Name: Delightful Ube Cheesecake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam); 1 teaspoon ube extract; 4 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened; 1 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 large eggs

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Hello, dessert lovers! If you’ve wandered over to this cozy corner of the internet, you’re in for a real treat. Today, we’re diving into the vibrant world of Ube Cheesecake. This creamy, dreamy dessert not only looks stunning with its gorgeous purple hue but also brings a delightful twist to the classic cheesecake everyone loves. Trust me, your taste buds are in for an adventurous ride! Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert for a gathering or simply want to indulge in a slice of heaven at home, this Ube Cheesecake is calling your name. Grab your apron, and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Ube Cheesecake

You might be asking yourself, “Why should I try this recipe?” Well, let me tell you, there are plenty of reasons to love this delightful cheesecake.

Unique Flavor: The star of the show here is ube, a Filipino purple yam known for its sweet, nutty flavor. Ube adds a unique twist to the traditional cheesecake, making it a hit for anyone looking to try something new.
Gorgeous Presentation: With its beautiful purple color, this cheesecake is not just visually appealing; it’s practically a masterpiece on your dessert table. Your friends and family won’t believe their eyes!
Creamy Texture: The combination of cream cheese and ube creates a rich and creamy texture that’s absolutely irresistible. Each bite melts in your mouth, making it hard to stop at just one slice.
Versatile: This cheesecake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, holiday gathering, or just a cozy night at home. It’s a dessert that everyone can appreciate.
Easy to Make: While it may sound fancy, making Ube Cheesecake is surprisingly simple. Following a few steps can lead you to the most satisfying dessert experience without any fuss.

Now that you’re all set to create something beautiful, let’s dive into how to make this gorgeous Ube Cheesecake!

Step-by-Step: Making Ube Cheesecake

Ingredients

Before we get started, let’s gather our ingredients:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
1 teaspoon ube extract
4 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs

Directions

Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and start baking!

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that our cheesecake bakes evenly.
Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and melted butter until everything is well combined. Press this mixture into the bottom of a springform pan to form a sturdy crust.
Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth. Gradually add in the sugar, mixing well until it’s all combined.
Add Ube Goodness: Now, add the ube halaya, ube extract, and vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture. Mix them thoroughly until the batter has a beautiful purple color.
Incorporate the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring to mix well after each addition until the batter is silky smooth.
Assemble: Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.
Bake: Place the springform pan in the oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly jiggly.
Cool Down: Once done, turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. This prevents cracking.
Chill Time: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving. Patience will pay off with a perfectly set dessert!

Best Ways to Serve Ube Cheesecake

Serving your Ube Cheesecake is as important as making it. Here are some fun ideas to elevate your dessert experience:

Garnish: Top your cheesecake with fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted coconut for texture.
Sliced Fruits: Consider adding some sliced fruits like mango or berries on the side. The vibrant colors will enhance the presentation!
Serving Temperature: This cheesecake is best served cold, so make sure you cut it straight out of the fridge for that perfect bite.
Take It Up a Notch: For a more decadent experience, drizzle with chocolate sauce or serve with a side of vanilla ice cream.

Storage Tips for Ube Cheesecake

After all that hard work, you want to keep your Ube Cheesecake fresh for as long as possible. Here are some great storage tips:

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last up to 5 days.
Freezing: If you want to save slices for later, you can freeze them! Just wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can stay frozen for up to 2 months.
Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cheesecake, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight to thaw.

Expert Tips for Perfect Ube Cheesecake

To make sure your cheesecake turns out absolutely perfect, consider these expert tips:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese is at room temperature before you start. This will make it easier to blend with the other ingredients and create a smooth batter.
Do Not Overmix: While mixing, be careful not to overbeat the eggs. Overmixing can lead to cracks in your cheesecake.
Water Bath: For a more consistent bake and less chance of cracking, consider placing the springform pan in a larger baking dish filled with hot water while it bakes.

Delicious Variations of Ube Cheesecake

Feeling adventurous? Here are some classic variations to try:

Ube Swirl Cheesecake: Before baking, create a swirl effect in the batter by adding dollops of ube halaya and gently mixing with a spatula.
Cookie Crust: Swap out the graham cracker crumbs for crushed Oreos or chocolate cookies for a different flavor profile.
Add Toppings: Experiment with toppings like toasted nuts, coconut shavings, or even fresh passion fruit for a tropical twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh ube instead of ube halaya?

Yes, you can! Just ensure you cook and mash fresh ube before incorporating it into your cheesecake batter for the same vibrant flavor.

2. How can I tell when my cheesecake is done baking?

Your cheesecake is done when the edges are set, but the center is still slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools in the fridge.

3. Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free treat.

Now that you’ve got the scoop on making and enjoying Ube Cheesecake, I can’t wait for you to try this recipe. Remember, every bite should feel like love and joy. Happy baking!