Ube Cheesecake Recipe
If you’re ready to brighten up your dessert table with a little magic and a whole lot of flavor, let me introduce you to the vibrant world of Ube Cheesecake. This dreamy Filipino twist on a classic combines the creamy decadence of cheesecake with the distinctively nutty, vanilla-like flavor and stunning purple hue of ube halaya (purple yam jam). It’s an instant showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make, and every luscious bite brings a sweet, lightly earthy taste that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re new to ube or a lifelong fan, this is the dessert that’ll have everyone begging for second slices!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Ube Cheesecake at home is a breeze, thanks to a lineup of straightforward ingredients that each play a starring role. You’ll find everything you need in your local supermarket or Asian grocery, and every component adds something special, from a toasty crust to a lusciously purple filling.
- Graham cracker crumbs: Classic, sweet-and-slightly-salty base for the crust that holds everything together with a tasty crunch.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the tanginess of the cream cheese and highlights the natural sweetness of ube.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Holds the crust together and adds just the right touch of richness.
- Cream cheese (softened): The creamy foundation of any great cheesecake—make sure it’s at room temperature for a super-smooth batter.
- Ube halaya (purple yam jam): The star ingredient, giving our cheesecake its signature color and subtly nutty, floral flavor. Look for it in Asian markets or make your own!
- Eggs (room temperature): Help bind the filling and create that luxuriously silky, rich texture.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and keeps the filling light and creamy.
- Heavy cream: Takes the custard to the next level with extra smoothness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances both the ube and the cream cheese with a touch more warmth and complexity.
- Salt: Just a pinch sharpens and contrasts all those sweet, rich flavors.
- Optional—Whipped cream or extra ube halaya: For topping, bringing added visual flair and a creamy finish to each slice.
- Optional—Ube extract: Add 1/2 teaspoon if you’re after an even more vibrant purple and richer ube experience.
How to Make Ube Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture feels like sandy wet snow. Press it firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and bake the crust for about 8 minutes, until it sets up gorgeously golden. Let it cool while you work on the filling—your base is ready to support all that ube deliciousness!
Step 2: Beat the Cream Cheese
With a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat your softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth and luscious—no lumps, please! This little bit of extra patience ensures your Ube Cheesecake has the silkiest, most luxurious texture possible.
Step 3: Add Ube and Sugar
Scoop in the ube halaya and sprinkle the sugar into the cream cheese, beating until fully combined and velvety. If you’re using ube extract for extra color and punchy flavor, add it now and watch the batter go a stunning shade of purple. Breathe in that earthy-sweet aroma!
Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs
Beat the eggs in, one at a time, on low speed. This helps the batter stay creamy and keeps air bubbles to a minimum—key for that classic, dense cheesecake bite. Don’t rush—let each egg disappear before you add the next!
Step 5: Finish the Filling
Gently stir in the sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt until everything is one smooth, glossy batter. Take a quick taste (if you must!) and marvel at that dreamy purple color.
Step 6: Bake the Cheesecake
Pour the batter over your cooled crust, then place the pan on a baking sheet for easy handling. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the edges are just set but the center still jiggles a little—it’ll keep firming up as it cools. Once done, turn off your oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake gently cool inside for about an hour. This helps prevent cracks and gives you a flawless finish.
Step 7: Chill and Set
Transfer the cheesecake to the fridge for at least four hours, but overnight is even better. This chill time is essential so the Ube Cheesecake slices cleanly and develops that classic cheesecake texture. When you’re ready to serve, top with a swirl of whipped cream or a luxurious spoonful of ube halaya for a picture-perfect treat!
How to Serve Ube Cheesecake
Garnishes
This is where you can have some real fun! Classic whipped cream is always a favorite—pipe it around the edges or add pretty rosettes. For even more ube flair, nestle a spoonful of extra ube halaya on each slice. A sprinkle of toasted coconut or a scattering of crushed graham crackers adds crunch and a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Ube Cheesecake shines on its own, but if you want to create a full dessert spread, think about pairing with fresh berries, a fruit salad for some tangy contrast, or even a cold glass of matcha latte. The deep purple and creamy flavor also pair beautifully with strong coffee or hot tea.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling playful? Try making mini cheesecake bites in a muffin tin for a party-ready version that’s easy to share. Or serve your Ube Cheesecake in elegant slices, each topped with a swirl of ube halaya and edible flowers. For a Filipino fiesta, arrange slices with colorful fruit and a dash of gold leaf for a truly wow-worthy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Ube Cheesecake can be kept tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to five days. Simply store it in the springform pan with foil or slice and tuck into an airtight container—the texture remains dreamy, and the flavors even deepen over time.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual slices (or the whole cheesecake, minus any whipped cream) in plastic wrap then foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving—the creamy texture holds up beautifully, making this a great make-ahead dessert for parties.
Reheating
Cheesecake is best served chilled or at room temperature, so no reheating is needed! But if you prefer it just slightly warm, take a slice out of the fridge and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it may change the texture.
FAQs
What is ube, and where can I find ube halaya?
Ube is a purple yam popular in Filipino desserts, prized for its sweet, nutty flavor and beautiful hue. Ube halaya is a sweet jam made from cooked ube, sugar, and milk. Find it at Asian groceries or make your own by cooking and mashing purple yams with condensed milk and butter.
Can I use ube extract instead of ube halaya?
While ube extract can boost the color and flavor, it doesn’t replace the rich, creamy texture and sweetness that real ube halaya gives to Ube Cheesecake. For best results, use both: ube halaya for body, and a dash of extract for added oomph!
How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
To keep your Ube Cheesecake looking flawless, ensure all your filling ingredients are at room temperature and avoid over-mixing. Cooling the cheesecake slowly in a slightly open oven, as described above, helps prevent sudden temperature changes and keeps the surface smooth.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute gluten-free graham crackers for the crust. The filling is naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy every decadent, purple bite without worry.
Why does my cheesecake sometimes look pale instead of purple?
Ube halaya’s color can vary, sometimes resulting in a more subtle lavender shade. For a super vibrant Ube Cheesecake, add a little ube extract or gel food coloring. Rest assured, even a light purple cheesecake will taste amazing!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something unique, creamy, and truly unforgettable, give this Ube Cheesecake a try. Its radiant purple color and blend of Filipino-inspired flavors always bring a smile to everyone who takes a bite. Gather your friends, share a slice, and get ready to fall in love with this magical dessert!
Print
Ube Cheesecake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy delight of Ube Cheesecake, a Filipino-inspired dessert that combines the unique flavor of purple yam with a classic cheesecake base. This luscious treat is perfect for special occasions or any time you crave a decadent sweet treat.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional topping:
- Whipped cream or extra ube halaya
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Prepare the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8 minutes.
- Make the filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add ube halaya, sugar, eggs, sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Bake: Pour filling over crust. Bake for 50–60 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly. Cool in the oven for 1 hour.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Top with whipped cream or ube halaya before serving.
Notes
- Ube extract can enhance color and flavor.
- Dip knife in hot water for clean slices.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
