Filipino purple yam jam dessert
Ube Halaya
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
45 min
Total Time
1 hr
Servings
8
3 cups
Difficulty
Medium
Cost
Moderate
$$
Ube Halaya
Filipino purple yam jam dessert
★4.4(23)
A rich, vibrant purple yam confection slowly cooked with coconut milk and condensed milk until thick and spreadable. A stunning Filipino dessert used in cakes, pastries, and more.
15m
Prep Time
45m
Cook Time
60m
Total Time
8
Servings
Medium
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Ube halaya showcases the gorgeous purple yam that has taken the dessert world by storm. Slow-cooked until thick and jammy, it has a subtle, sweet, vanilla-like flavor unlike any other.
Life is better with dessert, and this recipe proves that homemade always beats store-bought. The results are worth every minute.
Ingredients
- 1 lb purple yam (ube), boiled and mashed
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp ube extract (optional, for deeper color)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- 1
Boil purple yam until fork-tender, about 20 minutes. Peel and mash until smooth, or use a food processor.
- 2
Combine mashed ube, coconut milk, and condensed milk in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-low heat.
- 3
Stir continuously for 25-30 minutes as the mixture thickens. It will pull away from the sides of the pan when done.
- 4
Stir in butter, vanilla, and ube extract (if using). Mix until smooth and thick like a jam.
- 5
Transfer to a greased pan and smooth the top. Cool completely. Serve sliced, or use as filling for rolls and pastries.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate sauce before serving
Substitutions
Fresh ubeFrozen grated ube
The most accessible option outside the Philippines
Condensed milkCoconut condensed milk
Makes it fully dairy-free and adds more coconut flavor
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Frozen grated ube from Filipino stores is the most convenient option for vibrant color.
Stir constantly once it thickens to prevent the bottom from scorching.
Measure baking ingredients by weight when possible. Baking is chemistry, and precision matters more than in any other type of cooking.
Bring butter, eggs, and dairy to room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients do not emulsify properly and can produce tough, uneven results.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 1 week. Freezes well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Warm gently in a pan with a splash of coconut milk to loosen.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (10mg) · 8 servings
Calories240
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein4g
Carbohydrates10g
Fat36g
Fiber80mg
Sugar1g
Sodium28g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is ube?
- A purple yam (Dioscorea alata) native to the Philippines with a sweet, vanilla-like flavor.
- Can I use ube powder?
- Yes, reconstitute according to package directions; it works well but is less vibrant than fresh.
Explore More
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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