indulgent yet balanced.
Health Benefits of Ube
Beyond its flavor and appearance, ube also offers nutritional perks. It’s rich in antioxidants, which protect the body from oxidative stress, and a good source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion. Ube also contains vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, potassium, and iron—contributing to overall wellness.
Choosing the Right Ube Halaya
The quality of ube halaya significantly influences the taste and texture of ube cake. Made by cooking mashed ube with sugar, butter, and often coconut milk, good halaya should have a deep purple hue and a smooth, thick consistency. While some bakers prefer to make it from scratch for freshness, high-quality store-bought options are available in many specialty stores and online.
The Role of Ube Extract in Ube Cake
To boost both flavor and color, many bakers use ube extract. This concentrated liquid enhances the cake’s signature purple tone and reinforces the subtle, earthy ube flavor. Just a small amount of extract can elevate the entire cake.
Making Ube Cake from Scratch vs. Store-Bought Options
Baking ube cake from scratch offers greater control over ingredient quality and texture. However, store-bought halaya and extract can be convenient alternatives, especially for busy bakers. Both methods can yield delicious results—but homemade versions allow for more customization and a personal touch.
The Importance of Proper Mixing in Ube Cake
Achieving the ideal texture requires careful mixing. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, while undermixing may cause uneven texture and flavor. The key is to mix until the batter is smooth, then gently fold in the ube halaya and extract to maintain a light, fluffy consistency.
Baking Tips for Perfect Ube Cake
Consistency is key when baking ube cake. Always preheat your oven and use the recommended pan size for even baking. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding.
The Art of Frosting Ube Cake
Frosting adds richness and visual appeal to ube cake. A common frosting is whipped cream blended with powdered sugar and ube halaya, resulting in a silky, purple topping that mirrors the cake’s flavor. For a decorative touch, try adding shredded coconut, ube halaya swirls, or even edible flowers.
Pairing Ube Cake with Beverages
Ube cake pairs well with a variety of drinks. Hot beverages like coffee or tea complement its sweetness, while fruit juices—especially mango or pineapple—highlight its earthy undertones. Whether served with something warm or refreshing, ube cake adapts beautifully to any setting.
Storage Tips for Ube Cake
To maintain freshness, store ube cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it—though this may slightly alter the texture. You can also freeze the cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then placing it in a freezer-safe container.
Decorating Ube Cake for Special Occasions
With its striking purple hue, ube cake is perfect for creative decoration. For birthdays and holidays, adorn it with sprinkles, coconut shavings, or colorful toppings. Toasted coconut, piped frosting, and fresh fruit also add flair and texture. Decorating is a great way to personalize the cake for any occasion.
Ube Cake Variations
Traditional ube cake is versatile and open to experimentation. Some variations include layers of leche flan, additions of pandan or macapuno (coconut sport), or transformations into cupcakes and roll cakes. These variations enhance the flavor while preserving the beloved taste of ube.
Ube Cake as a Gift
Given its appeal and aesthetic charm, ube cake makes a thoughtful and delicious gift. It’s especially meaningful for those familiar with Filipino culture, but it also offers a novel experience for those new to ube. A well-made ube cake is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Ube Cake for Dietary Preferences
Ube cake can be adapted to suit dietary needs. For dairy-free versions, use plant-based milk and butter. Vegan options can be made by replacing eggs with flax or chia seeds. These substitutions allow more people to enjoy the cake without compromising on flavor or texture.
The Popularity of Ube in Modern Desserts
Today, ube isn’t limited to traditional treats. It appears in trendy desserts like doughnuts, cheesecakes, and soft-serve ice cream. Its rich color and flavor have made it a star in modern bakeries, drawing both culinary professionals and food enthusiasts alike.
Making Ube Cake for Large Gatherings
Ube cake is ideal for celebrations, weddings, and other large events. Its vibrant color and crowd-pleasing flavor make it a standout dessert. For bigger groups, consider a multi-layer cake or several smaller ones to ensure everyone gets a slice.
Conclusion
Ube cake beautifully blends tradition with creativity. Its light, flavorful profile and visual appeal have made it a timeless favorite both in the Philippines and abroad. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed quietly at home, ube cake offers a taste of Filipino culture that’s both comforting and unforgettable.