What is an Ube Cake?

Ube cake is a stunning Filipino dessert that showcases the unique flavor and vibrant purple hue of ube (pronounced “OO-beh”), a purple yam native to Southeast Asia. This luxurious cake typically consists of soft, fluffy layers infused with ube flavor, sandwiched and frosted with creamy ube buttercream or whipped cream frosting.

Unlike Western cakes that rely on chocolate or vanilla as base flavors, ube cake offers an exotic alternative with its:

• Naturally sweet, earthy flavor profile
• Distinctive violet color (without artificial dyes when made traditionally)
• Slightly nutty undertones reminiscent of vanilla and pistachio

The cake has gained international popularity in recent years, appearing in bakeries worldwide and on social media feeds where its photogenic purple layers make it an instant showstopper. Beyond its visual appeal, ube cake provides a perfect balance of flavors – not overly sweet but rich enough to feel indulgent.

About This Ube Cake Recipe

This particular ube cake recipe stays authentic to traditional Filipino methods while incorporating some modern baking techniques for reliability. Key characteristics include:

Texture Profile

• Cake Layers: Light and airy yet moist crumb structure
• Frosting: Silky smooth buttercream with just enough body to hold its shape
• Overall Mouthfeel: Creamy and luxurious without being heavy

Flavor Development

• Primary flavor: Earthy-sweet ube (intensified with both ube halaya and extract)
• Supporting notes: Coconut (from coconut milk in batter), vanilla, and butter
• Balanced sweetness that doesn’t overwhelm the natural ube taste

Visual Appeal

• Vibrant purple hue (can be adjusted from lavender to deep violet)
• Clean, professional-looking layers
• Versatile decoration options from simple to elaborate

Occasion Versatility

• Perfect for birthdays, holidays, and special celebrations
• Excellent choice for weddings (especially non-traditional color schemes)
• Impressive for potlucks and gatherings due to its unique nature

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Cake Batter

Dry Ingredients

1. Cake Flour (2 ½ cups/300g): The low protein content (7-9%) creates a tender crumb. For AP flour substitution, replace 2 tbsp per cup with cornstarch.
2. Granulated Sugar (1 ½ cups/300g): Provides sweetness and contributes to browning and moisture retention.
3. Baking Powder (1 tbsp): The primary leavening agent for proper rise.
4. Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all flavors and balances sweetness.

Wet Ingredients

1. Eggs (3 large): Provide structure, moisture, and richness. Room temperature incorporates better.
2. Ube Halaya (1 cup/240g): The cooked purple yam jam gives authentic flavor and color.
3. Coconut Milk (¾ cup/180ml): Adds moisture and complements ube’s earthiness.
4. Vegetable Oil (½ cup/120ml): Ensures moistness; can substitute melted butter for richer flavor.
5. Ube Extract (1 tsp): Intensifies color and flavor without adding starchiness.
6. Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Round out the flavor profile.

For the Ube Buttercream Frosting

1. Unsalted Butter (1 ½ cups/340g): Provides structure and creamy mouthfeel.
2. Powdered Sugar (4 cups/480g): Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting.
3. Ube Halaya (½ cup/120g): Maintains flavor consistency with the cake.
4. Ube Extract (1 tsp): Boosts color and flavor in the frosting.
5. Heavy Cream (2-3 tbsp): Adjusts consistency; use more for piping.

Professional Baking Tips

Ingredient Selection

• Ube Halaya Quality: Seek authentic Filipino brands or make your own for best flavor.
• Coconut Milk: Use full-fat, well-shaken canned version for richest results.
• Extract Choices: Look for pure ube extract rather than imitation for authentic taste.

Mixing Techniques

1. Proper Flour Measurement: Spoon and level to avoid dense cake.
2. Egg Temperature: Room temp eggs emulsify better with oil.
3. Folding Method: Gently incorporate dry into wet to maintain airiness.

Baking Science

• Oven Accuracy: Use an oven thermometer; 350°F (175°C) is ideal.
• Pan Preparation: Grease, flour, and line pans with parchment for easy release.
• Doneness Test: Cake should spring back when lightly pressed.

