Ube Cake Recipe: Sweet, Vibrant, and Easy to Make!

Ube Cake Recipe is a delightful Filipino dessert that has captured the hearts of dessert lovers worldwide. Made with the vibrant purple yam called ube, this cake boasts a unique, subtly sweet flavor and a stunning hue that turns heads at any gathering. Having baked this cake countless times, I find it a crowd-pleaser and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a first-timer, this recipe will make you love its soft, moist texture and unforgettable taste. Let’s dive into the secrets of this show-stopping treat!

Ingredients Needed for Ube Cake Recipe

List all ingredients with precise measurements:

• Ube halaya (or ube jam)
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder and salt
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Milk (or buttermilk)
• Butter (or oil)
• Ube extract for flavor and color enhancement
• Optional: coconut flakes or macapuno for garnish

When making the perfect Ube Cake Recipe, it’s essential to have the right ingredients on hand. Each ingredient is vital in creating a flavorful and visually stunning cake. Below is a detailed breakdown of your needs and helpful substitutions for hard-to-find items.

Ube Halaya (or Ube Jam)

Ube halaya is the star ingredient in this recipe. It gives the cake its authentic flavor and creamy texture. You can make ube halaya at home using fresh or frozen ube, sugar, and coconut milk. If you’re short on time, store-bought ube jam works perfectly. Look for it in Asian grocery stores or online.

All-Purpose Flour

All-purpose flour provides the cake’s structure and stability. To achieve a lighter texture, sift the flour before using it. If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix.

Baking Powder and Salt

Baking powder helps the cake rise and gives it a soft, fluffy texture. Salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best results.

Sugar

Granulated sugar sweetens the cake. You can adjust the amount based on your preference. For a healthier alternative, try coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia.

Eggs

Eggs add richness and help bind the ingredients together. Use large eggs at room temperature for even mixing. Substitute eggs with a flaxseed meal or applesauce if you want a vegan version.

Milk (or Buttermilk)

Milk adds moisture to the cake, making it soft and tender. Buttermilk is an excellent option for added tanginess. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with a cup of milk and let it sit for a few minutes.

Butter (or Oil)

Butter adds flavor, while oil keeps the cake moist. You can use unsalted butter or any neutral oil, such as canola or vegetable oil. Coconut oil is another option if you want a hint of coconut flavor.

Ube Extract for Flavor and Color Enhancement

Ube extract intensifies the ube flavor and enhances the cake’s purple color. A little goes a long way, so use it sparingly. You can find ube extract in specialty Asian stores or order it online.

Optional: Coconut Flakes or Macapuno for Garnish

Coconut flakes and macapuno (sweet coconut strips) are optional but highly recommended. They add texture and beautifully complement the ube flavor. Toast the coconut flakes for extra crunch and aroma.

Substitutions for Hard-to-Find Ingredients

• If fresh ube is unavailable, use frozen ube or canned ube in syrup.
• For ube halaya, you can substitute sweet potato puree, though the flavor won’t be identical.
• If you can’t find ube extract, use purple food coloring with vanilla extract to mimic the taste and appearance.

Equipment Needed to Make Ube Cake Recipe

To create the perfect Ube Cake Recipe, you need the right tools. These essential kitchen items ensure smooth baking and make your cake delicious. Here’s a detailed look at the tools you’ll need and how they contribute to the recipe.

Mixing Bowls

Mixing bowls is essential for combining ingredients. Use at least two: one for wet ingredients and another for dry ones. Choose bowls with enough space to mix comfortably without spilling. Stainless steel or glass bowls work best because they are durable and easy to clean.

Electric Mixer

An electric mixer helps you mix ingredients quickly and evenly. Use it to cream butter and sugar or beat eggs to the right consistency. A hand mixer works well, but a stand mixer makes the process easier, especially for larger batches.

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Accurate measurements are crucial for baking. Measuring cups help you measure dry ingredients like flour and sugar, while measuring spoons ensure precise amounts of more minor ingredients like baking powder and salt. Use liquid measuring cups for wet ingredients like milk and oil.

