Ube brownies are a unique twist on the classic chocolate treat, combining the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the sweet, nutty flavor of ube. This vibrant purple yam adds a fun pop of color and flavor to your favorite dessert.
Why We Love These Ube Brownies!
Ube brownies are not just a dessert; they’re an experience. The deep purple color, the rich texture, and the unique flavor all come together to create a treat that stands out in any crowd. Here’s why you’ll love making and sharing these Ube brownies:
- Flavor Fusion: Ube adds an earthy, sweet flavor that perfectly complements the richness of white chocolate. This harmonious combination is unlike any other brownie you’ve had before.
- Visual Appeal: The striking purple hue of the brownies makes them a showstopper. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them on your own, these brownies are sure to catch the eye.
- Versatile: Ube brownies can be enjoyed on any occasion. From casual family gatherings to special celebrations, they’re the perfect dessert to serve to guests.
- Easy to Make: Despite their sophisticated flavor, these brownies are incredibly easy to make with just a few steps and common ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Ingredients for Ube Brownies Recipe
Ube extract – This concentrated flavoring is essential for adding the unique sweet, nutty flavor of ube to your brownies. It gives the brownies their signature purple color. I recommend not substituting it with other extracts, as ube extract provides a distinct taste that can’t be replicated.
Unsalted butter – Adds richness and moisture to the brownies. If you only have salted butter on hand, you can substitute it, but be sure to reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to avoid making the brownies too salty.
All-purpose flour – The base of the brownie batter. Do not substitute with cake flour as it could change the texture and make the brownies too soft or crumbly. Using all-purpose flour will yield the best texture for your brownies.
Granulated sugar – The main sweetener for the brownies, granulated sugar ensures the right texture and sweetness. While brown sugar can be substituted for a slightly different flavor and texture, it may affect the consistency of your brownies.
Espresso chips – These add a delightful twist and enhance the flavor of the tube, but if you prefer a more traditional flavor, you can leave them out or replace them with chocolate chips.
Ube powder (optional) – While not a must, ube powder can be used in place of ube extract if desired. It will require adjusting the liquid ingredients to maintain the right consistency, as the ube powder is drier and less concentrated than the extract.
How to Make Ube Brownies
Making use of brownies is a simple process, and once you follow these steps, you’ll have a batch of brownies that’s both delicious and visually stunning. Let’s get started!
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare your baking pan by lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray. This ensures the brownies come out easily once they’re baked.
2. Melt the Butter and White Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 6 tbsp of unsalted butter and 2/3 cup of white chocolate chips. Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until it’s completely melted and smooth. Stir the mixture to ensure it’s well-combined and set it aside to cool slightly.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, crack 3 large eggs and add 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 3/4 cup of white sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture on medium speed for about 5-8 minutes, or until it becomes thick and turns a pale purple color. This step is crucial for creating the right texture and allowing the ube extract to blend seamlessly into the batter.
4. Incorporate the Melted Butter and White Chocolate
Gradually add the melted butter and white chocolate mixture to the egg mixture, mixing on low speed. Stir until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and smooth. The batter should be smooth and slightly glossy.
5. Add the Dry Ingredients
With a rubber spatula, gently fold in 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dry, cakey brownies. A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly fine.
6. Stir in the Ube Extract and Optional Espresso Chips
Add 3/4 tbsp of ube extract to the batter and mix until it is evenly distributed, giving the batter a beautiful purple hue. If you like a richer flavor, stir in 1/3 cup of espresso chips. These will provide a subtle coffee flavor that complements the sweetness of the ube, but they are optional.
7. Bake the Brownies
Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center. If the toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the brownies are finished baking.
8. Cool and Serve
Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. After they have cooled completely, cut them into squares and serve. You’ll love the rich, fudgy texture and the sweet, nutty flavor that make these brownies truly special
Expert Tips for Perfect Ube Brownies
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to dry brownies. Mix the ingredients gently and only until combined for a fudgy, moist texture.
