Ube Cake (Purple Yam Cake) – Soft, Fluffy & Vibrant Filipino Dessert

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious, this Ube Cake (Purple Yam Cake) is the perfect choice. Naturally vibrant and packed with subtle nutty sweetness, this Filipino-inspired cake is soft, fluffy, and topped with creamy frosting that makes it a showstopper for any celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Ube Cake

Naturally purple and visually stunning
Soft, moist, and fluffy texture
Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions
Easy to make with simple ingredients
Can be paired with whipped cream or buttercream frosting

What Is Ube?

Ube is a purple yam native to the Philippines, known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor. It is a staple in Filipino desserts like ice cream, halaya, cakes, and pastries. Its natural vibrant color makes desserts visually striking without artificial dyes.

Ingredients

Cake:

2½ cups all-purpose flour
2½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
½ cup whole milk
½ cup coconut milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: 1 teaspoon ube extract for deeper color

Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3–4 cups powdered sugar
½ cup ube halaya
1–2 tablespoons milk or cream

How to Make Ube Cake

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Pans

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar

Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3–4 minutes).

Step 4: Add Eggs & Flavor

Add eggs one at a time. Mix in ube halaya, vanilla, and optional ube extract.

Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk/coconut milk mixture until just combined.

Step 6: Bake

Divide batter evenly into pans. Bake 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.

Frosting the Ube Cake

Beat butter until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar, then fold in ube halaya and milk until creamy.
Frost cooled cake layers evenly and decorate as desired.

Tips for the Perfect Ube Cake

Use high-quality ube halaya for authentic flavor.
Don’t overmix to maintain a soft texture.
Chill the cake before slicing for clean layers.
Add ube extract if you want a more vibrant purple color.

Storage

Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Variations

Ube Cheesecake Cake: Add a layer of cream cheese filling.
Ube Roll Cake: Bake in a sheet pan and roll with cream.
Ube Macapuno Cake: Add macapuno (coconut sport strings) for added texture.

Final Thoughts

This Ube Cake (Purple Yam Cake) is soft, moist, and visually stunning — a dessert that will impress anyone. Its unique flavor and beautiful color make it perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion where you want a cake that’s both delicious and show-stopping.