The first time I encountered ube cake, it was a dazzling purple slice at a friend’s birthday party, and I couldn’t believe my eyes. Intrigued by its vibrant color and the sweet, nutty aroma floating through the air, I just knew I had to try it. This Filipino favorite is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s also a celebration of culture, tradition, and the unique flavors that make every bite an adventure.
This ultra-moist ube cake, beautifully adorned with fluffy coconut buttercream and embellished with the delightful strings of macapuno, brings a burst of tropical goodness that promises to elevate any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a family feast or simply indulging in a cozy dessert at home, this light chiffon cake will surely impress and satisfy. Join me in discovering how to create this stunning dessert that combines simple ingredients with breathtaking results—it’s time to add a splash of color to your kitchen!
Why is Ube Cake a Must-Try?
Vibrant Color: The stunning purple hue of ube cake not only catches the eye but also brings joy to any gathering.
Coconut Delight: The creamy coconut buttercream pairs perfectly with the earthy sweetness of ube, creating a balanced flavor profile.
Fluffy Texture: The traditional chiffon style gives this cake a light and airy texture, making it a delightful treat after a hearty meal.
Cultural Richness: Enjoying ube cake is not just about taste; it’s a way to celebrate Filipino heritage and traditions.
Simple Steps: With straightforward instructions, you’ll be amazed at how easily you can create this stunning dessert. Don’t forget to check out my baking tips for extra help in perfecting this recipe!
Ube Cake Ingredients
For the Cake
- Egg Yolks – Essential for the batter; provides rich flavor and structure to the cake.
- Ube Puree – Adds delicious flavor, moisture, and vibrant color; ube halaya can be an alternative if available.
- Coconut Cream – Contributes to moisture and enhances flavor; in a pinch, heavy cream or milk can be used, but it will alter the flavor.
- Ube Extract – Intensifies the ube flavor and adds to the color; omit for a milder taste, but the color may be less vibrant.
- Granulated Sugar – Acts as a sweetener that helps keep the cake moist; feel free to adjust to your taste.
- Salt – Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness; no substitutes needed.
- Carbonated Water – Helps to aerate the batter for a lighter texture; you can use soy milk or another liquid, but the fluffiness may change.
- Cake Flour – Creates a lighter, softer cake; all-purpose flour could work, but the cake may be denser.
- Baking Powder – Necessary for the cake’s leavening; no substitutes are required.
- Cream of Tartar – Stabilizes egg whites for the meringue; you can use lemon juice or white vinegar if needed.
- Egg Whites – Whipped into meringue for added lightness; no substitutes needed.
For the Frosting
- Unsalted Butter – Forms the base for the frosting, lending a rich and creamy texture; vegan butter can replace it for dairy-free options.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and gives structure to the frosting; no substitutes necessary.
- Macapuno (Coconut String Jam) – Adds delightful texture and flavor to the cake; shredded coconut can be an alternative but will change the flavor profile.
This ube cake is sure to delight, making it a special treat for any occasion!
How to Make Ube Cake
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Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper for easy release. This ensures that your cake comes out beautifully intact!
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Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg yolks, ube puree, coconut cream, and ube extract. Whisk in the granulated sugar and salt until everything is fully dissolved and well-mixed.
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Incorporate liquids: Gently pour in the carbonated water to help aerate your batter before sifting in the cake flour and baking powder. Stir until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
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Make the meringue: In a stand mixer, whip the egg whites with cream of tartar on high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add in the sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks are achieved—a great sign for a fluffy cake!
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Combine: Carefully fold the meringue into the batter using a rubber spatula, being mindful to maintain as much volume as possible for that light texture.
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Divide and bake: Pour the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Tap the pans gently on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles. Place them in a water bath and bake for 30-45 minutes until the cakes are set and a toothpick comes out clean.
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Cool the cakes: Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool upside down on a wire rack to prevent deflation, giving you a perfect light crumb.
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Prepare the frosting: Beat the softened unsalted butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and coconut cream until the frosting is light and airy. Optionally, add ube extract for a pop of purple color!
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Assemble the cake: Layer the cakes with frosting and sprinkle macapuno in between, then frost the top and sides of the cake elegantly for a beautiful finish.
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Serve and enjoy: Enjoy your masterpiece immediately or chill in the fridge to set the frosting, making it easier to slice when serving!
Optional: Pair with fresh fruit or ice cream for a refreshing contrast.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Ube Cake
Fridge: Keep leftover ube cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This will help maintain its moisture and flavor, making every bite just as delightful.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap slices of ube cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months, ensuring you have a sweet treat ready anytime.
Thawing: To enjoy your frozen ube cake, transfer it to the fridge the night before serving. Allow it to thaw slowly, preserving its wonderful texture.
Reheating: If desired, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will give it a warm, comforting feel, perfect for cozy moments.
Expert Tips for Ube Cake
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter and even baking.
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Precisely Measure: Use a kitchen scale for accuracy when measuring flour and sugar. This helps avoid common mistakes that could alter the texture of your ube cake.
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Gentle Folding: When combining the meringue with the batter, fold gently to retain air. Overmixing can deflate the cake, leading to a denser end product.
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Cake Flour Matters: Stick with cake flour for the lightest texture. Using all-purpose flour might lead to a denser cake that lacks the airy lift characteristic of a good ube cake.
