Ube Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Introduction

Ube Tres Leches Cake is a rich, flavorful, and visually stunning dessert that adds a delicious twist to the beloved tres leches cake. This Filipino-inspired treat combines the creaminess of the traditional three-milk soak with the unique, slightly nutty sweetness of ube (purple yam). The result is a moist, vibrant cake that’s not only a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes.

The beauty of Ube Tres Leches Cake lies in its layers of flavor and texture. The cake itself is light and airy, soaked through with a decadent mixture of three kinds of milk, making it irresistibly moist. But the real star is the ube, which infuses the cake with a gorgeous purple hue and a subtle, earthy sweetness that complements the richness of the milk soak perfectly.

This cake holds sentimental value, reminding me of special occasions and gatherings where the dessert was always a highlight. I first tried it at a celebration with friends, and its unique flavor quickly made it a favorite. The cake is traditionally topped with a light, fluffy whipped cream, which balances the richness of the soaked cake and adds a fresh, creamy element that enhances the overall experience.

Ube Tres Leches Cake is a perfect dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a festive celebration or a simple family dinner. The combination of flavors and the cake’s striking purple color will surely impress guests and bring a touch of Filipino tradition to the table. It’s the perfect dessert for anyone who loves a twist on the classics, offering both comfort and a bit of exotic flair.

Perfect for:

Special celebrations and birthdays
A unique dessert for holiday feasts
Ube and Filipino dessert lovers
Dessert enthusiasts looking for something new
Making a cake that stands out with color and flavor

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Ube Tres Leches Cake will become your go-to dessert:

Unique Flavor: The addition of ube adds a distinct earthy and sweet flavor, unlike traditional tres leches cakes.
Moist and Creamy: The cake absorbs the rich, creamy milk mixture, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Eye-Catching: Its vibrant purple color makes it an Instagram-worthy dessert.
Perfect for Occasions: This cake is sure to wow guests at any event or family gathering.
Easy to Make: While it looks impressive, this recipe is straightforward and simple, with easy-to-find ingredients.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 3 hours (including cooling time)
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Servings: 8-10 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make your Ube Tres Leches Cake:

For the Cake:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
4 large eggs
½ cup ube halaya (ube jam)
½ cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
½ teaspoon ube extract (optional, for more intense color)

For the Milk Mixture:

1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
½ cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Ube Whipped Cream Topping:

1 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
2 tablespoons ube halaya (ube jam)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Ube extract (optional, for color)

Ingredient Highlights

Ube Halaya: The star of the dish, this sweet, purple yam jam infuses the cake and the whipped cream with its distinct flavor.
Three Milk Mixture: The combination of evaporated milk, condensed milk, and whole milk creates the signature moist texture of tres leches cake.
Heavy Cream: The creamy topping that adds richness and sweetness, complementing the ube flavor.
Ube Extract: Optional for an intensified color and flavor, it enhances the purple hue and sweet yam taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Ube Tres Leches Cake from start to finish:

Make the Cake:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch square or round cake pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Beat the Eggs and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with a hand mixer or stand mixer until pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
Add Ube and Wet Ingredients: Mix in the ube halaya, whole milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Milk Mixture:

Mix the Three Milks: In a medium bowl, combine the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until well mixed.
Soak the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the cake. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to absorb fully. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

Prepare the Ube Whipped Cream Topping:

Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar with a hand mixer until soft peaks form.
Add Ube: Gently fold in the ube halaya and vanilla extract. Add ube extract if you want a more vibrant purple color.
Spread the Topping: Once the cake has fully absorbed the milk mixture, spread the ube whipped cream evenly over the top.
Chill: Refrigerate the cake for another 30 minutes to firm up the whipped cream before serving.

How to Serve

Ube Tres Leches Cake is best served chilled and can be presented in various ways:

Plated: Slice the cake into squares or wedges and serve on dessert plates with extra whipped cream if desired.
Family-Style: Serve the cake in the baking dish for a more casual presentation, and allow guests to scoop their own portions.
Garnished: Top with shredded coconut or colorful sprinkles for an added touch of flavor and visual appeal.
With Fresh Fruit: Pair with a side of fresh berries or tropical fruits like mango or pineapple to complement the sweetness of the cake.

