Ube Tres Leches Cake: A Vibrant Filipino Delight Recipe

Introduction

Ube Tres Leches Cake is a luscious Filipino dessert that blends the vibrant flavor of purple yam with the classic three-milk soak of tres leches. Its moist texture and stunning purple hue make it an impressive treat for any occasion. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this cake is sure to delight your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup ube (purple yam) puree
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Optional: ube extract for enhanced flavor
• Fresh fruit for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, ube puree, vegetable oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, whisking until smooth.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top evenly.
6. Step 6: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
8. Step 8: In a bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and optional ube extract.
9. Step 9: Once cooled, poke holes all over the cake with a fork. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake and allow it to soak for 30 minutes.
10. Step 10: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
11. Step 11: Before serving, optionally whip additional heavy cream to spread on top and garnish with fresh fruit if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh ube puree for the best flavor and vibrant color instead of store-bought.
• Poke holes evenly across the cake to ensure uniform soaking of the milk mixture.
• For a tropical flair, add a splash of coconut milk to the milk soaking mixture.
• Try adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the batter for a mocha ube variation.
• Make a layered cake by baking two layers, soaking each separately, and stacking with whipped cream or ube frosting.
• Enhance presentation and flavor by topping with fresh mango slices, toasted coconut, or crushed nuts.

Storage

Store your Ube Tres Leches Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Reheat is not recommended as the cake is best enjoyed chilled and moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it’s ready when it comes out clean without any wet batter.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake tastes even better the next day after chilling overnight, allowing the flavors to fully develop.

Ube Tres Leches Cake: A Vibrant Filipino Delight Recipe

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Ube Tres Leches Cake is a luscious Filipino dessert that combines the vibrant purple yam flavor of ube with the traditional three-milk soak of a classic tres leches cake. This moist, creamy, and visually stunning cake is perfect for celebrations or any occasion where you want to impress with a unique and culturally rich dessert. Featuring a colorful appearance and layers of sweet, nutty goodness, this cake is both easy to make and memorable to enjoy.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Filipino

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup ube (purple yam) puree
• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Tres Leches Milk Mixture

• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Optional: ube extract for enhanced flavor

Optional Toppings

• Whipped heavy cream
• Fresh fruit such as mango slices or coconut flakes

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan to prepare it for baking.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, ensuring they are evenly mixed.
3. Prepare wet ingredients: In another large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, ube puree, vegetable oil, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
4. Combine mixtures: Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture while whisking continuously to create a smooth cake batter without lumps.
5. Pour batter: Transfer the batter into the greased cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for even baking.
6. Bake the cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is done.
7. Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare the milk mixture: In a bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and optional ube extract until smooth.
9. Soak the cake: Once the cake is cool, poke holes evenly across the surface using a fork or skewer. Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, letting it soak in thoroughly for 30 minutes.
10. Chill the cake: Refrigerate the soaked cake for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to become rich and creamy.
11. Top and serve: Before serving, optionally whip additional heavy cream to spread over the top and garnish with fresh fruit such as mango slices or coconut flakes for an attractive finish.

Notes

• Use fresh ube when possible for a more vibrant flavor instead of canned or store-bought puree.
• Ensure you poke holes evenly across the cake to let the milk soak uniformly for moist texture.
• The milk mixture should be fully blended to soak evenly and deliver consistent creaminess.
• Decorate creatively using toasted coconut, crushed nuts, or edible flowers for added texture and presentation.
• You can bake the cake in two layers for a layered presentation; soak and assemble with whipped cream or ube frosting between.
• Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• For freezing, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the fridge.

Keywords: Ube Tres Leches Cake, Filipino Dessert, Purple Yam Cake, Tres Leches, Moist Cake, Filipino Cuisine, Ube Dessert