If you’re a culinary enthusiast or someone who delights in sharing visually appealing food photos on Instagram, you may be familiar with ube. If not, you’re missing out on a world of flavor and color.
The ube, also known as the purple yam, is an exceptionally vibrant species that boasts a striking purple hue. Its sweet taste profile is complemented by subtle notes of vanilla and nuttiness.
This versatile ingredient excels in a variety of dishes, but its most iconic application lies in desserts, where it adds a pop of color to otherwise mundane treats.
With so many creative possibilities awaiting you, it’s only fitting that you have an arsenal of ube recipes at your disposal. To help you bring a splash of vibrancy to the dinner table, we’ve curated a list of 20 stunning ube-based desserts and savory dishes.
Ube Donuts
This ube donut recipe is a creative way to enjoy the vibrant purple color of ube, resulting in traditional-looking pink-purple donuts that are not only delicious but also a healthier option compared to other recipes. With this simple and quick recipe, you can whip up a batch of donuts in just 20 minutes and customize them with your favorite decorations. Perfect for parties, bake sales, or the office, these donuts are sure to be a hit.
Ube Gelatin
This Filipino classic is a game-changer, requiring only 10 minutes of preparation and no baking at all. The star of the show is undoubtedly the vibrant ube, which brings together beautifully sweet and delightfully smooth textures that will please even the pickiest eaters. What’s more, this gelatin dessert is surprisingly healthy to boot. Its striking color makes it a surefire hit at any gathering, and its versatility ensures it’ll be a crowd-pleaser for years to come.
Ube Ice Cream
When it comes to ice cream, vibrant colors and intense flavors are the perfect combination. This u-shaped goodness checks both boxes. With its bold hue and rich taste, this u-beauty is a treat for the senses. What makes it even more impressive is that it’s ridiculously easy to make. No need for churning or specialized equipment – just four simple ingredients and 10 minutes of your time are all you’ll need.
The magic happens with sweetened condensed milk, heavy whipping cream, ube powder, and a dash of u-beauty flavoring extract.
Ube Leche Flan Cake
Imagine a culinary fusion of two beloved desserts, yielding a show-stopping masterpiece. The seemingly ordinary custard cake takes on an extraordinary twist with the radiant purple cake hidden beneath its creamy surface, like a treasure waiting to be discovered. This harmonious blend of flavors and textures is perfect for commemorating special occasions, and can even be miniaturized into cupcakes (check out our ’40 Easy Cupcake Recipes That You Will Love!’ guide for inspiration).
Ube Mochi Waffles
Discover a game-changing breakfast option for those with dietary restrictions. This innovative ube mochi waffles recipe combines the best of both worlds – the delight of waffles and the nutritional benefits of a gluten-free treat. The vibrant purple hue is just an added bonus! The crispy edges and fluffy centers will make these a hit with kids, while the adults will appreciate the health-conscious spin. For an extra pop of color (and flavor), whip up an ube glaze to drizzle over your waffles.
With this recipe, you’ll be indulging in a culinary delight that’s as healthy as it is delicious.
Ube Brownies
Add some excitement to your baking sessions with kids by whipping up these scrumptious ube brownies. Their vibrant purple hue and irresistible flavor make them an instant hit. But what truly sets them apart is how straightforward they are to prepare. By incorporating ube extract or flavoring into the mix, you’ll be rewarded with a treat that’s not only deliciously moist and crumbly but also sinfully sweet.
If simplicity is your goal, look no further – this recipe is the perfect introduction to baking with ube.
Ube Pandesal With Cheese
One of our most beloved Filipino breakfast recipes is the ube pandesal, which has earned its place in our hearts with its pillowy texture that remains soft and moist for days. The harmonious combination of crunchy bread and gooey cheese creates a truly satisfying morning meal. Moreover, the golden crust and vibrant purple center make this recipe an ideal choice as an appetizer for gatherings or even a light snack to curb your hunger.
Ube Mamon
Indulge in the delightfully simple yet elegant world of ube mamon, bite-sized treats that are equal parts soft and joyful. At their core, these mini sponge cakes are a staple, but what sets them apart is their unparalleled fluffiness and moisture. The best part? These purple-hued wonders require just eight ingredients and can be prepared in under an hour, making them a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to time and again.
Ube Dalgona Coffee
If you’re an avid coffee enthusiast, you’ll likely be thrilled by the Ube Dalgona Coffee’s rising popularity. This trendy beverage has taken the world by storm, and for good reason. With its rich, deep purple hue and velvety smooth texture, it’s a perfect way to kickstart your day. What sets this drink apart is the incorporation of ube extract, which adds a unique flavor dimension.
Simply blend the extract with your preferred milk, and you’ll be sipping on a refreshing summery treat that’s sure to delight.
