The best ube halaya
The best ube halaya 💜 is a medium Filipino recipe that serves 8. 70 calories per serving. Recipe by Iankewks on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min
Cost: $13.99 total, $1.75 per serving
Ingredients
- 500 g Ube (Purple Yam) (fresh, peeled and grated)
- 100 g Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
- 240 ml Evaporated Milk (full‑fat)
- 240 ml Coconut Milk (full‑fat, canned)
- 300 g Sweetened Condensed Milk (for sweetness and thickness)
- 1 tsp Ube Extract (adds deep purple color and flavor)
Instructions
Grate the Ube
Peel the fresh ube and grate it finely using a grater or food processor.
Time: PT5M
Combine Ingredients
In a saucepan, combine the grated ube, butter, evaporated milk, and coconut milk. Stir to mix evenly.
Time: PT5M
Blend to Smooth
Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth and uniform.
Time: PT5M
Add Sweetener and Flavor
Return the blended mixture to the saucepan, add the sweetened condensed milk and ube extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.
Time: PT35M
Temperature: Medium heat
Cool the Jam
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the ube jam cool completely at room temperature.
Time: PT15M
Store
Transfer the cooled jam into a clean jar, seal tightly, and refrigerate.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 70
- Protein
- 0.5g
- Carbohydrates
- 12g
- Fat
- 2g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Allergens: Dairy (butter, milk), Coconut
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ube (Purple Yam): Sweet potatoes (for color only)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Evaporated Milk: Whole milk with 2 tbsp sugar per cup
- Instead of Coconut Milk: Almond milk
- Instead of Sweetened Condensed Milk: Homemade condensed milk
- Instead of Ube Extract: Food coloring + vanilla extract
Equipment Needed
- Grater
- Saucepan
- Blender
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Jar with Lid
- Heatproof Bowl (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Continuously stir the mixture for about 35 minutes to achieve proper thickness
- Cool completely before storing to prevent condensation
- Grate fresh ube for best texture and color
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use unsalted butter to control salt level
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance flavor
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the coconut milk with low‑fat milk
- Serve with toasted pandesal or as a filling for ube cupcakes
Troubleshooting
Jam is too runny
Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches a thick, spreadable consistency (about 5‑10 minutes longer).
Jam is grainy or lumpy
Blend the mixture again until smooth, and ensure the ube is fully grated before cooking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 2 weeks in an airtight jar
Freezer: Up to 2 months in a freezer‑safe container
Room temperature: Not recommended; keep refrigerated
Make-Ahead Tips
- Ube jam can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator
- For longer storage, freeze in portion‑sized containers
- Bring to room temperature before spreading
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Ube Jam (Ube Halaya) in Filipino cuisine?
Ube Halaya is a beloved Filipino dessert that dates back to the Spanish colonial era, when purple yam was introduced to the Philippines. It became a staple sweet treat, often served during fiestas, holidays, and family gatherings, symbolizing abundance and celebration.
What are the traditional regional variations of Ube Halaya in the Philippines?
In the Ilocos region, ube halaya is sometimes mixed with cassava for a denser texture, while in the Visayas, coconut cream is added for extra richness. Some provinces also incorporate cheese or salted egg yolk for a sweet‑savory twist.
How is Ube Halaya traditionally served in the Philippines?
Traditionally, ube halaya is served chilled in small bowls as a dessert on its own, or as a topping for halo‑halo, leche flan, and buko pandan. It is also spread on toasted pandesal or used as a filling for pastries like ensaymada.
What occasions or celebrations is Ube Halaya associated with in Filipino culture?
Ube Halaya is a common feature at birthdays, Christmas, New Year’s, and town fiestas. It is also prepared for special occasions such as weddings and baptisms, where its vibrant purple color adds a festive touch.
What authentic ingredients are used in traditional Ube Halaya versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ube halaya uses fresh grated ube, butter, coconut milk, evaporated milk, and condensed milk. Acceptable substitutes include sweet potatoes for color, margarine for butter, and a mixture of milk and sugar in place of condensed milk, though flavor and texture may differ.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Ube Jam at home?
Common mistakes include not stirring continuously, which can cause scorching; stopping the cooking too early, resulting in a runny jam; and using pre‑grated ube that may be dry and lose its vibrant color.
How do I know when the Ube Jam is done cooking and has reached the right thickness?
The jam is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and leaves a clear trail when the spoon is drawn through. It should feel thick yet spreadable and will firm up further as it cools.
Can I make Ube Jam ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can make it a week ahead. Store the cooled jam in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze in portion‑size containers for up to two months. Bring to room temperature before spreading.
What does the YouTube channel Iankewks specialize in?
The YouTube channel Iankewks specializes in Filipino home cooking tutorials, focusing on traditional dishes, modern twists, and detailed step‑by‑step guidance for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Iankewks approach to Filipino cooking differ from other Filipino cooking channels?
Iankewks emphasizes clear visual demonstrations, precise timing, and practical tips like ingredient sourcing, while many other channels rely more on narrative storytelling. This channel often breaks down classic recipes into manageable steps for beginners.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
