Ube Halaya (Purple Yam Jam) is a delicious and versatile dessert made with ube, milk, and sugar. With just 3 ingredients, it is simple to prepare and can be enjoyed in many ways.
This ube spread has a lusciously thick consistency with a hint of coconut flavor. You can top it with shredded cheese, toasted coconut, or caramelized coconut curds called latik.
Whether enjoyed on its own or incorporated into other desserts, like Halo-Halo (Iced Shaved Dessert) or Ube (Purple Yam) Ice Cream, Ube Halaya continues to be a favorite for its vibrant color and flavor.
You may also like Mango Jam or other Filipino desserts like Mango Float, Palitaw (Sweet Rice Cakes), or Mango Gelatin.
Jump to:
Ingredients you'll need
Notes and substitutions
- Ube (Purple Yam): Use pre-cooked fresh or frozen ube. Purple sweet potatoes like Purple Stokes and Okinawa Sweet Potatoes are excellent substitutes, as they offer a similar taste, texture, and appearance. The natural color of ube varies depending on the variety. If you prefer an intense purple color, add ube extract to achieve your desired shade.
- Coconut Milk: Use full-fat coconut milk for full flavor. Alternatively, you can opt for evaporated milk, in which case you can enhance the taste by adding 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Sugar: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar based on your taste or the natural sweetness of the ube.
How to make this recipe
Step 1: Combine a pound of grated ube, a 13.5 fl oz can of coconut milk, and ⅔ cups of granulated sugar in a saucepan.
Step 2: You can use a potato masher or blend it for a smoother mixture if desired.
Step 3: Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking.
Step 4: Continue cooking for about 30 minutes or until it thickens to a smooth, paste-like consistency. Lower the heat if it splatters. Adjust the cooking time based on the ube's moisture content and desired consistency.
Step 5: Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
The mixture will continue to thicken as it cools.
Transfer to a container and let it cool completely before serving or refrigerating.
Recipe FAQs
While powdered ube can be used as a substitute, it may not capture the authentic flavor and texture of traditional Ube Halaya, known for its concentrated and dense nature. If fresh or frozen grated ube is not available, purple sweet potatoes like Purple Stokes and Okinawa Sweet Potatoes make excellent substitutes in terms of taste and consistency.
Ube Halaya typically lasts a week or two when stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The freshness of the ingredients used and storage conditions can affect its shelf life.
Yes, you can freeze Ube Halaya for up to 3 months. Place it in a sealed container or freezer bag. The texture may slightly change when you defrost it, but it will still taste good.
Other dessert recipes you may like
Did you make this recipe? I would love to know! Your feedback helps me make better recipes. Please rate, review, or comment below. Questions about this recipe are welcome, too!
Let's connect on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, Twitter, and Youtube. Be sure to tag me when you try any of my recipes @recipesbynora!
📖 Recipe
Ube Halaya (Purple Yam Jam)
Equipment
- Potato Masher or Blender
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 pound pre-cooked ube (purple yam) mashed or grated (see note)
- 1 (13.5 fl oz) can coconut milk see note
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar see note
Instructions
- Combine the grated ube, coconut milk, and granulated sugar in a saucepan. You can blend it for a smoother mixture if desired.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking.
- Continue cooking for about 30 minutes or until it thickens to a smooth, paste-like consistency. Lower the heat if it splatters. Adjust the cooking time based on the ube's moisture content and desired consistency.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. The mixture will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Transfer to a container and let it cool completely before serving or refrigerating.
Video
Notes
- Ube (Purple Yam): Use pre-cooked fresh or frozen ube. Purple sweet potatoes like Purple Stokes and Okinawa Sweet Potatoes are excellent substitutes, as they offer a similar taste, texture, and appearance. The natural color of ube varies depending on the variety. If you prefer an intense purple color, add ube extract to achieve your desired shade.
- Coconut Milk: Use full-fat coconut milk for full flavor. Alternatively, you can opt for evaporated milk, in which case you can enhance the taste by adding 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Sugar: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar based on your taste or the natural sweetness of the ube.
Jen
Thank you for the recipe. Ube Halaya is one of my favorite things - I didn't know it was this easy to make. =)
Nora Rey
You're very welcome! I'm thrilled that you love Ube Halaya, and I'm so glad I could share the recipe with you! 🥰