Ube Desserts

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 35 min
🍽 Serves: 9
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Ube desserts are a delightful nod to Filipino cuisine, featuring the vibrant hue and subtly sweet flavor of purple yam. This recipe is perfect for those who want to explore unique flavors and add a pop of color to their dessert table.

Ingredients for Ube Desserts

Ube halaya is the star of this recipe, providing the unique purple color and a sweet, nutty flavor. It's a popular Filipino jam made from purple yam. All-purpose flour gives structure to the dessert, while granulated sugar adds sweetness. Unsalted butter adds richness and moisture. Eggs help bind the ingredients together and add tenderness. Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor with a warm aroma. Baking powder gives a little lift to the batter, and salt balances the sweetness.

Tips & Tricks

  • Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar.
  • If you don't have ube halaya, you can make your own by boiling and mashing purple yams and cooking them with sugar and butter until thick.
  • Use a sharp knife to cut the dessert into neat squares once completely cooled.

Serving Suggestions

These ube squares are lovely on their own but can be elevated with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a bit of contrast, serve with a selection of fresh berries on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen ube halaya?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely before using.
What can I substitute for ube halaya?
If you can't find ube halaya, you can use sweet potato or pumpkin puree, but it will change the flavor and color.
How do I store leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Ube Desserts Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it's warming up, grab a 9x9 inch baking pan and give it a good greasing, so nothing sticks. In a large bowl, cream together your softened butter and sugar until it's nice and fluffy. This should take a couple of minutes.

Next, add in your eggs one at a time. Beat well after each addition to make sure everything is smoothly combined. Stir in the ube halaya and vanilla extract, mixing until you have a uniform, beautiful purple batter.

Now, it's time to fold in the dry ingredients. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir just until you see no more streaks of flour — overmixing can make the texture tough.

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula, smoothing the top. Slide it into your preheated oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes. You'll know it's done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Once baked, let it cool completely in the pan before cutting it into squares. This waiting part is crucial for the best texture.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Beautifully vibrant purple color makes for a stunning presentation.
  • Rich, creamy texture with a delicate sweetness.
  • Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
  • A unique flavor that stands out from traditional desserts.

Ingredients

2 cups of ube halaya (purple yam jam)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until creamy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Stir in ube halaya and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt; stir until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

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