If you are ready to delight your taste buds with something vibrant, creamy, and irresistibly delightful, this Ube Cheesecake Recipe is just the treat you need. Bursting with the natural sweetness and beautiful purple hue of ube halaya, this Filipino-inspired dessert takes the classic cheesecake to a whole new level. It’s smooth, luscious, and comes with that subtle earthiness and vanilla undertone that will have you craving slice after slice. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or keeping it all to yourself, this ube cheesecake will become an instant favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step toward crafting a cheesecake that’s as rich in flavor as it is in appearance. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of creaminess, texture, and that signature purple color that makes this cake so special.
- Graham cracker crumbs: The crunchy, buttery foundation for your crust, providing a perfect contrast to the creamy filling.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust and the filling just right without overpowering the ube’s natural flavor.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crust ingredients together and adds a subtle richness.
- Cream cheese (softened): The creamy heart of the cheesecake, ensuring a smooth and luscious texture.
- Ube halaya (purple yam jam): The star ingredient, its sweet and earthy flavor gives the cheesecake its distinct personality and gorgeous color.
- Sour cream: Adds a gentle tanginess and helps keep the filling tender.
- Heavy cream: Provides extra creaminess and helps create a silky mouthfeel.
- Eggs: Essential for giving the cheesecake its structure and stability while keeping it soft.
- Ube extract: Intensifies the ube flavor, making every bite vibrant and authentic.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors with a warm, floral touch.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the filling just enough body without weighing it down.
- Whipped cream (optional topping): A light and fluffy finishing touch that adds a creamy contrast.
- Extra ube halaya (optional topping): A decorative and flavorful enhancement to showcase the star ingredient.
How to Make Ube Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a bowl, combine your graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Baking it for 10 minutes helps set the crust and enhances its flavor. After baking, let the crust cool completely before adding the filling—this step ensures a crisp and sturdy base for your cheesecake.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until silky smooth, which is the secret to that dreamy texture everyone loves in a cheesecake. Gradually add sugar and continue mixing until fully incorporated. Next, mix in the ube halaya, sour cream, and heavy cream, stirring until the mixture is perfectly smooth and evenly purple. Adding eggs one at a time means your filling will be well emulsified and avoid cracking during baking. Finally, stir in ube extract, vanilla extract, and flour just until combined—overmixing can affect the texture, so gentle is best!
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
Pour the luscious filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the surface gently with a spatula. Give the pan a few taps on the countertop to release any air bubbles trapped in the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle, promising that creamy softness. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door cracked open for an hour—this gradual cooling method helps prevent cracks and keeps the texture just right.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Once the cheesecake has cooled down, remove it from the oven and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or, even better, overnight. This chilling step allows all the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up, making every slice perfect and ready to enjoy. When you’re ready to serve, consider topping with whipped cream and a little extra ube halaya for that final pop of sweetness and visual delight.
How to Serve Ube Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your ube cheesecake with fluffy whipped cream instantly adds a delightful lightness that complements its creamy richness. Spoon on some extra ube halaya for color contrast and an extra burst of yam flavor that makes the dessert even more inviting. Toasted coconut flakes can also add a lovely texture and subtle tropical flavor if you want to experiment.
Side Dishes
This cheesecake pairs beautifully with fresh fruit like mangoes or strawberries, which bring a sweet-tart brightness to counterbalance the dessert’s sweetness. A drizzle of coconut caramel sauce on the side can also elevate the experience, fusing complementary flavors that sing together in every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, consider slicing the Ube Cheesecake Recipe into neat squares and serving as bite-sized pieces at a party. You might also layer slices with a dollop of coconut cream and boba pearls for a playful and trendy twist. Presenting with edible flowers or a dusting of purple yam powder will wow guests visually as much as the flavor will thrill their palates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your ube cheesecake will keep beautifully in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container, for up to 4 days. This allows you to enjoy the flavors fresh and creamy without sacrificing texture or taste. Always slice with a hot knife for clean edges and easier serving.
Freezing
You can freeze the cheesecake for longer storage by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to one month to preserve flavor and texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to ensure it maintains its silky smooth consistency.
Reheating
Since it’s a chilled dessert, reheating isn’t necessary, but if you prefer the cake slightly warmer, let it sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before eating. Avoid microwaving, as it can change the texture unfavorably.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ube halaya for this recipe?
Yes, frozen ube halaya works fine; just thaw it completely and stir well before incorporating it into the filling to ensure smoothness.
What if I don’t have ube extract?
You can omit the ube extract, but it boosts both flavor intensity and color. If unavailable, a small amount of purple food coloring can help achieve that beautiful hue.
Is it possible to make this cheesecake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free versions or ground nuts, and use gluten-free flour to keep the filling safe for gluten sensitivity.
How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?
Gradual cooling in the oven with the door slightly open and avoiding overmixing will help. Using room temperature ingredients also makes for a smoother batter that bakes evenly.
Can I make mini ube cheesecakes instead?
Yes! Use a muffin pan lined with cupcake liners and reduce baking time to about 25-30 minutes, watching closely for that perfect jiggle in the center.
Final Thoughts
This Ube Cheesecake Recipe is truly a delightful fusion of creamy comfort and vibrant Filipino flavors, perfect for anyone looking to try something new yet familiar. Its gorgeous purple hue, rich texture, and unique yam sweetness create a dessert experience that feels both special and heartwarming. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—whether for a celebration or a cozy night in, it’s guaranteed to impress and satisfy every sweet craving.
Print
Ube Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Filipino
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this rich and creamy Ube Cheesecake, a delightful Filipino dessert featuring a luscious purple yam filling atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfectly baked to achieve a smooth and slightly jiggly center, this cheesecake combines the unique flavor of ube halaya with classic cheesecake ingredients for a vibrant and delectable treat.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 3 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon ube extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Optional topping:
- Whipped cream
- Extra ube halaya
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sugar and mix until fully incorporated. Add ube halaya, sour cream, and heavy cream into the mixture and blend until smooth and uniform in color.
- Add eggs and flavorings: Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter. Stir in ube extract, vanilla extract, and all-purpose flour gently until combined without overmixing.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top. Lightly tap the pan on the countertop to release any trapped air bubbles. Place in the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes until the center is slightly jiggly but set around the edges.
- Cool the cheesecake: Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. This slow cooling helps prevent cracks.
- Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set thoroughly.
- Serve: Before serving, optionally top with whipped cream and extra ube halaya for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a deeper purple hue, add a few drops of purple food coloring, though this is optional.
- Ube halaya can be purchased at Asian markets or prepared at home.
- Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling.
