Making Ube Jam with a Thermomix
Making Ube Jam with a Thermomix is a medium Filipino recipe that serves 8. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by FEATR on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 1 hr | Total: 1 hr 35 min
Cost: $10.30 total, $1.29 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 lb Fresh Ube (Purple Yam) (Whole, unpeeled; will be boiled with skin to retain color)
- 1 cup Coconut Milk (Full‑fat for richness)
- 1 cup Sweetened Condensed Milk (Canned, standard size)
- 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter (Softened, cut into cubes)
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (Standard white sugar)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (Pure vanilla extract)
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (Optional, softened; adds extra creaminess)
Instructions
Boil Ube with Skin
Place the whole ube (skin on) in a large pot, cover with water, bring to a rolling boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes until a fork slides in easily.
Time: PT30M
Peel and Mash
Remove the ube from the pot, let it cool enough to handle, peel off the skin, and transfer the flesh to the Thermomix bowl. Blend on Speed 4 for 5 seconds to obtain a smooth puree.
Time: PT5M
Combine Ingredients
Add coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, butter, sugar, and vanilla extract to the ube puree in the Thermomix. Set the temperature to 100°C, speed 3, and cook for 30 minutes, scraping the sides with the spatula every 10 minutes.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 100°C
Incorporate Cream Cheese (Optional)
If using cream cheese, add it after the mixture has cooked for 20 minutes. Mix on Speed 2 for 5 seconds until fully incorporated.
Time: PT5M
Set and Cool
Transfer the thickened ube halaya to a greased shallow dish, smooth the surface with a spatula, cover with plastic wrap, and let cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Time: PT15M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 2 g
- Carbohydrates
- 55 g
- Fat
- 5 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Allergens: Dairy (butter, condensed milk, cream cheese)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Fresh Ube (Purple Yam): Frozen ube cubes
- Instead of Coconut Milk: Evaporated milk
- Instead of Sweetened Condensed Milk: Dulce de leche
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar, Brown sugar
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Vanilla bean seeds
- Instead of Cream Cheese: Mascarpone, Ricotta cheese
Equipment Needed
- Thermomix TM5 or TM6
- Large Pot with Lid
- Chef's Knife
- Vegetable Peeler
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Silicone Spatula
- Blender (Optional) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Boiling the ube with its skin on to retain the purple color.
- Maintaining a constant 100°C temperature in the Thermomix for even cooking.
- Scraping the sides of the Thermomix bowl every 10 minutes to avoid scorching.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use the freshest possible ube; older tubers lose color and flavor.
- Keep the Thermomix speed low (2‑3) during the thickening stage to prevent splatter.
- A small amount of butter at the end adds shine and a silkier mouthfeel.
Troubleshooting
Lumps in the halaya after cooking.
Blend the mixture again on low speed in the Thermomix or use an immersion blender to achieve a smoother texture.
Mixture sticks to the bottom and burns.
Scrape the sides frequently and reduce the temperature to 90°C if the Thermomix shows signs of overheating.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe container for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before use.
Room temperature: Do not keep at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Ube halaya can be made 2 days ahead and kept refrigerated.
- Reheat gently in the microwave (20‑30 seconds) or on low heat in a saucepan, stirring constantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Ube Halaya in Filipino cuisine?
Ube halaya is a beloved Filipino dessert made from purple yam, traditionally prepared for celebrations like fiestas, birthdays, and Christmas. Its vibrant color and sweet, creamy flavor symbolize abundance and joy in Filipino culture.
What are the traditional regional variations of Ube Halaya in the Philippines?
In the Visayas, ube halaya is often enriched with coconut milk and sometimes topped with latik (coconut caramel). In Luzon, some families add cheese or use condensed milk instead of regular milk for extra sweetness.
How is authentic Ube Halaya traditionally served in the Philippines?
Authentic ube halaya is typically served at room temperature in small slices, either on its own or alongside other Filipino sweets like leche flan and puto. It is also used as a filling for pastries such as ensaymada and hopia.
During which Filipino celebrations is Ube Halaya most commonly prepared?
Ube halaya is a staple during Christmas (Noche Buena), New Year's gatherings, birthdays, and regional festivals (fiestas). Its bright color makes it a festive centerpiece.
What makes Ube Halaya special or unique in Filipino dessert tradition?
Its deep violet hue, natural sweetness, and velvety texture set it apart. The use of fresh ube, a native tuber, ties the dessert to the Philippines’ agricultural heritage.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Ube Halaya at home?
Common errors include over‑cooking, which turns the halaya dry and grainy, and peeling the ube before boiling, which causes the color to fade. Also, neglecting to scrape the Thermomix bowl leads to scorching.
Why does this Ube Halaya recipe use a Thermomix instead of traditional stovetop stirring?
The Thermomix provides constant temperature control and steady speed, reducing the hours of manual stirring required in the classic method while still achieving the same smooth, glossy finish.
Can I make Ube Halaya ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare it up to two days ahead. Store the cooled halaya in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Ube Halaya is done?
The halaya should be thick enough to hold its shape on a spoon, with a glossy surface and a deep, uniform purple color. It should no longer be runny and should pull away cleanly from the sides of the Thermomix bowl.
What does the YouTube channel FEATR specialize in?
The YouTube channel FEATR focuses on modern twists of classic Asian dishes, showcasing efficient kitchen gadgets like the Thermomix to simplify traditional cooking techniques.
How does the YouTube channel FEATR's approach to Filipino cooking differ from other Filipino cooking channels?
FEATR emphasizes the use of high‑tech appliances to cut down labor‑intensive steps while preserving authentic flavors, whereas many traditional Filipino channels rely on entirely manual methods.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
