Ube Halaya Recipe Using Frozen Grated Ube

Ube Halaya Recipe Using Frozen Grated Ube is a medium Filipino recipe that serves 8. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by KC Mum Life on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 1 hr 3 min | Total: 1 hr 25 min

Cost: $16.80 total, $2.10 per serving

Ingredients

  • 454 g Frozen Grated Purple Yam (Ube) (Thawed before use; found in the frozen section of Asian or Filipino grocery stores)
  • 100 g Unsalted Butter (Cut into cubes; adds richness and shine)
  • 75 g Grated Cheese (Cheddar or mozzarella works; adds subtle savory depth)
  • 1 tin Evaporated Milk (12 oz (354 ml) tin; use regular version)
  • 1 tin Coconut Milk (400 ml can; use full‑fat for creaminess)
  • 1 tin Condensed Milk (14 oz (397 g) can; adds sweetness and thickness)
  • 50 g White Sugar (¼ cup; adjust to taste)
  • a few drops Ube Flavoring (optional) (Enhances purple color and ube aroma; not required)
  • a few drops Food Coloring (optional) (Use purple food coloring if the jam looks pale)

Instructions

  1. Heat Coconut Milk and Dissolve Sugar

    Place the coconut milk in the saucepan over medium heat. Add the white sugar and stir until fully dissolved, about 3–4 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  2. Add Grated Ube

    Pour the thawed grated ube into the saucepan. Stir continuously to combine with the sweetened coconut milk.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  3. Incorporate Evaporated Milk

    Add the tin of evaporated milk while stirring. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a low simmer.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium‑high to bring to boil, then low

  4. Add Condensed Milk

    Stir in the condensed milk until fully blended. The mixture will become richer and slightly thicker.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Low simmer

  5. Continuous Stirring Until Thick

    Keep stirring the mixture constantly for about 30 minutes. The halaya will gradually thicken, change from a liquid to a glossy, heavy consistency.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: Low heat

  6. Add Color (Optional)

    If the jam looks pale, add a few drops of purple food coloring or ube flavoring and stir until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT1M

  7. Mix in Grated Cheese

    Stir in the grated cheese until fully melted and incorporated. This adds a subtle savory note.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Low heat

  8. Finish with Butter

    Add the cubed butter and continue stirring until the butter is completely melted and the halaya reaches a thick, soft yet spreadable consistency.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Low heat

  9. Cool and Store

    Turn off the heat. Transfer the hot ube halaya into a plastic container, cover with a lid, and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
200
Protein
2 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
9 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Allergens: Milk, Butter, Cheese

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Ube Halaya Recipe Using Frozen Grated Ube

Recipe by KC Mum Life

A traditional Filipino purple yam jam made with frozen grated ube, coconut milk, evaporated milk, condensed milk, butter, cheese and sugar. The recipe mimics the classic Christmas‑time ube halaya that families stir for half an hour until thick and glossy. It can be enjoyed on its own, as a spread, or as a filling for cakes, breads, halo‑halo and other desserts.

MediumFilipinoServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
58m
Prep
5m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 13m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$16.80
Total cost
$2.10
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Continuous stirring for 30 minutes to prevent the mixture from sticking and to achieve the proper thick consistency.
  • Adding butter at the end for shine and smooth texture.
  • Maintaining low heat once the mixture starts to thicken to avoid burning.

Safety Warnings

  • The mixture becomes very hot; handle the saucepan with oven mitts.
  • Stir constantly to avoid the milk from scorching and causing burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Ube Halaya in Filipino cuisine?

A

Ube Halaya is a traditional Filipino dessert made from purple yam. It is especially popular during Christmas and special celebrations, where families gather to stir the jam for hours, symbolizing togetherness and holiday spirit.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Ube Halaya in the Philippines?

A

In the Visayas, some cooks add coconut cream and a pinch of salt for a richer flavor, while in Luzon families may fold in cheese or use condensed milk for extra sweetness. The base ingredients remain ube, milk, and sugar.

cultural
Q

How is authentic Ube Halaya traditionally served in the Philippines?

A

Authentic Ube Halaya is served at room temperature, either on its own as a sweet pudding, as a spread for pandesal, or as a layer in desserts like halo‑halo, leche flan, and ube cake.

cultural
Q

During which Filipino occasions is Ube Halaya traditionally prepared?

A

Ube Halaya is a staple during Christmas (Noche Buena), birthdays, fiestas, and weddings. It is also made for All Saints' Day (Undas) gatherings.

cultural
Q

What makes Ube Halaya special in Filipino dessert tradition?

A

Its vibrant purple hue, creamy texture, and the labor‑intensive stirring process set it apart. The jam captures the sweet, earthy flavor of ube and is a nostalgic taste of Filipino holidays.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Ube Halaya?

A

Common mistakes include cooking over high heat, which burns the milk; stopping stirring too early, resulting in a watery jam; and adding butter too early, which prevents the jam from thickening properly.

technical
Q

Why does this Ube Halaya recipe use continuous stirring instead of a food processor?

A

Continuous stirring over low heat allows the starches in the ube to gelatinize slowly, creating the characteristic thick, glossy texture. A food processor would not achieve the same cooked consistency.

technical
Q

Can I make Ube Halaya ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can make it a day ahead. Transfer the cooled jam to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when Ube Halaya is done?

A

The halaya should be thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon, glossy, and pull away from the sides of the pan without sticking. It should have a deep violet‑purple color.

technical
Q

How do I know when Ube Halaya is fully cooked?

A

When the mixture no longer looks liquid, has a heavy, pudding‑like consistency, and the spoon test shows a thick coating that holds its shape, the halaya is done.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel KC Mum Life specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel KC Mum Life focuses on home‑cooked family recipes, especially Filipino comfort foods and holiday treats, sharing practical tips for busy parents.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel KC Mum Life's approach to Filipino cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

KC Mum Life emphasizes real‑world cooking with readily available ingredients in the UK, often using frozen or pantry‑stock items, and highlights the cultural stories behind each dish, unlike many channels that rely on fresh specialty produce.

channel

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