Frosting Mastery

• Butter Consistency: Should be softened but still cool for optimal whipping.
• Sugar Incorporation: Add gradually to prevent graininess.
• Color Control: Adjust with more extract if needed after mixing.

Serving and Storage

Presentation Ideas

• Naked Cake Style: Show off purple layers with minimal frosting.
• Floral Decor: Fresh orchids or edible flowers complement the purple.
• Texture Contrast: Toasted coconut flakes or crushed pistachios add crunch.

Serving Suggestions

• Temperature: Serve slightly cool for best texture.
• Portion Size: Slice thin (rich flavor goes a long way).
• Pairings: Excellent with coffee, tea, or dessert wines.

Storage Methods

1. Room Temperature: Up to 2 days in cake dome.
2. Refrigeration: Up to 5 days in airtight container.
3. Freezing:
   • Unfrosted layers: Wrap tightly in plastic, then foil (1 month)
   • Frosted cake: Flash freeze then wrap (2 weeks)

Reviving Leftovers

• Cold Cake: Microwave slices for 10 seconds to restore softness.
• Dried Out: Brush with simple syrup before serving.

Printable Recipe

Pan Release Grease

• 1 tbsp flour + 1 tbsp softened butter + 1 tbsp oil
• Mix into paste and brush onto pans

Cake Batter

1. Whisk together dry ingredients
2. In separate bowl, beat wet ingredients
3. Gently combine until just incorporated
4. Divide between two 8-inch pans
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes

Frosting

1. Whip butter until pale and fluffy
2. Gradually add powdered sugar
3. Mix in ube halaya and extract
4. Adjust consistency with cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Frosting

1. Beat butter on medium-high for 3 minutes until creamy.
2. Reduce speed to low, gradually add powdered sugar.
3. Incorporate ube halaya and extract, scraping bowl often.
4. Whip on high for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
5. Adjust thickness with cream (stiffer for piping, softer for spreading).

Assembly

1. Level cooled cakes with serrated knife.
2. Place first layer on cake board or plate.
3. Spread ¾ cup frosting evenly.
4. Top with second layer, crumb coat entire cake.
5. Chill 30 minutes, then apply final frosting layer.
6. Decorate as desired.

Nutrition Information

Per Serving (1/12 of cake)

• Calories: 520
• Total Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 70g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 55g
• Protein: 4g
• Vitamin A: 15% DV
• Calcium: 6% DV
• Iron: 8% DV

Dietary Considerations

• Vegetarian: Yes
• Gluten-Free Option: Use GF flour blend
• Dairy-Free Option: Vegan butter and coconut cream
• Nut-Free: Yes

Cultural Context and Variations

Filipino Baking Traditions

Ube cake evolved from traditional Filipino desserts like:

• Ube halaya (jam)
• Ube ice cream
• Ube puto (steamed cakes)

Modern Variations

1. Ube Cheesecake: Swirl ube into cheesecake batter
2. Ube Chiffon: Lighter, airier version
3. Ube Roll: Jelly roll style with cream filling
4. Ube Cupcakes: Portable individual servings

Fusion Creations

• Ube macarons
• Ube croissants
• Ube mochi donuts

Troubleshooting Guide

Common Issues and Solutions

Problem	Cause	Fix
Dense texture	Overmixed batter	Fold gently until just combined
Pale color	Weak ube extract	Add ½ tsp butterfly pea powder
Dry cake	Overbaked	Check at 25 minutes
Frosting too soft	Warm butter	Chill 15 minutes then rewhip
Layers stuck	Inadequate greasing	Use parchment circles

Advanced Techniques

Professional Decorating Methods

1. Ombré Effect: Gradually deepen frosting color from top to bottom
2. Geometric Designs: Use comb scraper for modern look
3. Drip Decoration: White chocolate ganache drips contrast beautifully

Flavor Enhancements

• Toast coconut milk before using
• Add pinch of cardamom to batter
• Infuse frosting with pandan leaf

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