- Check the Baking Time: Every oven is different, so start checking the brownies around the 30-minute mark. They should look set and slightly cracked on top, with a toothpick coming out with moist crumbs.
- Use Quality Ube Extract: The flavor of ube extract can vary greatly between brands. Opt for a high-quality extract to get the best flavor in your brownies.
- Let the Brownies Cool: Resist the urge to cut into them right away. Let the brownies cool for a better texture, as they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overbaking: Keep an eye on your brownies as they bake. Overbaking will dry them out and compromise their texture.
Skipping the Cooling Step: Let the brownies cool completely before cutting. Cutting them too soon may cause them to fall apart.
Variations to Try
Vegan Ube Brownies: Swap the eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly version of these ube brownies.
Ube Swirl Brownies: For an extra ube flavor, swirl in a few tablespoons of ube jam or extra ube extract before baking.
Add Nuts: Add a handful of chopped walnuts, almonds, or cashews to the batter for a crunchy texture contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Ube brownies are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways to enhance their flavor and presentation. Try these serving suggestions to take your brownie experience to the next level:
With Ice Cream
Pair your Ube brownies with a scoop of coconut milk or vanilla ice cream for a perfect contrast. The cold, creamy ice cream complements the warm, fudgy brownies, making for a delicious combination. Coconut ice cream works especially well, enhancing the ube flavor with its tropical sweetness.
Topped with Whipped Cream
For a lighter touch, add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of your brownies. A drizzle of ube syrup over the whipped cream adds extra flavor and makes the dessert feel more indulgent. You can also sprinkle a few crushed nuts like pistachios for a bit of crunch.
How to Store Ube Brownies
Proper storage is key to keeping your Ube brownies fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Follow these storage tips to preserve their flavor and texture:
Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy your Ube brownies within a few days, store them at room temperature. Place the brownies in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or absorbing any unwanted moisture. At room temperature, they should stay fresh for up to 3 days. This is the best option if you want to indulge in your brownies quickly or share them with friends and family.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerating your Ube brownies is a great option. Store the brownies in an airtight container or tightly wrap them in plastic wrap to keep them from drying out or absorbing any odors from other foods. They will remain fresh in the fridge for up to one week. Refrigeration can also help maintain the dense, fudgy texture of the brownies, ensuring they’re just as indulgent when you’re ready to eat them.
FAQ: Your Ube Brownies Questions Answered
- What is ube extract, and where can I find it?
- Ube extract is a concentrated flavoring made from ube, a purple yam. It is readily available at most Asian grocery stores or through online retailers.
- Can I substitute ube powder for ube extract?
- Yes, you can use ube powder, but you’ll need to adjust the amount of liquid in your recipe to achieve the right consistency.
- Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can make these brownies a day ahead and store them at room temperature or in the fridge.
More Brownies recipes you will love!
Ube brownies Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tbsp ube extract
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2/3 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup espresso chips optional
Instructions
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
- Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray for easy removal.
Melt the Butter and White Chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 6 tbsp unsalted butter and 2/3 cup white chocolate chips by microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted. Let it cool slightly.
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk 3 eggs, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 3/4 cup white sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for 5-8 minutes, until the mixture thickens and turns a pale purple color.
Combine the Wet and Melted Ingredients:
- Gradually add the melted butter and white chocolate mixture to the egg mixture, stirring until smooth and glossy.
Add the Dry Ingredients:
- Gently fold in 3/4 cup all-purpose flour using a rubber spatula, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
Add the Ube Extract and Optional Espresso Chips:
- Stir in 3/4 tbsp ube extract to achieve a vibrant purple hue. Optionally, fold in 1/3 cup of espresso chips for a rich flavor.
Bake the Brownies:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Serve:
- Let the brownies cool in the pan for approximately 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, cut into squares and enjoy the fudgy texture.