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Cooling Upside Down: Cool cakes upside down to prevent them from collapsing. This simple trick is key to achieving that fluffy chiffon texture.
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Storage Tips: Store any leftover ube cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to preserve its moisture and flavor.
Make Ahead Options
These delicious ube cakes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can make the cake layers up to 24 hours in advance; simply allow them to cool completely before wrapping them in plastic wrap and refrigerating to maintain their moisture and freshness. Additionally, you can prepare the coconut buttercream frosting up to 3 days ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and remember to let it come to room temperature and rewhip it lightly before frosting the cakes. When you’re ready to serve, layer the chilled cakes with the frosting and macapuno, and you’ll have an impressive dessert that tastes just as fresh and delightful as when it was made!
Ube Cake Variations
Customize your ube cake adventure with these delightful tweaks and substitutions to make it even more special!
- Dairy-Free: Replace coconut cream with almond milk or coconut milk for a lighter twist, keeping it deliciously creamy.
- Fruit Fusion: For an exciting flavor boost, layer in your favorite fruits like mango or raspberry between the cake layers.
- Macapuno Swap: Use a different fruit jam instead of macapuno to change the flavor and add a personal touch.
- Sweetener Switch: Try using coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a hint of caramel flavor and a healthier option.
- Add Spice: Infuse a little warmth by adding ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a cozy flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute cake flour with a gluten-free baking blend to cater to gluten sensitivities while retaining the cake’s lightness.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped toasted nuts like walnuts or almonds for an added texture contrast and flavor depth.
- Chocolate Delight: Mix in some cocoa powder to create a chocolate ube cake, blending rich flavors for an indulgent treat.
What to Serve with Ube Cake?
Imagine celebrating with a colorful dessert that tantalizes the taste buds and pairs beautifully with delightful accompaniments—let’s explore some delicious options!
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Fresh Mango Slices: The juicy sweetness of ripe mango complements the earthy notes of ube, balancing the cake’s flavors perfectly.
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Coconut Sorbet: Serving this light dessert alongside coconut sorbet enhances the tropical vibe and adds a refreshing chill.
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Crispy Spring Rolls: The contrast of crunchy textures from crispy vegetable spring rolls creates a fun interplay with the cake’s fluffy softness.
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Sweetened Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream can elevate each bite, offering a creamy richness that pairs beautifully.
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Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad can brighten up your dessert table, providing freshness and a burst of color to complement the ube cake.
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Filipino Coffee: Enjoying a slice of ube cake with a warm cup of Filipino coffee deepens the experience, with its rich flavors enhancing the dessert’s nuances.
These delightful pairings will not only satisfy your guests’ cravings but also bring every gathering to life, making ube cake the star of your sweet spread!
Ube Cake Recipe FAQs
What type of ube should I use for the Ube Cake?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and moisture, I recommend using freshly made ube puree. If that’s not available, ube halaya (sweetened ube jam) is a good alternative. Just keep in mind, using a pre-packaged version might add extra sweetness, so adjust the sugar in the recipe accordingly.
How should I store leftover Ube Cake?
To keep your leftover ube cake as delightful as the first slice, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This method keeps it nice and moist. If you notice it starting to dry out, placing a slice of bread in the container can help maintain that lovely texture!
Can I freeze Ube Cake?
Definitely! You can freeze slices of ube cake for up to 2 months. Just wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. For best results, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. This slow thaw ensures the cake retains its delicious moisture.
How can I prevent my Ube Cake from collapsing?
Very! A common reason for collapsing is overmixing the batter and meringue—make sure to gently fold them together. Additionally, cooling your cakes upside down on a wire rack also helps maintain that light chiffon texture. If using a water bath to bake, ensure you don’t let water spill into the batter, as it can affect the structure.
Is this Ube Cake suitable for people with allergies?
Great question! This ube cake contains common allergens like eggs and dairy. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use vegan butter in the frosting and replace eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed mix for an eggless version. However, always check for any specific allergies with your guests, such as gluten, since cake flour is used for this recipe.
What should I do if my Ube Cake turns out too dense?
If your ube cake is denser than expected, it’s likely due to overmixing or not incorporating enough air into the batter. To avoid this in the future, ensure your egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks before gently folding them into the batter. Additionally, using cake flour rather than all-purpose flour can also make a big difference in achieving that light, fluffy texture!
Deliciously Moist Ube Cake with Coconut Cream Goodness
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg yolks, ube puree, coconut cream, and ube extract. Whisk in the granulated sugar and salt until well-mixed.
- Incorporate liquids: Gently pour in carbonated water, sift in cake flour and baking powder. Stir until smooth.
- Make the meringue: In a stand mixer, whip egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar until stiff peaks.
- Combine: Carefully fold meringue into the batter using a rubber spatula, maintaining volume.
- Divide and bake: Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 30-45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes: Remove from the oven and cool upside down on a wire rack.
- Prepare the frosting: Beat softened unsalted butter until fluffy. Mix in powdered sugar and coconut cream until light.
- Assemble: Layer the cakes with frosting and sprinkle macapuno in between, then frost the top and sides.
- Serve and enjoy: Enjoy your cake immediately or store in the fridge to set the frosting.