20 Creamy Ube Halaya Recipes with a Twist

recipesforlife

April 10, 2025

Are you tired of the same old traditional recipes? Do you want to mix things up and add some excitement to your cooking routine? Look no further! Today, we’re going on a culinary adventure by putting a spin on one of our favorite Filipino desserts – ube halaya. This purple yam-based spread is a staple in many households, but we’re taking it to the next level by incorporating new flavors and ingredients.

From classic desserts to creative twists, we’ve got 20 delicious ube halaya recipes that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re a fan of decadent cheesecakes or indulgent pancakes, we’ve got something for everyone. So, get ready to unleash your inner chef and try out these unique and mouth-watering recipes!

Classic Ube Halaya with Coconut Milk

Classic Ube Halaya with Coconut Milk
This rich and creamy purple yam jam is a staple dessert in many Filipino households. With the addition of coconut milk, it’s even more indulgent and delicious.

Ingredients:

– 2 large purple yams (ube), peeled and cubed
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 can full-fat coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the ube cubes, sugar, water, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil.
2. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the ube is tender and the liquid has reduced slightly.
3. Stir in the coconut milk and grated ginger. Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the jam has thickened to your liking.
4. Remove from heat and let cool before transferring to an airtight container.

Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes

Ube Halaya Cheesecake Bars

Ube Halaya Cheesecake Bars
These creamy cheesecake bars infused with the rich, purple sweetness of ube halaya (purple yam jam) will transport your taste buds to the Philippines. Perfect for potlucks or parties, these unique treats are sure to impress.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare crust: Mix crumbs and sugar in a bowl. Add melted butter; stir until combined. Press into an 8-inch square baking dish lined with parchment paper.
3. Prepare cheesecake mixture: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract; beat until combined.
4. Fold in ube halaya.
5. Pour cheesecake mixture over crust.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars and dusting with confectioners’ sugar.

Cook Time: 35-40 minutes

Ube Halaya Stuffed Pandesal

Ube Halaya Stuffed Pandesal
Pandesal, the iconic Filipino breakfast bread, gets an exciting makeover with the addition of creamy Ube Halaya filling. This sweet treat is perfect for snack time or as a special breakfast surprise.

Ingredients:

– 1 package of pandesal dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup Ube Halaya (purple yam jam)
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Roll out the pandesal dough into a thick sheet.
3. Spread Ube Halaya evenly over the center of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on both sides.
4. Fold the dough over the filling, forming a rectangular shape.
5. Brush the edges with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Ube Halaya Ice Cream

Ube Halaya Ice Cream
Ube halaya ice cream is a Filipino favorite that combines the creamy richness of ice cream with the vibrant purple color and sweet, nutty flavor of ube (purple yam). This recipe brings together two classic desserts in one unique and delicious treat.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved.
2. Add the ube halaya and vanilla extract to the mixture and whisk until well combined.
3. Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Once chilled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.

Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (including chilling time)

Ube Halaya Pancakes with Latik

Ube Halaya Pancakes with Latik
Start your day with a delicious and unique breakfast featuring the sweetness of ube halaya paired with the crunchiness of latik (fried coconut curds). This recipe combines the best of Filipino flavors in one tasty pancake!

Ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 cup ube halaya
– Latik (fried coconut curds), chopped
– Vegetable oil or cooking spray for greasing

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and eggs.
2. Add milk and water, and mix until smooth.
3. Fold in ube halaya until well combined.
4. Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat.
5. Grease the pan with vegetable oil or cooking spray.
6. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan.
7. Top with chopped latik and cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface.
8. Flip and cook for another minute, until golden brown.

Cooking Time: About 5-7 minutes per batch, depending on number of pancakes.

Enjoy your delicious Ube Halaya Pancakes with Latik!

Ube Halaya French Toast

Ube Halaya French Toast
Ube Halaya French Toast Recipe

Start your day with a sweet and savory twist on classic French toast, infused with the vibrant purple yam flavor of Ube Halaya. This Filipino-inspired breakfast treat is perfect for adventurous eaters looking to mix things up.

