As I surveyed the vibrant purple cake sitting in my refrigerator, I couldn’t help but smile at the stunning Ube Tres Leches Cake I had just whipped up. This showstopper not only adds a pop of color to any gathering but also brings a unique flavor profile that will enthrall both family and friends. The combination of the classic tres leches soaked in a creamy, dreamy mixture, paired with the nutty sweetness of ube (purple yam), creates a dessert that is irresistibly moist and reminiscent of celebrations from my childhood. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make—perfect for those of us who prefer homemade treats over fast food! Curious about how to make this Filipino delight? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why Make Ube Tres Leches Cake?
Irresistible Moisture: This cake is infused with a luscious milk soak, ensuring every bite is decadent and moist.
Unique Flavor: The distinctive nutty sweetness of ube takes the traditional tres leches cake to a new level of deliciousness.
Visually Striking: With its vibrant purple hue, this dessert will surely impress guests and add color to your table.
Easy to Prepare: Even beginner bakers can master this recipe with straightforward steps and simple ingredients. You’ll find that it can rival any store-bought option!
Culturally Rich: Celebrate Filipino traditions by serving a dessert that showcases the rich flavors of ube, making it perfect for gatherings or special occasions. Consider trying it alongside other festive favorites like Mango Tres Leches or Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies for a delightful spread.
Get ready to wow your family and friends with this colorful treat!
Ube Tres Leches Cake Ingredients
• Discover all the essentials for a deliciously moist Ube Tres Leches Cake recipe!
For the Cake
- Ube (purple yam) – Provides a unique flavor and vibrant color; fresh or frozen can be used, or substitute with purple sweet potatoes if needed.
- All-purpose flour – Offers structure and light texture to keep the cake fluffy.
- Baking powder – Essential for leavening, it ensures your cake rises beautifully.
- Eggs – Contribute richness and moisture; room temperature eggs mix better for a smoother batter.
- Sugar – Adds the perfect sweetness; feel free to adjust to suit your taste preferences.
For the Milk Soak
- Whole milk – Acts as the base, making the soak creamy and rich.
- Condensed milk – Intensifies sweetness and adds a luscious texture to the soak.
- Evaporated milk – Complements the richness, ensuring the cake remains moist and flavorful.
For the Topping
- Heavy whipping cream – Whipped to perfection, it provides a light and fluffy contrast to the cake; whip until you achieve stiff peaks.
Elevate your dessert experience with this glorious Ube Tres Leches Cake!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Ube Tres Leches Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Ube Mixture
Start by washing the ube thoroughly, then steam or boil it until tender, which should take about 20 minutes. Once cooked, allow it to cool before mashing it until smooth; it should be a vibrant purple hue. Set the mashed ube aside, so it reaches room temperature while you prepare the cake batter.
Step 2: Cake Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch cake pan with butter or cooking spray. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder until well combined. This step ensures your Ube Tres Leches Cake has a light and fluffy texture, ready to rise beautifully in the oven.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another mixing bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar using a hand mixer for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Gradually stir in the cooled, mashed ube, combining until the colors and ingredients are well incorporated. This vibrant blend adds richness to the cake, infusing it with the unique flavor of ube.
Step 4: Combine Batter
Carefully fold in the dry ingredients from Step 2 into the wet ube mixture. Be gentle to maintain the airiness of the batter, ensuring no lumps remain. Once well combined, you’ll have a smooth, thick batter ready for the next step. Pour this delightful mixture into the prepared cake pan, distributing it evenly.
Step 5: Bake
Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on your cake; it should have a slight golden hue on top. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Step 6: Create Milk Soak
While the cake cools, prepare the luscious milk soak. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk until fully blended. This rich mixture is what makes your Ube Tres Leches Cake irresistibly moist, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor and creaminess.
Step 7: Soak Cake
Once the cake has cooled slightly, use a skewer or fork to poke holes all over its surface—this allows the milk soak to penetrate deeply. Pour the milk mixture generously over the cake, ensuring it’s fully absorbed. Let the cake sit for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, refrigerate for a few hours for maximum moisture.
Step 8: Prepare Topping
In a clean bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, which should take about 5–7 minutes. This creamy topping adds a luxurious touch to your Ube Tres Leches Cake. Once achieved, spread the whipped cream evenly over the soaked cake, creating a beautiful, fluffy layer on top.
Step 9: Chill and Serve
Chill the completed cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the milk soak to enhance the cake’s moisture. Serve your Ube Tres Leches Cake cold, adorned with optional fresh ube or colorful sprinkles for a delightful and festive presentation.
Tips for the Best Ube Tres Leches Cake
Perfect Ube Preparation: Ensure your ube is steamed or boiled until tender, then cooled and finely mashed—this guarantees even mixing in the cake batter.
Watch the Soaking Time: For the best outcome, allow the cake to soak up the milk mixture for at least 2 hours; overnight is even better for extra moisture and flavor.
Gentle Mixing: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, fold gently—overmixing can deflate your cake and affect its airy texture.
Check Coolness: Always let the cake cool completely before soaking; this prevents the milk mixture from heating up the cake and keeps it moist.
Whip Cream to Stiff Peaks: Make sure to whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form for a light and fluffy topping that won’t melt into the cake.
