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Looking for the perfect ube cake recipe that delivers a light, fluffy texture and rich purple color? This delightful Filipino-inspired dessert combines the unique flavor of ube (purple yam) with a silky buttercream frosting that will impress your family and friends. Our ube cake recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and earthy flavors, creating a dessert that’s both visually stunning and delicious. Whether you’re familiar with ube or trying it for the first time, this recipe will guide you through creating a showstopping cake that celebrates this beloved Filipino ingredient.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly balanced flavor profile that combines the unique earthy sweetness of ube with rich buttercream for a cake that’s not overpoweringly sweet
- Stunning natural purple color that creates an eye-catching dessert perfect for special occasions, Instagram-worthy photos, and impressing guests
- Light and airy texture achieved through the meringue folding technique, resulting in a cake that’s fluffy yet substantial
- Versatile recipe that can be adapted for different occasions – from birthday celebrations to holiday gatherings with simple decoration changes
- Introduction to Filipino cuisine through an approachable dessert that uses traditional flavors in a format familiar to most bakers
Why This Ube Cake Recipe Works
This ube cake recipe stands out from others because it combines traditional Filipino flavors with modern baking techniques. The secret to its exceptional texture lies in the meringue folding method, which incorporates whipped egg whites into the batter for incredible lightness. Unlike denser ube cakes, this version maintains a cloud-like texture while still delivering rich flavor.
The combination of ube extract and ube jam creates a more authentic and intense purple yam flavor than recipes using just one or the other. This dual approach ensures you get both the vibrant color and distinctive taste that makes ube desserts so special. The Swiss meringue buttercream complements the cake perfectly, adding a silky, not-too-sweet frosting that allows the ube flavor to shine.
Temperature control is another key factor in this recipe’s success. By ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature, you’ll achieve better emulsion and volume in your batter. This attention to detail results in a more uniform crumb structure and better rise during baking, creating that perfect fluffy texture that makes this ube cake recipe truly exceptional.
What You’ll Need for a Perfect Ube Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the cake layers, you’ll need sifted cake flour, baking powder, salt, ube extract, vegetable oil, milk, egg yolks, granulated sugar, and ube jam. The cake flour is essential for achieving that tender crumb, while the combination of ube extract and jam delivers authentic flavor. Optional purple gel food coloring can enhance the vibrant color if desired.
For the egg white mixture, you’ll need egg whites, cream of tartar, and granulated sugar. These ingredients create the meringue that gives the cake its light, airy texture. The cream of tartar stabilizes the egg whites, ensuring they maintain their volume when folded into the batter.
The Swiss meringue buttercream requires egg whites, granulated sugar, salt, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and additional ube extract. This style of buttercream creates a silky, less sweet frosting that complements the cake perfectly while carrying the ube flavor throughout each bite.
Tools
To successfully execute this ube cake recipe, you’ll need three 8-inch round baking pans lined with parchment paper. A stand mixer with whisk attachment is ideal for the meringue, though a handheld electric mixer can work too. You’ll also need several mixing bowls, a rubber spatula for folding, a sifter for the dry ingredients, and basic measuring tools.
A cooling rack is essential for properly cooling the cakes upside down, which helps maintain their volume. For decorating, you’ll want an offset spatula, a bench scraper for smooth sides, and piping bags with tips if you plan to add decorative elements to your finished cake. A serrated knife will help you trim the cakes evenly before assembly.
How to Make Light and Fluffy Ube Cake with Rich Buttercream
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing your baking pans with parchment paper. In a large bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure there are no lumps. In a separate bowl, combine the ube extract, vegetable oil, and milk, then set aside.
Using your electric mixer, beat the egg yolks while gradually adding sugar until the mixture becomes light yellow and fluffy, about 7 minutes. Add the ube jam and beat until smooth. If using food coloring for a more vibrant purple, add it now and mix until evenly distributed.
Gently fold in the dry ingredients and milk mixture in alternating additions, being careful not to overmix. In a clean, grease-free bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy, then add cream of tartar and continue beating. Gradually add sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold a cup of this meringue into the batter to lighten it, then fold in the remaining meringue until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly among your prepared pans and bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with minimal crumbs. Cool the cakes upside down on a cooling rack. For the buttercream, prepare a Swiss meringue base, then add ube extract to taste, gradually incorporating it until you achieve your desired flavor and color.
