Ube Tres Leches Cake is a beautiful fusion dessert that combines the soft, milk-soaked texture of classic Latin American tres leches cake with the unique flavor of ube, a purple yam widely used in Filipino desserts. Known for its naturally vibrant purple color and subtly sweet, nutty, vanilla-like taste, ube transforms this traditional cake into an eye-catching and indulgent treat.
This cake is incredibly moist, light, and creamy, making it perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion where you want to impress with both flavor and presentation.
What Makes Ube Tres Leches Cake Special?
Unlike a regular sponge cake, tres leches cake is soaked in a mixture of three milks, allowing it to absorb moisture without becoming soggy. Adding ube elevates the dessert by introducing:
- A naturally vibrant purple color
- A delicate, earthy sweetness
- A unique cultural twist blending Filipino and Latin flavors
The result is a soft sponge cake infused with creamy milk and topped with a light whipped frosting that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
For the Ube Cake
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- ¼ cup whole milk
- ½ cup ube halaya (ube jam)
- 1 teaspoon ube extract
- ¼ cup neutral oil or melted butter
For the Tres Leches Milk Mixture
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 1 cup whole milk or coconut milk
- ½ teaspoon ube extract (optional, for enhanced flavor)
For the Whipped Topping
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon ube extract
- Optional: a few tablespoons coconut milk for extra creaminess
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line a rectangular baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg yolks with ¾ cup sugar until pale and thick.
- Mix in milk, oil (or butter), ube halaya, and ube extract until smooth.
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients.
Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites
- In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until foamy.
- Slowly add the remaining ¼ cup sugar.
- Beat until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the batter in batches, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare the Tres Leches Mixture
- In a bowl, whisk together condensed milk, evaporated milk, whole milk (or coconut milk), and ube extract.
- Once the cake is cool, poke holes all over the surface using a fork or skewer.
- Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 6–8 hours, preferably overnight.
Step 5: Make the Whipped Topping
- Beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and ube extract until soft, fluffy peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled cake.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor
- Garnish with ube crumbs, toasted coconut, or fresh berries
- Slice carefully using a sharp knife cleaned between cuts
Storage Tips
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
- For freezing, freeze the cake without the whipped topping
- Add fresh whipped cream before serving for best results
Conclusion
Ube Tres Leches Cake is the perfect dessert for anyone looking to try something new while enjoying the comfort of a classic cake. Its ultra-moist texture, creamy milk soak, and delicate ube flavor make it a standout dessert that is both elegant and comforting. Whether you’re new to ube or already a fan, this cake is guaranteed to impress