Welcome, fellow dessert lovers! Today, we’re diving into the enchanting world of ube, a magnificent purple yam that’s not just a feast for the eyes but also a delight for your taste buds. If you’ve ever dreamed of baking a cake that’s as stunning as it is delicious, you’re in the right place. Our Ube Cake recipe is designed for everyone, from kitchen novices to seasoned bakers, promising a moist, tender crumb infused with the unique, sweet, and nutty flavor of ube.
Forget complicated techniques and hard-to-find ingredients. We’ll guide you step-by-step through creating a show-stopping dessert that will impress everyone. Get ready to fill your home with the sweet aroma of this Filipino classic and enjoy a slice of pure purple bliss!
History / Background of Ube
Ube, pronounced ‘oo-beh’, is a purple yam native to the Philippines, where it has been a culinary staple for centuries. Beyond its striking color, ube offers a naturally sweet, earthy, and slightly nutty flavor, often compared to vanilla, pistachio, or white chocolate. Traditionally, ube is boiled, mashed, and sweetened to make ‘ube halaya’ (ube jam), which forms the base for many beloved Filipino desserts, including ice cream, pastries, and of course, cake. Its recent surge in popularity worldwide has introduced this vibrant ingredient to new kitchens, making it a trendy star in the dessert world. This cake pays homage to that rich heritage, bringing a traditional flavor into a modern, delightful form.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vibrant Color A naturally stunning purple hue that captures attention.
- Unique Flavor A delightful blend of sweet, earthy, and nutty notes.
- Moist and Tender Promises a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Beginner-Friendly Simple instructions make it accessible for all skill levels.
- Impressive Perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or a special treat.
Ingredient Notes
To achieve the perfect Ube Cake, understanding your ingredients is key:
- Cake Flour This is crucial for a tender, fine crumb. It has a lower protein content than all-purpose flour. If you don’t have it, you can make a substitute by removing 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour for every cup and replacing it with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, then sifting well.
- Ube Extract This gives the cake its signature purple color and intense ube flavor. You can find it in Asian grocery stores or online. Don’t skip it!
- Ube Halaya (Ube Jam)Â While optional, adding a spoonful or two to the batter or frosting enhances the authentic ube flavor and moisture.
- Buttermilk The acidity in buttermilk reacts with baking soda, creating a lighter, fluffier cake. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles.
- Unsalted Butter Always use unsalted butter for baking to control the salt content in your recipe. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
Equipment Needed
Gathering your tools before you start makes the baking process smoother:
- Two 8-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls (at least two)
- Electric stand mixer or hand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sifter
- Wire cooling rack
Full Recipe Card
Ingredients for the Ube Cake
- 2 ½ cups cake flour, sifted
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons ube extract
- ¼ cup ube halaya (optional, for extra flavor)
Ingredients for the Ube Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4-5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon ube extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare Your Pans Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar In a large bowl with an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients In a separate small bowl, combine the buttermilk, ube extract, and ube halaya (if using).
- Alternate Wet and Dry With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the wet ingredients in two additions, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Pour and Bake Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, alternating with milk/cream, until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the ube extract and a pinch of salt. Adjust consistency with more powdered sugar or milk as needed.
- Assemble the Cake Once the cakes are completely cool, frost them. Place one cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of ube buttercream on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake. Decorate as desired.
Notes
- Ensure all cold ingredients like butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for best results.
- Do not open the oven door during the first 20 minutes of baking to prevent the cakes from sinking.
- For a richer ube flavor, you can add a small amount of ube halaya directly into your buttercream frosting.
Tips & Variations
- Coconut Love Sprinkle toasted shredded coconut between layers or on top for added texture and flavor.
- Cheese Ube Cake For a classic Filipino twist, add grated mild cheddar cheese to the frosting or on top.
- Cupcakes This recipe can easily be adapted for cupcakes! Bake for 18-22 minutes.
- Layer Options For a taller cake, divide the batter into three 6-inch pans and adjust baking time.
Pro Chef Tips
- Mise en Place Have all your ingredients measured and ready before you start mixing. This prevents errors and makes baking a breeze.
- Don’t Overmix Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Room Temperature Ingredients This ensures a smooth, emulsified batter that bakes evenly.
- Cool Completely Never frost a warm cake! It will melt your beautiful buttercream.
- Sift Dry Ingredients Sifting ensures there are no lumps and helps aerate the flour for a lighter cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Batter As mentioned, this is a common culprit for dense cakes.
- Not Sifting Powdered Sugar for Frosting This leads to lumpy, unpleasant buttercream.
- Baking at the Wrong Temperature An oven thermometer is your best friend to ensure accuracy.
- Opening the Oven Too Early This can cause the cake to collapse in the center.
- Not Greasing and Flourishing Pans Properly Leads to cakes sticking and breaking when removed.
Storage & Meal Prep
This Ube Cake stays fresh and delicious for several days. Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. If refrigerated, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Make-Ahead & Freezer Notes
You can bake the cake layers ahead of time! Once completely cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen layers in the refrigerator overnight before frosting. The buttercream frosting can also be made a few days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Rewhip before using.
Serving Suggestions
Ube Cake is a star on its own, but here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience:
- With Coffee or Tea A perfect companion for your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
- Fresh Fruit Serve alongside a medley of fresh berries or sliced mango for a refreshing contrast.
- Ice Cream A scoop of vanilla or even ube ice cream makes for an indulgent dessert.
- Garnish A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, a few fresh ube shavings, or edible flowers can add a beautiful finishing touch.
