If you have a soft spot for vibrant, dreamy desserts, then you are going to be absolutely Obsessed with Ube Recipe! This Filipino-inspired purple yam treat captivates with its gorgeous violet hues and that perfectly moist, tender crumb. Blending the earthy sweetness of ube halaya with rich coconut milk and a burst of vanilla-like ube extract, it’s the kind of dessert that feels like a cozy celebration in every bite. Whether you’re new to ube or a longtime fan, this recipe offers an irresistible way to indulge your taste buds while impressing anyone lucky enough to share it with you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it uses simple, wholesome ingredients that each add their own special touch. From the creamy butter that keeps the texture tender to the fragrant ube halaya and coconut milk that give it that phenomenal flavor and color, every element plays an essential role.
- 1 cup ube halaya: The star of the show, offering that authentic purple yam sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds rich moisture and helps create a light, fluffy crumb.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bars perfectly without overwhelming the delicate ube flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and richness for a tender bite.
- 1 teaspoon ube extract: Enhances the ube flavor and deepens the purple color for that wow factor.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together in just the right way.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a gentle lift so the bars aren’t too dense.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances and intensifies all the sweet flavors.
- 1/2 cup coconut milk: Adds a subtle creamy coconut note that complements the ube perfectly.
- Optional: 1/4 cup shredded coconut or white chocolate chips: For a delightful texture and flavor contrast on top.
How to Make Obsessed with Ube Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cream
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this step is key for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Incorporate Eggs and Ube
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next. Then, stir in the luscious ube halaya and fragrant ube extract until the mixture is smooth and evenly purple. This combination is what makes this recipe truly brilliant and so cherished by anyone Obsessed with Ube Recipe creations.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your bars rise nicely and have a balanced flavor. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mixture, alternating with coconut milk to keep the batter smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Transfer and Add Toppings
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. If you like, sprinkle shredded coconut or white chocolate chips on top for an extra layer of deliciousness that brings wonderful texture and a hint of indulgence.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into nine squares. The cooling step lets the flavors settle and the texture firm up beautifully.
How to Serve Obsessed with Ube Recipe
Garnishes
For a pretty finishing touch, consider topping your ube bars with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk, or even a few toasted coconut flakes. These simple garnishes bring out the vibrant color and complement the flavor profile wonderfully, making each serving feel special.
Side Dishes
Pair these ube squares with a scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream for a dessert that feels extra fancy. They also go wonderfully alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea, allowing their rich flavors to shine even more during a cozy afternoon break or after-dinner treat.
Creative Ways to Present
These bars look stunning arranged on a pastel-colored plate or wooden board to highlight their vivid purple color. You can also cut them into smaller bite-sized pieces for party platters or serve alongside tropical fruit slices like mango or pineapple for a refreshing contrast that accentuates the Filipino-inspired roots of this dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover ube bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps keep them moist and fresh while preserving their delightful texture and flavor. If you want them to last longer, refrigeration is a good option that maintains their quality nicely.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen, they hold well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To warm your ube bars, pop them in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or heat them gently in an oven at 300°F for 5 to 7 minutes. Reheating brings back their softness and enhances the aroma, making each bite almost like fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute ube halaya with fresh ube?
Fresh ube can be used, but it requires cooking and mashing before incorporation. Ube halaya is already cooked and sweetened, so it saves time and delivers consistent flavor and texture perfect for this recipe.
Is ube extract necessary?
While optional, ube extract intensifies the distinctive flavor and vivid purple color, making your bars look and taste even more spectacular. If you want to go all-in on the ube experience, adding the extract is definitely worth it.
What if I don’t have coconut milk?
You can substitute coconut milk with whole milk or almond milk, but keep in mind that coconut milk adds a subtle, tropical richness that complements the ube beautifully. Using alternatives will slightly change the flavor profile.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
To veganize, replace butter with a plant-based alternative, use flax or chia eggs instead of regular eggs, and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly. Coconut milk is already vegan, so it remains the same for that creamy taste.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just double all ingredients and use a larger baking pan accordingly. Keep an eye on baking time, as it might need a few extra minutes depending on pan size and oven specifics.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with a dessert as charming and delicious as this Obsessed with Ube Recipe. It manages to be both nostalgic and fresh, easy to prepare yet wonderfully impressive. Give it a try, share it with friends or family, and soon you might find yourself just as enchanted and Obsessed with Ube Recipe as I am. Get ready for a purple yam love affair that’s worth every bite!
Print
Obsessed with Ube Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Filipino-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delectable Filipino-inspired dessert features the vibrant flavor of ube, or purple yam, blended into a moist and flavorful baked treat. With a rich combination of ube halaya, coconut milk, and optional toppings like shredded coconut or white chocolate chips, these bars offer a luscious and colorful twist on classic brownies. Perfect for ube enthusiasts and those wanting a unique dessert experience.
Ingredients
Ube Batter
- 1 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon ube extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
Optional Toppings
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a creamy base for the batter.
- Add Eggs and Ube Flavor: Beat in the eggs one at a time ensuring each is fully incorporated. Then mix in the ube halaya and ube extract until the mixture is smooth and evenly colored with the distinctive purple hue.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and season the batter.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, alternating with the coconut milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently after each addition until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
- Pour Batter and Add Toppings: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle shredded coconut or white chocolate chips evenly over the top to add extra texture and flavor.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked ube bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 9 squares. This helps the bars set and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- For a stronger ube flavor, increase the ube extract to 1 1/2 teaspoons.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer freshness, refrigerate the bars; they can last about a week chilled.
- Substitute coconut milk with regular milk if preferred, though it will slightly alter flavor.