Once the cakes are completely cool, trim the tops if needed and remove the brown edges to reveal the vibrant purple color. Layer the cakes with buttercream between each layer, then frost the outside. Add any decorative touches as desired for a finished presentation.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Room temperature ingredients are crucial for this recipe – cold eggs won’t whip properly and can cause your cake to be dense rather than fluffy, so set everything out at least 30 minutes before starting
- When folding the meringue into the batter, use a gentle hand and a figure-eight motion to maintain as much air as possible while ensuring everything is incorporated evenly
- For the most vibrant natural purple color, look for high-quality ube jam (sometimes called ube halaya) at Asian markets or online specialty stores rather than relying solely on food coloring
- If your buttercream appears curdled during mixing, don’t panic – continue beating and it will come together; if it’s too soft, refrigerate for 10-15 minutes, then beat again
- For perfect cake layers, use a kitchen scale to divide your batter equally between pans, and tap each pan gently on the counter before baking to release any large air bubbles
Serving and Storage Tips for Your Ube Cake Recipe
Serving Tips
This ube cake is best served at room temperature, when the flavors are most pronounced and the buttercream has a perfect silky texture. If you’ve refrigerated the cake, allow it to sit out for about 30 minutes before serving. For special occasions, consider garnishing each slice with fresh berries, which complement the ube flavor beautifully, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for elegant contrast against the purple cake.
For an authentic Filipino experience, serve your ube cake with a cup of hot salabat (ginger tea) or strong coffee to balance the sweetness. If you’re presenting this at a gathering, consider adding a small card explaining what ube is, as many guests may be unfamiliar with this unique ingredient. This cake makes an excellent centerpiece for celebrations, particularly those with purple themes like birthday parties or baby showers.
When cutting, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between slices for the cleanest presentation. This ube cake recipe yields approximately 12 servings, but you can cut smaller pieces for larger gatherings. The rich flavor means even a small slice is satisfying.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Ube Cake Recipe
One common mistake is overmixing the batter after adding the flour. This develops gluten and results in a tough, dense cake rather than the light, fluffy texture we’re aiming for. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, using a gentle folding motion rather than vigorous stirring.
Another pitfall is using cold ingredients. Room temperature eggs, milk, and butter are essential for proper incorporation and volume. Cold egg whites won’t whip to the same volume as room temperature ones, affecting the cake’s rise and texture. Plan ahead and set your ingredients out about 30 minutes before you begin baking.
Rushing the cooling process can cause your cake to collapse or your frosting to melt. Make sure your cake layers are completely cool before assembling and frosting. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the layers (after they’ve cooled for 10 minutes in the pan) in the refrigerator, but never frost a warm cake.
Using the wrong type of flour can significantly impact your results. This recipe specifically calls for cake flour, which has a lower protein content than all-purpose flour. If you substitute all-purpose flour without adjustments, your cake will be denser and less tender. If cake flour isn’t available, you can make a substitute by replacing 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with cornstarch for each cup needed.
You Must Know
- Ube extract and ube jam are different products – the extract provides concentrated flavor and color while the jam adds texture and authentic taste, so don’t substitute one for the other if possible
- Your egg whites must be completely free of any yolk or grease for proper meringue formation – even a tiny amount of fat will prevent them from whipping to stiff peaks
- The cake’s distinctive purple color will fade somewhat if exposed to high heat for too long, so watch your baking time carefully and don’t be tempted to bake at a higher temperature
- Swiss meringue buttercream is temperature sensitive – if it’s too cold it will appear chunky, and if it’s too warm it will be soupy; the ideal working temperature is around 70°F (21°C)
Suggestions for Variations on this Ube Cake Recipe
For a tropical twist, consider adding coconut elements to your ube cake. You can replace some of the milk with coconut milk in the batter, add toasted coconut between layers, or incorporate coconut extract into the buttercream. This combination is popular in Filipino desserts and creates a delightful flavor pairing. Check out this Ube-Macapuno Cake Recipe for inspiration on combining ube with coconut.
If you prefer a lighter frosting, consider a whipped cream frosting flavored with a touch of ube extract instead of the buttercream. This creates a less sweet, more delicate finish that lets the ube flavor in the cake shine through. For special occasions, you might try a white chocolate ganache with a hint of ube for an elegant, glossy finish.