Inch Round Cake Pans

These pans are the perfect size for the layers of your Ube Cake Recipe. Grease the pans well and line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Using identical pans ensures even layers for a professional-looking cake.

Cooling Rack

A cooling rack allows air to circulate the cake as it cools. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy and helps the cake cool evenly. After removing the cakes from the pans, make sure to transfer them onto the rack.

Offset Spatula for Frosting (Optional)

An offset spatula makes frosting your Ube Cake Recipe easier and more precise. Its angled design helps you spread frosting smoothly and evenly across the cake’s surface and sides. This tool is optional but highly recommended for achieving a polished look.
Read Also: Tuxedo Cake Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Ube Cake Recipe

Follow these detailed and easy-to-understand steps to create the perfect ube cake recipe. From preparation to baking and layering, each step ensures your cake turns out soft, flavorful, and beautifully vibrant. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced baker, this guide will help you achieve a delicious and eye-catching dessert.

Preparation

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the stove is hot and ready when your batter is mixed. Next, prepare your cake pans. Grease the pans lightly with butter or oil to prevent the cake from sticking. Line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper for easier removal after baking.

Mixing the Batter

Begin by creaming the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Beat them with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This step helps create a soft texture for the cake.

Add eggs one at a time. Beat well after each addition to ensure the eggs are fully incorporated.

In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients: the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients, including the milk and ube extract.

Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the wet ingredients. Mix gently to avoid overmixing, as this can make the cake dense. Fold in the ube halaya carefully. This gives the cake its flavor and signature color.

Baking

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula for even baking.

Place the pans in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cakes are ready.

Cooling and Layering

Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen the cakes.

Carefully remove the cakes from the pans and transfer them to a cooling rack. Let them cool completely before frosting. This step is essential to prevent the frosting from melting.
Read Also: Key Lime Cake Recipe

How to Make Frosting for Ube Cake Recipe

When it comes to frosting your ube cake recipe, there are a few delicious options. Popular choices include cream cheese frosting, ube-flavored whipped cream, and buttercream with a hint of coconut. These frostings complement the cake’s sweet, earthy flavor and vibrant purple hue. Let’s walk through how to make these frostings step-by-step.

Cream Cheese Frosting

You’ll need cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to make cream cheese frosting. Start by beating the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar in small batches, mixing until you reach a fluffy consistency. Finish by adding a splash of vanilla extract for flavor. This frosting is tangy and pairs beautifully with the sweet ube cake.

Ube-Flavored Whipped Cream

For a lighter, fluffier frosting, you can make ube-flavored whipped cream. Begin by chilling a mixing bowl and beaters. Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Add a spoonful of ube halaya or ube extract to give it that signature flavor. This whipped cream frosting is light and smooth, perfectly balancing the rich cake.

Buttercream with a Hint of Coconut

If you like a more decadent, indulgent frosting, buttercream with a hint of coconut is a great choice. Beat together butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add coconut extract or shredded coconut for flavor. You can also mix in a bit of ube extract for an extra flavor that matches the cake. This frosting gives the cake a tropical twist, enhancing the overall taste.

Tips for Evenly Frosting the Cake

To frost your cake evenly, spread a thin crumb coat on the entire cake. This helps seal any crumbs and creates a smooth surface for the final layer of frosting. Once the crumb coat is set, apply the frosting in soft, even layers using an offset spatula. Be sure to cover the sides and top completely. For a neat finish, use a bench scraper to smooth the sides. Ensure the frosting is spread evenly to achieve a polished, professional look.

Decorating Ideas for Ube Cake Recipe

When decorating your Ube Cake Recipe, there are several ways to make it look as beautiful as it tastes. Depending on the occasion, you can keep it simple or go all out. Here are a few ideas to help you make your cake stand out:

Fresh Coconut Flakes

Adding fresh coconut flakes to your ube cake gives it a tropical touch. You can sprinkle the flakes lightly over the frosting for a nice contrast in texture. The coconut flavor complements the ube and adds a bit of crunch. Make sure to use unsweetened coconut flakes so they don’t overpower the sweetness of the cake.

