This ube cheesecake recipe is a unique twist on the classic dessert. It blends the creamy texture of cheesecake with the vibrant purple hue and subtle sweetness of ube, a popular Filipino root vegetable.
This dessert is perfect for anyone looking to try something new. It offers a beautiful colour and a rich, velvety taste. The tube adds a distinct flavour, making it different from traditional cheesecake while maintaining the creamy richness everyone loves.
Why You’ll Love Ube Cheesecake
Unique Flavor: Ube cheesecake brings a deliciously sweet and earthy flavour to the classic cheesecake. The cube root adds a unique twist, distinguishing it from traditional flavours like vanilla or chocolate.
Easy to Make: This recipe is simple enough for beginners, requiring basic ingredients and minimal steps. Whether you’re baking for the first time or are a seasoned pro, it’s an easy recipe to follow.
Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory: The cheesecake balances the rich, slightly savoury flavour of ube with the sweetness of the cheesecake base, creating a flavour profile that appeals to a wide range of taste preferences.
A Crowd-Pleaser: Ube cheesecake will surely be a hit at any gathering. Its unique flavour and eye-catching colour make it an unforgettable dessert that guests will rave about.
Ingredients for an Ube Cheesecake Recipe
Making a delicious ube cheesecake is easy if you have the right ingredients. Here’s a list of all the essentials you’ll need to create a mouth-watering treat:
Graham cracker crumbs: These will form the base of your cheesecake crust, adding a crunchy texture that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.
Sugar: Sugar is used to sweeten the crust and filling, bringing out the natural flavours of the tube.
Butter: It binds the graham cracker crumbs together and gives the crust a rich, buttery flavour.
Cream cheese: The key ingredient in any cheesecake is cream cheese, which provides the filling with a smooth and creamy texture.
Ube jam or ube halaya: The star of this recipe! Ube jam or halaya adds that signature purple color and a subtle sweet flavor, making this cheesecake uniquely delicious.
Eggs: Eggs help set the cheesecake, ensuring it holds together perfectly once baked.
Vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the flavour profile, complementing the tube’s natural sweetness.
Heavy cream adds richness and smoothness to the filling, making it extra creamy.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch helps to thicken the filling, giving it a stable, smooth texture as it bakes.
How to Make Ube Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ube jam or ube halaya (you can find this at Filipino grocery stores)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
Cooking Instructions
Prepare the crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a medium-sized bowl. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the back of a spoon to compact it tightly.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool.
Make the filling:
- Beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth in a large bowl.
- Add the ube jam (or ube halaya) and sugar, and mix until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and cornstarch, followed by the heavy cream and a pinch of salt. The batter should be smooth and creamy.
Assemble and bake:
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Consider placing the springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water (a water bath) to prevent cracks.
- Bake for 60 minutes until the edges are set and the centre slightly jiggles.
- Please turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for an hour before removing it from the oven.
Chill and serve:
- Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to set.
- Before serving, top with whipped cream and drizzle extra ube jam for added flavour and visual appeal.
Ube Cheesecake Recipe Variation
While the classic ube cheesecake is delicious, there are plenty of variations to customize it. You can try:
- Ube Cheesecake with a Graham Cracker Crust: This simple crust adds a bit of crunch and complements the creamy filling.
- No-Bake Ube Cheesecake: If you don’t want to turn on the oven, a no-bake version is just as tasty. Prepare the filling and let it set in the fridge.
- Ube Cheesecake with Coconut: Shred coconut into the cheesecake or the crust for an added tropical flavour that pairs wonderfully with ube.
- Swirled Ube Cheesecake: For a fun, artistic touch, swirl the ube mixture into the cheesecake batter before baking for a marbled effect.
These variations allow you to adjust the flavour and texture of your ube cheesecake to suit your preferences and creativity.
How to Serve Ube Cheesecake Recipe
When serving your ube cheesecake, presentation is key. Here’s how to serve it perfectly:
- Chilled: Ube cheesecake is best served chilled. After it has set in the fridge, slice it into wedges and serve.
- Topped with Fruit: For extra sweetness and colour, top the cheesecake with fresh fruit, such as berries or a drizzle of ube jam.
- With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Add a light and airy whipped cream topping for a creamy contrast to the rich cheesecake.
- As a Dessert Platter: If serving a group, arrange small slices of ube cheesecake alongside other desserts for a varied and beautiful platter.
No matter how you serve it, ube cheesecake will surely stand out as a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Storage Tips
To keep your ube cheesecake fresh for longer, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Always store the cheesecake in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odours.
- Freezing: If you want to store the cheesecake for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
- Serving: If you’re not serving the cheesecake immediately, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before cutting and serving for the best texture.
FAQs About Ube Cheesecake Recipe
What is ube cheesecake?
Ube cheesecake is a creamy dessert made with ube, a purple yam that gives it a vibrant colour and unique flavour. It combines the traditional cheesecake texture with the earthy, sweet taste of ube for a delicious treat.
Can I use fresh ube for the cheesecake?
Yes, fresh ube can be used in the recipe, but it needs to be boiled and mashed properly before mixing. However, ube halaya (ube jam) is often preferred for its smooth texture and concentrated flavour.
How do I store the cheesecake?
Store the ube cheesecake in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Properly covered and stored in an airtight container, it can last for up to 3 days.
Can I make Ube cheesecake without a crust?
You can make a crustless ube cheesecake by simply omitting the crust layer. It will still be delicious and creamy, but without the crunch of the traditional base.
Is ube cheesecake suitable for vegans?
Traditional ube cheesecake uses dairy and eggs, making it not vegan. However, you can make a vegan version by replacing these ingredients with plant-based alternatives like dairy-free cream cheese and flax eggs.
