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Ube, a vibrant purple yam commonly found in Filipino cuisine, has gained popularity worldwide for its unique flavor and stunning color. In this blog, we embark on a delightful journey to explore the wide range of ube desserts, with a primary focus on the heavenly Ube Cake. Along the way, we'll also delve into the intriguing world of ube extract and flavoring, as well as introduce you to lesser-known ube treats like Ube Mochi.
The Magic of Ube Extract and Flavoring:
Our journey begins with the showstopper - Ube Cake. This delectable dessert is renowned for its enchanting purple hue and the rich, nutty flavor of ube. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, Ube Cake is a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints. We'll explore its history, variations, and how it has become a symbol of Filipino culinary artistry.
Ube Cake - A Heavenly Delight:
Ube extract and flavoring are the secret ingredients behind the captivating taste and color of ube desserts. We'll take a closer look at what these extracts are, how they are made, and their role in transforming ordinary recipes into vibrant ube-infused delights. From Ube Ice Cream to Ube Pancakes, these extracts add a unique twist to classic recipes, making them a must-have in any ube lover's kitchen.
Ube Cake Recipe
20 min
30-35 min
12
Dessert
Philippines
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated purple yam (ube)
- 2 cups cake flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup ube flavoring or extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon purple food coloring (optional, for a deeper color)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Ube
Start by peeling and grating the purple yam (ube). You can use fresh ube if available, or use frozen grated ube, which is more commonly found in stores.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another large mixing bowl, combine the grated ube, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, evaporated milk, water, ube flavoring or extract, and eggs. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated. If you want a deeper purple color, add purple food coloring at this stage.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture while stirring continuously. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined, but do not overmix to avoid a dense cake.
Step 6: Bake
Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula to ensure even baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
Step 7: Cool and Assemble
Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, run a knife around the edges to loosen the cakes and carefully remove them from the pans. Allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 8: Frost and Decorate
Once the cakes are completely cool, you can frost and decorate them as desired. You can use a classic ube whipped cream frosting or cream cheese frosting for a delightful combination.
Step 9: Serve
Slice and serve your homemade Ube Cake. Enjoy!
Remember to have fun with the decorating process and let your creativity shine. Whether you're making this cake for a special occasion or just for a sweet treat, it's sure to be a hit with its vibrant purple color and delicious ube flavor.
Can I substitute fresh ube for grated purple yam?
Fresh ube is a great option if you can find it. Simply peel, steam, and mash it before using it in the recipe.
Is it necessary to use purple food coloring?
The food coloring is optional and primarily used for a more vibrant purple color. You can omit it if you prefer a more natural hue.
Tips and Tricks:
- Grate the ube finely to avoid any lumps in the cake batter.
- Use ube extract for a concentrated flavor, or ube flavoring for a milder taste.
- Don't overmix the batter; just mix until the ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender.
- Use toothpicks to check if the cake is done; they should come out clean when inserted into the center.
Pairings and Serving Suggestions:
- Serve Ube Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Top it with whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes for added texture.
- Enjoy a slice with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy dessert experience.
Storing and Making Ahead:
- Ube Cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days if covered. For longer storage, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to a week.
- You can make the cake layers ahead of time and freeze them. Thaw them before assembling the cake.
Customizing:
- Add chopped nuts like cashews or macadamias for a crunchy texture.
- Experiment with different fillings for a unique Ube Roll Cake.
- Adjust the sweetness to your preference by varying the sugar amount.
- Garnish with fresh fruits like sliced strawberries or mango for a refreshing twist.
Ube Mochi - A Hidden Gem:
While Ube Cake steals the spotlight, there are hidden gems in the world of ube desserts, and Ube Mochi is one of them. This lesser-known treat combines the chewy texture of traditional mochi with the delightful flavor of ube. We'll explore the origins of Ube Mochi, its preparation, and how it offers a delightful contrast to the more common ube desserts.
As we conclude our journey through the world of ube desserts, we hope you've gained a deeper appreciation for the versatility and allure of this vibrant purple yam. From the iconic Ube Cake to the hidden gem of Ube Mochi, ube desserts offer a delightful spectrum of flavors and textures that deserve a place in every dessert lover's heart. So, next time you're craving something sweet and unique, give ube desserts a try, and let the magic of ube transport your taste buds to a world of delicious wonder.