Enjoy creating this delectable Ube Tres Leches Cake Recipe—it’s guaranteed to impress!
What to Serve with Ube Tres Leches Cake
Elevate your dessert experience with delightful companions that enhance this unique Filipino treat.
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Fruity Sorbet: A refreshing tropical mango or coconut sorbet complements the sweetness of ube, offering a light, fruity contrast that cleanses the palate.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or blueberries add a tartness that balances the cake’s rich flavors, providing a pop of freshness and color on the plate.
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Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes provide a chewy texture and a hint of nuttiness, beautifully pairing with the creamy notes of the cake.
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Coffee or Espresso: A cup of strong coffee or espresso perfectly complements the cake’s sweetness, enhancing the experience with a warm, robust flavor.
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Pineapple Upside Down Cake: For a fun twist, pair it with a slice of pineapple upside-down cake. This marriage of desserts will surprise and delight your guests.
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Whipped Cream and Nuts: Serve with a dollop of additional whipped cream topped with crushed nuts for added crunch and luxury.
Delve into these pairing suggestions for unforgettable moments around your table!
Ube Tres Leches Cake Recipe Variations
Get ready to tailor this delightful dessert to your liking! Let your creativity shine with these tasty twists.
- Purple Sweet Potatoes: Swap ube for purple sweet potatoes to enjoy a similar flavor with a slight earthiness.
- Coconut Milk Soak: Replace whole milk in the soak with coconut milk for that tropical flair—just imagine the creamy coconut flavor enhancing each bite!
- Almond Extract: Add a splash of almond extract to the cake batter for a fragrance that beautifully complements the ube.
- Berry Topping: Top with fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries for a burst of color and a refreshing tartness that balances the sweetness.
- Whipped Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free version, use whipped coconut cream as the topping instead of heavy cream, adding a light coconut taste.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the whipped cream topping for a decadent chocolatey twist that pairs wonderfully with the ube.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pistachios or almonds on top for extra texture and a nutty crunch that elevates each slice.
- Spiced Milk Soak: Mix in some cinnamon or nutmeg into the milk soak for a warm spice that adds depth to the overall flavor profile.
For a delicious spread, consider serving this cake alongside festive favorites like Elegant Pistachio Cheesecake or a colorful Christmas Tree Cake. Enjoy these variations and make this recipe your own!
Make Ahead Options
These Ube Tres Leches Cake delights are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time while still impressing family and friends! You can prepare the cake base up to 24 hours in advance, letting it cool completely before soaking it in the milk mixture (which can also be made ahead and refrigerated). Simply cover the cake with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to maintain its moisture. When you’re ready to serve, soak the cake and let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or overnight for even better results). Finally, whip the cream just before topping the cake to keep it fresh and fluffy. With these prep-ahead tips, your Ube Tres Leches Cake will be just as delicious, making your time in the kitchen a breeze!
How to Store and Freeze Ube Tres Leches Cake
Fridge: Store the Ube Tres Leches Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain its moisture and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: To enjoy the cake again, refrain from reheating as it may compromise texture. Instead, serve cold straight from the fridge for the best experience.
Serving Tip: If the whipped topping has softened during storage, consider re-whipping it for a fluffy presentation before serving.
Ube Tres Leches Cake Recipe FAQs
What type of ube should I use?
You can use either fresh or frozen ube for this recipe. I recommend using fresh ube as it provides the best flavor and vibrant color. If fresh ube is unavailable, purple sweet potatoes are a good substitute.
How do I store Ube Tres Leches Cake?
Store the Ube Tres Leches Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it is well-wrapped or in an airtight container to keep it moist. It’s best enjoyed chilled, so take it out when you’re ready to serve!
Can I freeze Ube Tres Leches Cake?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This method helps maintain its moisture and flavor. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
What if my cake soaks too much milk?
Oh no, it’s easy to go a bit overboard with the milk soak! If you find the cake overly soggy, you can serve it chilled with a side of whipped cream to balance the moisture. For next time, consider reducing the milk soak by about a third to ensure it retains some texture.
Is Ube Tres Leches Cake suitable for people with allergies?
If you’re serving guests with allergies, this cake might pose challenges due to its ingredients. Eggs and dairy are key components. For a lactose-free version, you can experiment with plant-based milk alternatives, though it may alter the flavor slightly. Always check on your guests’ dietary needs!
Can I add toppings to my Ube Tres Leches Cake?
The more the merrier! You can enhance your cake with fresh fruits, such as berries or mangoes, or even sprinkle some toasted coconut on top. These additions not only look stunning but also add fantastic flavor contrasts!
Moist Ube Tres Leches Cake Recipe That Will Wow Your Guests
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash the ube thoroughly, then steam or boil until tender, about 20 minutes. Cool and mash until smooth.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch cake pan. Whisk together the flour and baking powder.
- Beat together the eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy. Gradually stir in the cooled, mashed ube.
- Fold in the dry ingredients into the ube mixture carefully. Pour the mixture into the prepared cake pan.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Prepare the milk soak by whisking together the whole, sweetened condensed, and evaporated milk.
- Poke holes in the cooled cake and pour the milk mixture generously over it. Let sit for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate.
- Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form and spread it evenly over the soaked cake.
- Chill the completed cake for at least 2 hours. Serve cold, optionally garnished with fresh ube or sprinkles.
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