Ube cupcakes are soft and sweet purple cakes that taste great and look fun. They have a rich ube flavor that makes them different from regular cupcakes. Topped with a light ube whipped cream frosting and a sprinkle of toasted coconut, these cupcakes are a tasty treat you’ll enjoy making and eating.
Why You’ll Love These Ube Cupcakes
These cupcakes stand out because they’re packed with authentic ube flavor that’s both vibrant and comforting. Unlike typical vanilla or chocolate cupcakes, ube cupcakes introduce an earthy sweetness and a soft, dense texture that’s truly satisfying. The whipped ube cream frosting adds an airy contrast to the cake’s richness, creating a perfect balance.
Not only do they taste fantastic, but their gorgeous purple color makes them eye-catching and festive. They’re perfect for celebrations or simply brightening up your dessert table. If you love Filipino desserts or want to try something new, ube cupcakes will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Ube Cupcakes
To make your cupcakes just right, you’ll gather a mix of simple ingredients paired with ube-specific components that create the signature flavor and texture.
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup canola or vegetable oil
- 1 heaping cup of ube jam (make sure it’s the kind you enjoy)
- 3 teaspoons ube extract
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Ube Whipped Cream Frosting:
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup chilled heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ube extract
These ingredients work together to create a moist, flavorful cupcake base and a light, creamy frosting that complements the cake perfectly.
How to Make Ube Cupcakes: Step-by-Step
Making these cupcakes is easier than you might expect. Just follow these clear steps, and you’ll have a batch of beautiful ube cupcakes ready in under an hour.
First, preheat your oven to 325°F (about 160°C) and prepare your cupcake pan by lining it with cupcake liners. This step ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and don’t stick.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your eggs, sugar, and oil until everything is smooth and combined. Then, stir in the ube jam until the mixture no longer has any lumps from the jam. Add the ube extract next, blending well to bring out that deep purple flavor.
Sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt directly into your ube mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients in using a spatula—be careful not to overmix. The batter should be smooth, but it’s okay if you still see a few flour streaks.
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, fill each cupcake liner a little over halfway with batter. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center of a cupcake; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cupcakes are ready.
Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
While the cupcakes cool, prepare your ube whipped cream frosting. Sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it bloom for a couple of minutes without stirring. Whip the heavy cream with sugar and ube extract on medium speed until you reach medium peaks.
Microwave the gelatin mixture for about 10 seconds until it dissolves, then stir and let it cool slightly. Temper the gelatin by mixing a small amount of whipped cream into it, then fold it back into the whipped cream mixture. Continue whipping until you reach stiff peaks, then frost your cupcakes generously.
Finish by decorating with toasted shredded coconut or any topping you like.
How to Serve Ube Cupcakes
When it comes to serving these cupcakes, simplicity works best to showcase their flavor and color. Arrange them on a pretty platter or cupcake stand for an inviting presentation.
These cupcakes pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making them ideal for afternoon treats or celebrations. You can also serve them chilled during warmer days for a refreshing dessert experience.
If you want to elevate your serving, add a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top of the frosting. This adds texture and a touch of elegance.
Because they’re best fresh, try to serve these cupcakes within a day of baking for the softest texture and brightest flavor. However, we’ll cover storage tips next so you can enjoy them a little longer.
Expert Tips for Perfect Ube Cupcakes
Mastering ube cupcakes is all about balance and technique. Here are some insider tips to help you get the best results every time:
- Use room temperature eggs to ensure your batter emulsifies properly, giving you a smooth, even texture.
- Choose a ube jam you really enjoy because it’s the star of the flavor profile. If it’s too sweet or too bland, it will affect the final taste.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour; overmixing can make the cupcakes dense and tough. Just fold gently until combined.
- When blooming gelatin for the frosting, be patient and avoid stirring to get the best gelatin texture.
- Whip the cream until medium peaks first before adding gelatin, then continue whipping to stiff peaks for stable frosting that holds shape.
- Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting; warm cupcakes will cause the frosting to melt and lose its texture.
- For extra flavor, you can toast shredded coconut to sprinkle on top, adding a delightful crunch.
These simple adjustments ensure your cupcakes come out moist, flavorful, and visually stunning.
How to Store Ube Cupcakes
To keep your cupcakes fresh, store them properly. If you plan to eat them within two days, keep unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigeration at this stage as it can dry them out.
Frost the cupcakes just before serving to maintain the whipped cream frosting’s lightness and texture.
If you want to store them longer, refrigerate the frosted cupcakes in an airtight container. Let them come to room temperature before eating to restore softness and flavor.
Avoid freezing ube cupcakes as the whipped cream frosting can lose its consistency and the cake texture can become compromised.
Variations to Try with Ube Cupcakes
Once you’ve mastered the classic ube cupcake, you can experiment with variations to suit your taste or occasion:
- Add a cream cheese swirl into the batter before baking for a tangy surprise in each bite.
- Mix in some toasted coconut flakes into the batter or sprinkle on top for extra texture.
- Substitute the whipped cream frosting with a buttercream version infused with ube extract for a richer topping.
- Incorporate other complementary flavors such as vanilla or pandan to add depth.
- Create mini cupcakes for bite-sized treats perfect for parties or gatherings.
- Top with fresh fruit like mango slices to brighten the presentation and flavor.
Feel free to personalize your cupcakes and make them your own unique dessert experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ube Cupcakes
What is ube and why is it used in cupcakes?
Ube is a purple yam popular in Filipino cooking. It adds a unique, mildly sweet flavor and vibrant color to desserts like cupcakes, making them stand out both in taste and appearance.
Can I use regular flour instead of cake flour?
Cake flour is preferred for its lighter texture, but you can use all-purpose flour by substituting 2 tablespoons with cornstarch to keep the cupcakes tender.
How do I store leftover cupcakes?
Keep unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Frosted cupcakes can be refrigerated but should be brought back to room temperature before eating.
Can I make the cupcakes vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and whipped coconut cream for frosting, but texture and flavor may differ slightly.
Where can I find ube jam and extract?
Ube jam and extract are often available in Asian grocery stores or online. Make sure to pick a brand you like because it greatly influences the flavor.
Is it possible to freeze ube cupcakes?
Freezing is not recommended for cupcakes with whipped cream frosting, as the texture can suffer. If needed, freeze the cupcakes without frosting and thaw completely before frosting.
Ube Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
- 1 heaping cup ube jam (make sure it’s the kind you enjoy)
- 3 teaspoons ube extract
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin (for frosting)
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup chilled heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for frosting)
- 1 tablespoon ube extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, and oil until smooth. Stir in ube jam until no lumps remain, then add ube extract.
- Sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt, then gently fold into the wet mixture until combined.
- Fill each cupcake liner a little over halfway with batter. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the frosting, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it bloom. Whip heavy cream with sugar and ube extract until medium peaks form.
- Microwave the gelatin mixture for 10 seconds until dissolved, then temper with a bit of whipped cream before folding back into the whipped cream.
- Whip until stiff peaks form, then frost the cooled cupcakes. Decorate with toasted coconut, if desired.
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