Edible Flowers

Consider using edible flowers to decorate your Ube Cake Recipe for a more elegant look. Flowers like pansies, violets, or marigolds can be placed on top or around the edges of the cake. Just ensure the flowers are safe to eat, and they’ll add a colorful and natural touch to your dessert.

Ube Halaya Swirls

If you have extra ube halaya or ube jam, you can create beautiful swirls on top of the cake. Use a spoon or piping bag to add the ube halaya in small dollops on the cake’s surface. Then, swirl a toothpick or skewer into the frosting, creating a marbled effect. This makes the cake more visually appealing and enhances its ube flavor.

Tips for Making the Cake Visually Appealing

Try to frost it smoothly to ensure your cake looks as good as it tastes. Use an offset spatula to spread the frosting evenly, giving it a clean, polished look. When adding decorations, balance is key. Don’t overcrowd the cake with too many decorations. A few well-placed coconut flakes, edible flowers, or ube swirls will be enough to make your cake look stunning. Lastly, remember that presentation is essential, so take the time to arrange everything neatly for the best results.

Tips and Tricks for Perfecting Your Ube Cake Recipe

Here are some useful tips and tricks for ensuring that your ube cake recipe turns out perfect every time.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture

The texture of your cake depends on how you mix the ingredients. When mixing the batter, be sure not to overmix it. Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense and tough. Mix just until the dry ingredients are combined with the wet ingredients. This will help the cake remain light and fluffy.

Also, remember to measure your flour correctly. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents using too much flour, which can also make the cake dense.

Advice on Storing the Cake for Freshness

After you’ve baked your Ube Cake Recipe, it’s essential to store it properly to keep it fresh. Allow the cake to cool completely before storing it. If you store it while still warm, moisture can build up inside the container and affect the texture.

To keep the cake fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for about 2–3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the cake. Just wrap it well and store it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw at room temperature.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue with the Ube Cake Recipe is a dry cake. This usually happens when the cake is overbaked, or too much flour is used. To avoid this, check the cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Use a toothpick to test for doneness. Your cake is done if it comes out clean but with a few moist crumbs.

Another issue is uneven layers. To ensure the layers bake evenly, divide the batter between the pans. If one side of the cake is taller, rotate the pans halfway through baking. This helps ensure that the heat is distributed evenly.

Variations and Additional Ideas for Ube Cake Recipe

There are many creative ways to make your Ube Cake Recipe unique. You can change the shape, flavor, or ingredients to suit your needs or preferences. Here are a few variations to try:

Mini Ube Cupcakes for Portion Control

To make your ube cake recipe more convenient or serve smaller portions, consider baking mini ube cupcakes. Use a mini muffin tin and bake the batter in small cupcake liners. The baking time will be shorter, so check after 15-20 minutes. These mini treats are perfect for parties or when you want just a little taste of the ube goodness.

Ube Cake with a Mango or Pandan Twist

Try pairing the Ube Cake Recipe with mango or pandan flavors for a fun twist. Mango pairs wonderfully with the sweet, earthy taste of ube. Add chopped fresh mango to the batter, or top the cake with mango slices for a refreshing contrast. With its unique aroma, Pandan is another excellent flavor that complements ube. Add a little pandan extract to the batter for a vibrant, aromatic layer of flavor.

Vegan or Gluten-Free Adaptations of the Recipe

If you need a vegan or gluten-free version of the Ube Cake Recipe, making a few swaps is easy. For a vegan cake, replace the eggs with a flaxseed meal mixed with water or applesauce. Use non-dairy milk like almond or coconut, and substitute butter with coconut or vegetable oil. Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the cake gluten-free. Check the baking time and texture, as gluten-free cakes may bake differently.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Ube Cake Recipe offers a delightful, vibrant dessert that is easy to make and versatile. There are endless ways to enjoy this Filipino treat, from the classic version to fun variations like mini cupcakes or adding flavors like mango or pandan. Whether you want to create a traditional ube cake, try a vegan or gluten-free adaptation, or decorate it with coconut flakes or edible flowers, this cake will impress. With simple steps and a few creative ideas, the Ube Cake Recipe is perfect for any occasion or celebration.