Looking to embark on a delightful culinary journey that combines unique flavors and a touch of Filipino tradition? Look no further than our mouthwatering Ube Cake recipe. Ube, a vibrant purple yam, is the star of this dessert, offering a taste that’s often described as a delightful blend of pistachio and vanilla.
Our recipe for ube cake has undergone several rounds of refinement to ensure the perfect texture and richness of ube flavor. There’s nothing worse than a beautifully colored ube cake with only a faint hint of ube essence, and we’re here to guide you through the process of creating a cake that’s both visually stunning and bursting with flavor.
In this article, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of making this delicious treat. From the essential ingredients to our unique cooking method known as the “tang mian” technique, we’ll share all the secrets to achieving a moist, light, and cottony texture that practically melts in your mouth.
Even if you’re not a professional baker, fear not. We’ve crafted this recipe with clear instructions that anyone can follow. Whether you’re a seasoned baker looking for a new challenge or a beginner eager to explore the world of baking, our Ube Cake recipe is designed to cater to all skill levels.
So, let’s dive into the world of Filipino desserts and learn how to create a cake that’s not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious. Let’s get started on this delectable journey!
Key Ingredients for Ube Cake Recipe
Our Ube Cake is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that celebrates the unique taste of Ube. To create this delectable dessert, you’ll need the following key ingredients:
For the egg yolk mixture:
- 65 grams of oil
- 180 grams of cake flour
- 190 grams of coconut milk
- 60 grams of sugar
- 1/2 cup of ube halaya (ube jam)
- 6 egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons of ube extract
- A pinch of salt
For the egg white mixture:
- 6 egg whites
- 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar
- 130 grams of sugar
These carefully selected ingredients, combined with the precise techniques outlined in our recipe, ensure that your Ube Cake achieves the perfect balance of moisture, flavor, and signature purple hue. Enjoy the science of baking as you create this culinary masterpiece!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Delicious Ube Cake
Indulge in the sweet and vibrant world of Filipino desserts with our Ube Cake recipe. Follow these simple steps to create a moist and flavorful cake that combines the unique taste of ube with light and cottony texture. Let’s get started:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment, ensuring that your egg yolks and whites are separated. Preheat your oven to 150ºC and prepare a hot water bath.
Step 2: Creating the Egg Yolk Mixture
1. Heat the oil in a small saucepan over low to medium heat.
2. Sift in the cake flour and mix it with the oil.
3. Add the coconut milk and sugar, then mix well. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
4. Gradually add the egg yolks one at a time, whisking thoroughly between each addition.
5. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt.
6. Mix in the ube jam and ube extract to infuse that delightful ube flavor.
Step 3: Preparing the Egg White Mixture
1. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until they become foamy.
2. Add the cream of tartar to the foamy egg whites.
3. Gradually add the sugar in batches while continuing to whisk. Whip the egg whites until they form stiff peaks.
Step 4: Combining the Mixtures
1. Take one-third of the whipped egg whites and gently fold it into the egg yolk mixture, ensuring thorough mixing.
2. Using a spatula, fold in the remaining egg whites in two batches. The goal is to have a well-combined batter with no streaks of egg white remaining.
Step 5: Preparing the Cake Pan
1. Line an 8-inch cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
3. Tap the cake pan against the tabletop to eliminate any large air bubbles.
Step 6: Baking the Ube Cake
1. Place the cake pan into the preheated oven.
2. Make sure the water bath reaches at least one-third of the height of the cake pan.
3. Bake for approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
Step 7: Cooling and Unmolding
1. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
2. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before unmolding.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Slice your Ube Cake and savor the delightful blend of flavors and the moist, cottony texture.
With these step-by-step instructions, you can create a beautiful and delicious ube cake that will impress your friends and family. Happy baking!
Baking and Cooling
In this section, we’ll delve into the crucial steps of baking your delectable ube cake and ensuring it cools perfectly to preserve its unique texture and flavor.
Preheating and Baking: Ensure Success in the Oven
Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 150ºC. This step is essential to creating the ideal baking environment for your ube cake.
Timing is the key: The approximate baking time for your ube cake is 1 hour and 25 minutes. However, it’s essential to rely on the skewer test for doneness. Insert a skewer into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, your cake is perfectly baked.
Preventing Shrinkage: A Vital Step in Cooling
Tap for success: After removing your Ube Cake from the oven, don’t be alarmed by the unconventional step of tapping the cake pan against the tabletop. This technique is employed to prevent shrinkage and maintain the cake’s integrity as it cools.
Shrinkage prevention: By tapping the warm cake, you help the cake settle evenly, preventing unsightly shrinkage and ensuring it maintains its moist, cottony texture.
Following these baking and cooling instructions will help you achieve a perfectly baked ube cake that’s sure to impress your taste buds and your guests.
Variations and Tips
In this section, we’ll explore creative variations you can apply to your ube cake recipe and provide additional tips to ensure your baking success.
Variations to Elevate Your Ube Cake:
Flavor Infusions: While the classic Ube Cake is a delightful treat, don’t hesitate to experiment with flavor infusions. You can add complementary flavors like coconut, pandan, or even a touch of citrus to create a unique twist on the traditional Ube Cake.
Toppings and Decorations: Elevate the presentation by incorporating various toppings and decorations. Consider a drizzle of white chocolate ganache, a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, or fresh fruit garnishes for a visually stunning and delicious result.
Layered Delight: Instead of a single-layer cake, you can divide the batter to create multiple layers, adding filling between each one. A classic choice is a creamy ube halaya filling, but you can get creative with different flavored creams, jams, or even fresh fruit.
Additional Tips for Ube Cake Success:
Quality Ingredients: Ensure you use high-quality ube jam and ube extract to achieve the best flavor and vibrant purple hue in your cake.
Gentle Folding: When combining the egg white mixture with the yolk mixture, use a gentle folding technique to maintain the cake’s light and airy texture. Avoid overmixing to prevent deflating the batter.
Cooling and Storage: Allow your ube cake to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. For storage, cover it well to prevent drying out, and refrigerate for extended freshness.
Experiment and Enjoy: Baking is a creative adventure, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make the recipe your own. Each attempt can yield a deliciously unique ube Cake.
By embracing these variations and tips, you can elevate your Ube Cake baking experience and create a dessert that’s not only visually stunning but bursting with rich Ube flavor.
FAQs
Can I make ube cake without ube extract?
Yes, you can make ube cake without ube extract, but it will result in a less intense ube flavor and a slightly less vibrant purple color. The ube jam alone can provide flavor and color.
How do I prevent my ube cake from becoming soggy or breaking apart?
Avoid overmixing the batter, especially after folding in the egg whites. Additionally, ensure your ube jam is at room temperature and use a fork to mash it instead of blending for better texture.
Can I make multiple layers with this Ube Cake recipe?
Yes, you can divide the batter to create multiple layers and add fillings between them, such as ube halaya or flavored creams, for a layered ube cake.
How should I store leftover Ube Cake?
To keep your ube cake fresh, cover it well to prevent drying and store it in the refrigerator. Make sure it’s in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap.
Can I freeze Ube Cake for later consumption?
Yes, ube cake can be frozen. Ensure it’s tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.