Ingredients:

– 4 slices of bread
– 1/2 cup Ube Halaya spread
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Cinnamon or powdered sugar for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, and salt until well combined.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
3. Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place coated bread slices on the skillet or griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
5. Spread Ube Halaya spread on top of cooked French toast slices.
6. Serve warm with a drizzle of melted butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar (if desired).

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Ube Halaya Leche Flan

Ube Halaya Leche Flan
This unique dessert combines the creamy richness of leche flan with the vibrant purple yam flavor of ube halaya, creating a truly decadent treat.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup ube halaya
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine cream, sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves.
3. Remove from heat and stir in ube halaya until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks and butter.
5. Gradually pour the warm cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent scrambling.
6. Pour the mixture into 6 (1/2 cup) ramekins or small cups.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until edges are set and centers are still slightly jiggly.
8. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature.
9. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Ube Halaya Mochi

Ube Halaya Mochi
Ube halaya mochi combines the creamy sweetness of purple yam jam with the chewy texture of Japanese-style rice flour dumplings. Perfect for a unique dessert or snack.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup glutinous rice flour
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– Pinch of salt
– Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour and water to form a dough. Knead until smooth.
2. Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a walnut.
3. Flatten each ball into a disk shape.
4. Place 1 tablespoon of ube halaya in the center of each disk.
5. Fold the dough over the filling and seal by pressing the edges together.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
7. Fry mochi for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Drain excess oil on paper towels.

Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes

Enjoy your delicious Ube Halaya Mochi!

Ube Halaya Turon

Ube Halaya Turon
Experience the delightful combination of ube halaya (purple yam jam) wrapped in a crispy turon (fritter) in this simple recipe.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup ube halaya
– 2 cups spring roll wrappers (usually found in Asian grocery stores)
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Cut the spring roll wrappers into desired shapes or strips.
2. Place a spoonful of ube halaya in the center of each wrapper.
3. Fold the wrapper to form a triangle or a cylinder shape, and press edges together to seal.
4. Heat about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the turons until golden brown, turning occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Remove from oil and dust with powdered sugar while still warm.

Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes total, including prep and frying time.

Ube Halaya Bread Pudding

Ube Halaya Bread Pudding
Experience the warm, comforting flavors of Filipino cuisine with this unique bread pudding recipe, infused with the sweetness and nutty flavor of ube halaya.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup ube halaya
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine bread cubes, ube halaya, and granulated sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
5. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Ube Halaya Donuts

Ube Halaya Donuts
Ube Halaya Donuts: Sweet and Fruity Treats

These soft and fluffy donuts are infused with the sweet and nutty flavor of ube halaya, a popular Filipino purple yam jam. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, these donuts will surely satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup whole milk
– 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
– Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
2. Gradually add in milk and mix until smooth.
3. Add in salt and ube halaya; mix well.
4. Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (180°C).
6. Use a piping bag or spoon to drop the dough into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, then remove from oil and drain excess oil.

Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes total.

Ube Halaya Milkshake

Ube Halaya Milkshake
Get ready to transport yourself to the Philippines with this unique and delicious Ube Halaya milkshake! This vibrant purple drink combines the sweet and nutty flavors of ube halaya, a popular Filipino jam made from purple yams, with creamy vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup ube halaya
– 2 cups vanilla ice cream
– 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes (optional)
– Whipped cream and chopped nuts for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine ube halaya, vanilla ice cream, and milk or heavy cream. Blend until smooth and creamy.
2. Add honey to taste and blend until well combined.
3. Pour into glasses and serve immediately. If desired, add ice cubes and blend again for a thicker consistency.
4. Top with whipped cream and chopped nuts, if desired.

Cooking Time: 5 minutes (blending time)

Enjoy your creamy and delicious Ube Halaya milkshake!