Additional Tips

To ensure your Ube Tres Leches Cake turns out perfectly, here are a few tips:

Don’t Overbake the Cake: Make sure to check the cake with a toothpick around 30 minutes to avoid overbaking, as this could make the cake too dry.
Cool the Cake Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before soaking it in the milk mixture to avoid it becoming soggy.
Customize the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk or powdered sugar in the whipped cream.
Use Full-Fat Ingredients: For the best texture and richness, use full-fat versions of the milk, heavy cream, and butter.
Let the Cake Soak: Ensure that the cake soaks for at least 2 hours, but overnight soaking will provide even better flavor.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations to customize your Ube Tres Leches Cake:

Ube Coconut Tres Leches Cake: Add coconut milk to the milk mixture for a tropical twist.
Ube Matcha Tres Leches Cake: Top with a thin layer of matcha-flavored whipped cream for a unique fusion of flavors.
Mango Ube Tres Leches Cake: Layer fresh mango slices on top for a fruity and colorful contrast.
Chocolate Ube Tres Leches Cake: Add a drizzle of chocolate ganache or cocoa powder to the whipped cream for a rich chocolate-ube combination.
Ube Cheesecake Tres Leches: Mix cream cheese into the whipped cream for a richer, cheesecake-like topping.
Ube Flan Tres Leches Cake: Add a layer of creamy ube flan between the cake and the whipped cream for an indulgent twist.
Vegan Ube Tres Leches Cake: Replace the milk, eggs, and butter with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk, almond milk, and vegan butter.
Mini Ube Tres Leches Cakes: Bake in individual ramekins or muffin tins for single-serving portions.
Ube Buttercream Frosting: Top with a sweet and creamy ube buttercream frosting instead of whipped cream for a denser, richer texture.
Ube Macapuno Tres Leches Cake: Top with macapuno (sweetened coconut sport) for an added Filipino touch.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: You can freeze the soaked cake without the whipped cream topping for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator and top with freshly whipped cream when ready to serve.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to keep the whipped cream topping chilled.

Special Equipment

Here are some tools that will make preparing Ube Tres Leches Cake easier:

9×9-inch Square or Round Cake Pan: A standard size for baking the cake.
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For beating the eggs and whipping the cream.
Whisk: For mixing the dry ingredients and the milk mixture.
Toothpicks or Skewers: To poke holes in the cake for soaking.
Cooling Rack: For cooling the cake after baking.
Large Bowl: For mixing the cake batter and milk mixture.
Offset Spatula: For spreading the whipped cream evenly over the cake.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Piping Bag (optional): For piping the whipped cream on top for a decorative touch.
Serving Plates: For presenting the cake in style.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen ube halaya?
Yes, frozen ube halaya can be used. Just thaw it completely before adding to the cake and whipped cream.
Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour works best, but cake flour can also be used for a lighter texture.
What if I can’t find ube extract?
You can skip the extract or use purple food coloring as an alternative.
How long can I store the cake?
The cake will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes, the cake can be made a day ahead, soaked, and topped with whipped cream just before serving.
Is this cake gluten-free?
This recipe is not gluten-free, but you can substitute gluten-free flour to make it so.
Can I use a different fruit for the topping?
Fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or mangoes work well with ube cake.
How do I prevent the whipped cream from deflating?
Make sure to whip the cream to stiff peaks and chill the cake and whipped cream before serving.
Can I add nuts to the cake?
Yes, chopped macadamia or coconut flakes can be added for extra texture.
Can I make the whipped cream non-dairy?
You can use coconut cream or almond cream for a dairy-free alternative.

Conclusion

Ube Tres Leches Cake is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, offering a rich and indulgent treat that will impress at any gathering. The combination of ube’s creamy, slightly nutty flavor with the three types of milk creates a moist, melt-in-your-mouth experience in every bite. The cake’s light and airy texture absorbs the sweet milk mixture, resulting in a luxurious dessert that’s both decadent and refreshing.

What makes this Ube Tres Leches Cake truly stand out is its unique flavor profile. The earthy sweetness of ube adds a vibrant color and a subtle complexity that pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy milk soak. Whether served at a family celebration or as a special dessert for friends, this cake is sure to become a showstopper.

Perfect for any occasion, this recipe brings a taste of tradition with a modern, colorful twist. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this irresistible Ube Tres Leches Cake. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag me—I’d love to see how you put your personal spin on this delicious treat! Enjoy each luscious bite!