Ube Chips
Indulge in the unexpected delight of sweet-salty ube chips, a game-changing snack that will leave you craving for more. The vibrant purple hue is just the beginning – add garlic powder, barbecue powder, and salt to unleash a symphony of flavors that will have your guests talking long after the party’s over. These crispy, well-balanced treats are an unconventional yet addictive twist on traditional chips. So, go ahead and surprise your taste buds with this unique recipe.
Ube Puto
Steamed to perfection, puto is a beloved Filipino treat that’s elevated in this Ube puto recipe. By incorporating rice flour, the dish takes on a unique dark purple hue, thanks to the ube’s natural pigmentation. The addition of melted cheese creates an irresistible combination of flavors, balancing sweet and savory notes. These bite-sized cakes are perfect for parties or gatherings, offering a delightful surprise with each tender, moist bite.
Ube Pancakes
Imagine waking up to a plate of vibrant purple pancakes, filled with excitement and possibility for both kids and adults alike. The allure of these ube pancakes lies not only in their bold color but also in the thrill of exploring new flavors and textures. With just 30 minutes needed from start to finish, whipping up a batch is an effortless adventure. Simply combine coconut milk, vanilla, eggs, butter, baking powder, flour, and salt to create a delectable treat that’s sure to delight.
Take it to the next level by drizzling with syrup or crafting your own creamy ube ice cream.
Ube Loaf
The harmonious combination of bread and ube yields a show-stopping dessert loaf or satisfying snack that’s sure to impress. This recipe is a must-have in your repertoire, as it effortlessly delivers on both flavor and presentation. Imagine this sweet and savory masterpiece at the center of your holiday table this Christmas – it’s a vision come true! If you’re feeling extra festive, take it up a notch by whipping up a rich coconut cream jam to complement your loaf perfectly.
Ube Banana Turon
The Turon, or banana roll, has become an iconic street food in the Philippines. This indulgent treat involves wrapping bananas in a lumpia wrapper and frying them with brown sugar – a process that yields a crispy, sweet, and savory delight. The addition of ube takes this already-irresistible snack to new heights, injecting a burst of vibrant purple flavor and satisfying crunch. If you’re a fan of Filipino cuisine, this recipe is an absolute must-try.
Ube Crinkle Cookies
With just eight ingredients, you can create these Ube crinkle cookies that are soft, crumbly, sweet, and stunning in appearance. While they can be made quickly, for optimal results, it’s best to follow the recipe closely. The combination of vegetable oil, egg, sugar, ube extract, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, and powdered sugar yields a delightful treat. To elevate their visual appeal, add a touch of purple food coloring to bring out the vibrant color.
Ube Macapuno Cake
It’s high time that a culinary gem from the Philippines makes its way into the global spotlight. The Ube Cake, a beloved treat in its native country, is surprisingly unknown to many. With its rich, sweet flavor profile courtesy of whipped cream, syrup, vanilla, coconut, and the star of the show – ube – this cake is an experience waiting to happen. Its comforting and nostalgic charm makes it hard to resist. It’s time for a change – let’s bring this delightful dessert to the world!
Ube Cheesecake
It’s impossible to compile a list of desserts without including at least one show-stopping cheesecake recipe. This no-bake delight has earned its place on our list, and it’s easy to see why. The stunning lavender hue is just the beginning – the real magic happens when you take your first bite. The rich flavors and velvety texture are sure to impress, but what truly sets this cheesecake apart is its unique advantage: it doesn’t require baking.
This eliminates the need for preheating the oven, making the recipe a breeze to prepare. And let’s not forget the ultimate game-changer – serving the cheesecake with a dollop of creamy ube ice cream takes things to a whole new level.
Ube Muffins
Indulge in the opulence of this decadent ube muffin recipe, where the richness of ube extract meets the lavishness of ube halaya and a buttery coconut streusel. This indulgent treat is perfect for those seeking a taste of luxury without the commitment of baking an elaborate ube cake. With its impressive combination of flavors and textures, this recipe is sure to impress. Go To Recipe.
Ube Halaya
Make a batch of this enchanting lavender jam and reap its rewards for weeks to come! The initial texture may raise an eyebrow, but trust us, that first taste will seal the deal. This understated spread boasts a gentle flavor profile, a surprising contrast to its vibrant purple hue. Once you’ve mastered the recipe, indulge in it on bagels, toast, or sandwiches – the possibilities are endless. You might even find yourself savoring spoonfuls straight from the jar.
Final Thoughts
Ube, a vibrant purple vegetable, boasts an impressive array of attributes. Its unique flavor profile is complemented by its versatility in texture and a wealth of health benefits. Typically used in sweet treats like desserts and Filipino breakfasts, this underrated gem has been showcased in various recipes on our platform. Whether you’re craving a sweet indulgence, a colorful snack, or a nutritious breakfast, we’ve got you covered.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.