Name: Ube Tres Leches Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 9 h 50 min
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1½ teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 5 eggs (separated yolks and whites); ⅓ cup whole milk; ¾ cup granulated sugar (for egg yolks); ¼ cup granulated sugar (for egg whites); 1 tablespoon ube extract; ¼ cup ube halaya (ube jam); 1½ cups evaporated milk; 1 cup condensed milk; ⅓ cup coconut milk; 1 teaspoon ube extract; 1½ cups heavy whipping cream; ½ cup coconut milk; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons ube extract

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Introduction

Ube Tres Leches Cake is a delightful twist on the classic Filipino dessert, combining the rich flavor of purple yam with a moist, milk-soaked sponge. This vibrant cake is perfect for celebrations or any time you want a unique, creamy treat that impresses.

A square piece of three-layered cake sits on a white plate with a silver fork beside it. The bottom layer is a dense, crumbly purple cake. Above it is a thick creamy white layer with tiny purple spots, appearing smooth and soft. The top layer is a smooth, light purple frosting, decorated with small, fluffy, pointed swirls of darker purple cream and a few small dark purple round sprinkles. The background has a white marbled texture with a blurred cake on a white plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
5 eggs (separated yolks and whites)
⅓ cup whole milk
¾ cup granulated sugar (for egg yolks)
¼ cup granulated sugar (for egg whites)
1 tablespoon ube extract
¼ cup ube halaya (ube jam)
1½ cups evaporated milk
1 cup condensed milk
⅓ cup coconut milk
1 teaspoon ube extract (for milk mixture)
1½ cups heavy whipping cream
½ cup coconut milk (for topping)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
2 teaspoons ube extract (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with ¾ cup sugar until light and fluffy. Add the ube halaya, ube extract, and whole milk, mixing until smooth.
Step 4: Fold the egg yolk mixture into the dry ingredients gently until combined.
Step 5: Beat the egg whites with ¼ cup sugar until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the egg whites into the batter to keep it airy.
Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for an hour at room temperature.
Step 7: In a bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, condensed milk, coconut milk, and 1 teaspoon ube extract.
Step 8: Using a fork, poke small holes all over the cooled cake, reaching down to the bottom. Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake. Let it absorb for 20 minutes at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
Step 9: To make the topping, beat the heavy whipping cream, ½ cup coconut milk, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 2 teaspoons ube extract until soft peaks form.
Step 10: Spread the ube whipped topping over the chilled cake. Serve immediately or chill for another 2 hours for a firmer topping.

Tips & Variations

For a more intense ube flavor, add a little extra ube halaya to the batter or topping.
You can substitute coconut milk with whole milk if preferred, but coconut adds a lovely richness complementary to the ube.
To make it extra festive, garnish the cake with toasted coconut flakes or fresh berries.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. The milk-soaked cake and whipped topping taste best chilled. Reheat is not recommended as it may affect texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A square slice of layered cake sits on a white plate on a white marbled surface. The cake has three visible layers: the bottom is a thick, dense purple sponge layer, the middle is a creamy white layer with purple specks, and the top is a smooth light purple frosting layer. On top of the cake, there are decorative swirls of purple frosting with small dark purple dots scattered among them. A silver fork rests on the plate next to the cake slice. In the background, there is a blurred view of the rest of the cake on a white plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen ube halaya for this recipe?

Yes, frozen ube halaya can be used. Just make sure it is thawed completely and softened before mixing it into the batter for smooth incorporation.

Is it necessary to separate the eggs?

Separating the eggs and whipping the whites separately helps create a light, airy cake texture which is important in tres leches cakes. Skipping this step may result in a denser cake.