For a modern twist, transform this recipe into cupcakes or a sheet cake. Cupcakes will bake in about 15-18 minutes and are perfect for parties, while a sheet cake offers a simpler presentation that’s ideal for casual gatherings. You might also explore other Ube Recipes to Try for additional inspiration.
Consider creating an ube cake roll as an alternative presentation. The light texture of this cake makes it perfect for rolling with a filling of whipped cream or a lighter buttercream. This variation creates a beautiful spiral effect when sliced and offers a different ratio of cake to frosting that some may prefer.
FAQs:
Ube (pronounced “oo-beh”) is a purple yam native to the Philippines and Southeast Asia. It’s naturally purple due to anthocyanins, the same antioxidant pigments found in blueberries and purple cabbage. Ube has a mildly sweet, vanilla-like flavor with subtle nutty notes, making it perfect for desserts. It’s different from purple sweet potatoes or taro, though they’re sometimes confused.
While ube extract significantly enhances the flavor and color, you can make this cake using only ube jam (halaya) if extract isn’t available. You’ll get a more subtle flavor and less vibrant color, but it will still be delicious. Increase the ube jam to 3/4 cup and consider adding a bit more purple food coloring if you want the distinctive color. However, for the most authentic result, try to find the extract online if it’s not available locally.
You can make the cake layers up to 2 days in advance – just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap once completely cooled and store at room temperature. The buttercream can be made 3-5 days ahead and refrigerated (bring to room temperature and re-whip before using). A fully assembled cake will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, individual unfrosted cake layers can be frozen for up to 2 months if well-wrapped.
While this recipe involves several steps and techniques like folding meringue, it’s approachable for motivated beginners. The most challenging aspects are properly whipping the egg whites and folding them without deflating the batter. If you’re new to baking, read through the entire recipe first, watch some videos on folding techniques, and give yourself extra time. You might also want to try our 5-Ingredient Easy Keto Cloud Cake Recipe first to practice similar techniques.
Yes, this recipe can be adapted for dietary restrictions. For dairy-free, substitute the milk with almond, soy, or coconut milk and use a plant-based butter alternative in the frosting. For gluten-free, replace the cake flour with a good quality cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture may be slightly different, but you’ll still achieve a delicious ube cake. Just ensure your ube extract and jam are also free of your restricted ingredients.
Conclusion: Enjoying Your Homemade Ube Cake Recipe
Congratulations on creating your own light and fluffy ube cake with rich buttercream! This stunning purple dessert brings a taste of Filipino cuisine into your kitchen and offers a wonderful way to explore new flavors. The unique combination of ube’s earthy sweetness with the silky buttercream creates a memorable dessert experience that’s sure to become a favorite for special occasions.
Don’t be surprised if your guests ask about the beautiful color and distinctive flavor – this is a perfect opportunity to share your knowledge about ube and Filipino dessert traditions. If you enjoyed making this ube cake recipe, you might also want to explore other international desserts like our Ultimate Chicken Casserole or 10-Minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta for your next culinary adventure.
Remember that practice makes perfect when it comes to baking, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t flawless. Each time you make this ube cake recipe, you’ll become more familiar with the techniques and develop your own special touch. Share your creations on social media or with friends and family, and enjoy the journey of mastering this beautiful purple dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. For another delicious ube dessert option, check out this Ube Cheesecake Recipe.
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📖 Recipe Card
Light and Fluffy Ube Cake with Rich Buttercream
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
A light, airy Filipino-style ube cake made with whipped meringue, ube extract and jam, topped with a silky Swiss meringue buttercream – perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cake flour, sifted
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup ube extract
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup milk
- 5 egg yolks
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup ube jam
- (Optional) purple gel food coloring
- 5 egg whites
- 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 egg whites (for buttercream)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for buttercream)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp ube extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pans.
- Sift dry ingredients.
- Mix yolks, sugar, ube jam, milk mixture.
- Fold in dry ingredients and meringue.
- Bake 20 mins.
- Cool upside down.
- Make buttercream and assemble.
Notes
- Use room temp ingredients for best texture
- Don’t overmix after adding flour
- Use quality ube jam for best color and flavor
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: ube cake, purple yam cake, ube jam dessert, Filipino cake, fluffy ube chiffon, ube birthday cake, coconut ube cake, gluten-free ube, dairy-free ube cake
