How to Make Ube Jam
How to Make Ube Jam is a easy Filipino recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Lilac Diaries on YouTube.
Prep: 8 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 43 min
Cost: $6.00 total, $1.50 per serving
Ingredients
- as needed pieces Purple Yam (Ube) (peeled and cut into small cubes)
- as needed tablespoons Butter (unsalted, melted)
- as needed tablespoons Granulated Sugar (regular white sugar)
- a pinch pinch Salt (enhances flavor)
- as needed teaspoons Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla extract)
- 2 cups Water (for boiling the ube)
Instructions
Peel and Cube Ube
Peel the purple yam and cut it into small cubes. If the ube stains your hands, wear gloves.
Time: PT5M
Boil Ube
Transfer the cubed ube to a saucepan, add 2 cups of water, cover with a lid, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook for about 15 minutes until the water evaporates and the ube is very soft.
Time: PT15M
Mash the Ube
When the ube is mushy, turn off the heat and mash it with a potato masher until smooth.
Time: PT3M
Melt Butter
Using the same pan, set the heat to low and add the butter. Let it melt gently without browning.
Time: PT2M
Add Sugar and Salt
Stir in the sugar and a pinch of salt, mixing until fully dissolved.
Time: PT2M
Incorporate Vanilla
Add the vanilla extract and mix until evenly combined.
Time: PT1M
Combine Mashed Ube
Add the mashed ube to the butter‑sugar mixture and stir continuously for about 5 minutes until the jam thickens.
Time: PT5M
Cool and Store
Remove the pan from heat and let the jam cool completely before transferring it to a clean jar.
Time: PT30M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 1 g
- Carbohydrates
- 35 g
- Fat
- 5 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Allergens: Dairy (butter), Vanilla (if sensitive)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Purple Yam (Ube): Sweet potato, Taro
- Instead of Butter: Margarine, Coconut oil
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar, Coconut sugar
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Vanilla paste, Almond extract (use less)
Equipment Needed
- Saucepan
- Lid
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Potato Masher
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Cups
- Jar with Lid
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Peeling and cubing the ube
- Boiling until water evaporates and ube becomes mushy
- Mashing the boiled ube
- Melting butter without browning
- Cooking the jam until it thickens
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra smooth jam, pass the mashed ube through a fine mesh sieve before adding it to the butter mixture.
- A pinch of cream of tartar can help stabilize the jam and keep it glossy.
- Serve the jam warm over toast for a melt‑in‑your‑mouth experience.
Troubleshooting
Jam is too runny after cooking.
Continue cooking over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Ube stains hands and surfaces.
Wear disposable gloves while handling the ube and clean any stained surfaces with a mixture of baking soda and water.
Jam sticks to the bottom of the pan and burns.
Use a non‑stick saucepan or stir more frequently, and keep the heat low during the final thickening stage.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in a sealed jar for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: Not recommended, but can freeze for up to 1 month if tightly sealed.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for a few hours after cooling, but refrigerate for longer storage.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Transfer the cooled jam to an airtight jar and refrigerate; it keeps for up to two weeks.
- Allow the jam to reach room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Ube Jam in Filipino cuisine?
Ube Jam, known locally as "halaya," is a traditional Filipino preserve made from the purple yam. It has been enjoyed for generations as a sweet spread, dessert topping, and ingredient in festive treats, reflecting the Philippines' love for vibrant, tuber‑based sweets.
What are the traditional regional variations of Ube Jam in the Philippines?
In the Visayas and Luzon regions, ube jam is often cooked with coconut milk for a richer texture, while some versions add condensed milk for extra sweetness. In the Bicol region, a hint of cheese is sometimes sprinkled on top before serving.
How is authentic Ube Jam traditionally served in Filipino households?
Authentic Ube Jam is typically served chilled or at room temperature, spooned onto toasted bread, paired with freshly grated cheese, or used as a filling for pastries like ensaymada and bibingka.
During which Filipino celebrations is Ube Jam commonly enjoyed?
Ube Jam is a staple during fiestas, Christmas, and birthday celebrations, often appearing on dessert tables alongside other traditional sweets such as leche flan and puto.
What other Filipino dishes pair well with Ube Jam?
Ube Jam pairs beautifully with halo‑halo, leche flan, pandesal, and even savory dishes like grilled pork when a sweet contrast is desired.
What makes Ube Jam special compared to other fruit jams in Filipino cuisine?
Ube Jam’s vivid purple color, naturally sweet earthy flavor, and creamy texture set it apart from mango or guava jams, making it a uniquely Filipino indulgence.
How has Ube Jam evolved over time in modern Filipino cooking?
Modern chefs have experimented with ube jam by adding chocolate, coconut cream, or using it as a base for ice cream, expanding its role from a simple spread to a versatile component in contemporary desserts.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Ube Jam?
Common mistakes include over‑cooking the jam, which can turn it grainy, not stirring enough during thickening, leading to scorching, and using too much water, resulting in a runny consistency.
Why does this Ube Jam recipe use low heat after melting the butter instead of high heat?
Low heat prevents the butter and sugar from caramelizing too quickly, ensuring a smooth, glossy jam without burnt flavors and allowing the ube to integrate gently.
Can I make Ube Jam ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare Ube Jam in advance. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a clean, airtight jar and refrigerate; it will keep for up to two weeks.
What does the YouTube channel Lilac Diaries specialize in?
The YouTube channel Lilac Diaries specializes in easy-to-follow home cooking tutorials, focusing on comfort foods, desserts, and creative twists on classic recipes with clear, step‑by‑step guidance.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
