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

If you’re looking for a stunning, bakery-style dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful, this Ube Cake (Purple Yam Cake) is a must-try. Made with vibrant ube (purple yam), this soft and fluffy cake has a lightly sweet, nutty vanilla flavor and a gorgeous natural purple color. Frosted with creamy ube or whipped cream frosting, it’s a show-stopping dessert perfect for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.

Ube cake is especially popular in Philippines, where ube desserts are a beloved part of celebrations and family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Ube Cake Recipe

Soft, moist, and fluffy texture
Beautiful natural purple color
Unique vanilla-nutty flavor
Perfect for birthdays and celebrations
Bakery-style cake made at home

What Is Ube?

Ube is a purple yam commonly used in Filipino desserts. It has a mildly sweet, slightly nutty flavor and gives baked goods their signature purple hue. It’s often used in cakes, ice cream, pastries, and traditional sweets.

Ingredients

For the Ube 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 and flavor)

For the Ube 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 (Purple Yam 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 (about 3–4 minutes).

Step 4: Add Eggs & Flavor

Add eggs one at a time.
Mix in ube halaya, vanilla extract, and ube extract (if using).

Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry

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

Step 6: Bake

Divide batter evenly between pans.
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool completely before frosting.

How to Make Ube Frosting

Beat butter until smooth.
Add powdered sugar gradually.
Mix in ube halaya and milk until creamy and spreadable.

Frost cooled cake layers and decorate as desired.

Tips for the Best Ube Cake

Use high-quality ube halaya for authentic flavor.
Don’t overmix the batter to keep cake soft.
Add ube extract for deeper purple color.
Chill cake before slicing for cleaner layers.

Storage

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh ube instead of ube jam?

Yes, but you’ll need to cook and mash it until smooth and sweetened.

Does ube taste like taro?

They’re different. Ube is sweeter and more vanilla-like compared to taro.

Final Thoughts

This Ube Cake (Purple Yam Cake) is soft, moist, and beautifully vibrant. With its delicate sweetness and creamy frosting, it’s a celebration-worthy dessert that brings a taste of Filipino baking into your kitchen.