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There is something truly magical about the vibrancy and sweetness of ube in desserts, and this Easy Ube Cake Recipe perfectly captures that magic. With its stunning purple hue and moist, tender crumb, this cake is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful treat bursting with the unique flavor of purple yam. Whether you’re new to ube or already a fan, this simple yet irresistible cake will soon become one of your favorite go-to recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this Easy Ube Cake Recipe, you’ll need a handful of basic baking ingredients that come together to create something spectacular. Each ingredient plays a key role in building the cake’s moist texture, rich flavor, and gorgeous purple color.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cake structure and a tender crumb.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Ensures the cake rises perfectly and stays light.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps keep the cake moist.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the cake just right without overpowering the unique ube flavor.
- 3 eggs: Binds the ingredients and adds structure for a fluffy texture.
- 1 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam): The star ingredient, infusing the batter with authentic purple yam flavor and that beautiful lavender color.
- ½ cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and tender while contributing to moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the cake’s aroma and adds subtle depth to the flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon ube extract (optional): For an extra punch of color and flavor, boosting the purple yam essence.
How to Make Easy Ube Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature will bake your cake evenly, ensuring a soft and moist texture. While the oven warms, grease and line your cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This combination is what will help your cake rise beautifully and maintain its delicate crumb without a dense or heavy feel.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, which is essential for a tender and airy cake texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs One by One
Beat in the eggs individually, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. This method keeps your batter smooth and prevents curdling, contributing to the cake’s consistent texture.
Step 5: Incorporate Ube Ingredients
Mix in the ube halaya, vanilla extract, and the optional ube extract. This is where your batter will take on that gorgeous lavender color and unmistakably sweet purple yam flavor. Mixing thoroughly at this stage ensures every bite has that authentic ube goodness.
Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. This alternating method keeps the batter smooth and prevents overmixing, which can make a cake tough.
Step 7: Bake Until Perfect
Pour your batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, allow the cake to cool completely before frosting or serving.
How to Serve Easy Ube Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Easy Ube Cake Recipe to the next level, consider topping it with cream cheese frosting, which complements the ube’s natural sweetness with a tangy richness. Freshly grated coconut or toasted coconut flakes also add a lovely texture and a tropical touch that pairs beautifully with purple yam flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve slices of this cake alongside a cup of warm tea or coffee for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. If you want to get adventurous, a scoop of coconut ice cream or a drizzle of condensed milk on the side enhances the luscious flavor profile and gives a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
One fun idea is to create mini versions of this cake in cupcake form, topped with a swirl of cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of edible purple glitter for a festive celebration. You can also layer slices with whipped cream and fresh berries to create a stylish and colorful dessert trifle that will wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your Easy Ube Cake fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. This keeps the cake moist and prevents it from absorbing any fridge odors, allowing you to enjoy every last crumb just as much as the first slice.
Freezing
If you want to save your cake for a longer period, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing is the way to go. Properly stored, your cake will maintain its flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Just thaw it at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To bring your refrigerated or thawed Easy Ube Cake back to life, warm up individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This warms the cake slightly, enhancing its softness and flavor without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ube instead of ube halaya in this recipe?
While ube halaya is cooked and sweetened, frozen ube is usually plain. If you use frozen ube, make sure to cook and mash it with sugar before adding it to the batter to maintain the proper sweetness and texture.
Is ube extract necessary for the cake?
Ube extract is optional but recommended if you want a stronger purple color and more intense ube flavor. If you don’t have it, the cake will still taste delicious thanks to the ube halaya.
Can I substitute the milk with a dairy-free alternative?
Absolutely! You can use coconut milk, almond milk, or any other plant-based milk for a dairy-free version without sacrificing that moist texture and flavor balance.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid opening the oven too early to prevent the cake from sinking.
Can this recipe be made into cupcakes?
Yes! Simply pour the batter into cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full, and bake for 18-22 minutes. Keep an eye on them as cupcake baking times can vary slightly from cakes.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Easy Ube Cake Recipe a try—it’s a delightful and unforgettable way to enjoy the unique flavors of purple yam. With its soft, moist crumb and eye-catching color, it’s the kind of dessert that makes people smile even before the first bite. Whether for a special occasion or simply a sweet treat, this cake is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen just like it is in mine!
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Easy Ube Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Filipino
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy Ube Cake recipe features vibrant purple yam flavor, a trendsetting dessert inspired by the famous Filipino ube halaya. The cake is soft, moist, and slightly sweet with a beautiful lavender hue, enhanced by optional ube extract. Perfect for fans of unique flavors and colorful desserts, it also pairs wonderfully with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ube extract (optional, for stronger color and flavor)
Optional Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a cake pan to prevent sticking and ensure an even bake.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate larger bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which incorporates air for a tender cake crumb.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time into the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to blend fully and maintain smooth batter texture.
- Incorporate Ube Flavor: Stir in the ube halaya, vanilla extract, and if using, the ube extract to infuse the batter with that distinct purple yam flavor and vibrant color.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Milk Alternately: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients alternated with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry mix. Mix gently just until smooth to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
- Bake: Pour the smooth batter evenly into the prepared cake pan. Place in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan before frosting to prevent melting or sliding.
- Prepare Optional Cream Cheese Frosting: For the frosting, beat 4 oz cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of butter until creamy. Gradually add 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon milk, continuing to beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cake surface for a delicious tangy complement to the sweet ube flavor.
Notes
- Ube halaya (purple yam jam) can be found at Asian grocery stores or made at home for authentic flavor.
- Using ube extract is optional but enhances the vibrant color and deepens the flavor.
- Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter once dry ingredients are added to prevent a dense cake.
- The cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy contrast to the sweet cake, but the cake is also delicious plain.
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator if frosted, or at room temperature if unfrosted, for up to 3 days.