Ube Halaya Panna Cotta

Ube Halaya Panna Cotta
This Filipino-inspired dessert combines the rich flavor of ube halaya (purple yam jam) with the creamy texture of panna cotta. Perfect for a unique and delicious treat.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp kosher salt
– 1/4 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine cream, milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Remove from heat and stir in ube halaya and vanilla extract. Let it cool to room temperature.
3. Pour the mixture into individual serving cups or a large baking dish.
4. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with additional ube halaya if desired.

Cooking Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)

Ube Halaya Waffles

Ube Halaya Waffles
Start your day off right with these delicious Ube Halaya Waffles, infused with the sweet and nutty flavor of ube halaya. This unique breakfast treat is perfect for anyone looking to mix things up.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 4 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons ube halaya
– Butter or non-stick cooking spray for greasing the waffle iron

Instructions:

1. Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and ube halaya.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Grease the waffle iron with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
6. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the center of the waffle iron.
7. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown and crispy.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Ube Halaya Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting

Ube Halaya Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting
Get ready to delight your taste buds with these moist and flavorful Ube Halaya Cupcakes, topped with a rich and creamy buttercream frosting. This Filipino-inspired treat is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup Ube Halaya (purple yam jam)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Buttercream frosting ingredients: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with Ube Halaya, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat just until combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting with buttercream frosting.

Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes

Ube Halaya Banana Bread

Ube Halaya Banana Bread
This moist and flavorful banana bread combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the unique purple yam flavor of ube halaya, a popular Filipino dessert. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, this delicious loaf is sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients:

– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine mashed bananas, ube halaya, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes

Ube Halaya Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ube Halaya Chocolate Chip Cookies
Take your cookie game to the next level with this unique recipe that combines the sweet and nutty flavor of ube halaya with the richness of chocolate chips.

Ingredients:

– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in ube halaya and eggs.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, then stir in chocolate chips.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.

Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes

Ube Halaya Crème Brûlée

Ube Halaya Crème Brûlée
Ube Halaya Crème Brûlée: A Creamy Twist on a Classic French Dessert
Combine the rich flavors of ube halaya with the classic creaminess of crème brûlée for a unique dessert experience.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
– Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine cream, milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks and vanilla extract. Temper the egg yolks by gradually adding the warm cream mixture, whisking constantly.
4. Stir in ube halaya until well combined.
5. Pour the mixture into 4-6 ramekins or small baking dishes. Place the ramekins in a large baking dish and add hot water to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly jiggly.
7. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
8. Just before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar over the top of each ramekin. Caramelize the sugar with a kitchen torch or under the broiler.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Ube Halaya Tiramisu

Ube Halaya Tiramisu
This recipe combines the creamy richness of traditional tiramisu with the vibrant purple color and sweet, nutty flavor of ube halaya. The result is a one-of-a-kind dessert that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients:

– 12-16 ladyfingers
– 1 cup strong brewed coffee
– 8 oz mascarpone cheese
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp ube halaya
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups heavy cream
– Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine coffee and sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
2. Dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture for about 3-5 seconds on each side. They should be soft and pliable.
3. In a separate bowl, mix mascarpone cheese and ube halaya until smooth.
4. To assemble, start with a layer of ladyfingers in a serving dish. Top with a layer of the mascarpone mixture, followed by a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 two more times, finishing with a layer of mascarpone on top.
6. Dust with powdered sugar and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.

Cooking Time: 3 hours

Ube Halaya Chiffon Cake

Ube Halaya Chiffon Cake
Combine the classic chiffon cake with the vibrant purple yam, ube, and you’ll get a moist and decadent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
– 1 cup heavy cream, whipped

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan or angel food cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and oil until well combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture and whisk until smooth.
5. Fold in ube halaya until well distributed.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes

Summary

Get ready to indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of ube halaya with a twist! This article presents 20 unique recipes that combine the traditional Filipino purple yam jam with unexpected flavors and textures. From classic desserts like cheesecake bars and leche flan, to creative twists like pancakes, waffles, and milkshakes, there’s something for everyone. Discover how ube halaya can elevate your baked goods, snacks, and even savory dishes. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for new ideas, this article is sure to inspire your next culinary adventure.

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