Introduction
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Philippines with this delightful Ube Layer Cake. The rich purple hue of ube, or purple yam, combined with the moist, fluffy texture makes this a stunning centerpiece for any celebration. This cake not only tastes wonderful but also adds an eye-catching element to your dessert table.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 250g all-purpose flour
– 120ml ube extract
– 200g sugar
– 115g unsalted butter
– 4 large eggs
– 240ml whole milk
– 10g baking powder
– 2.5ml vanilla extract
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
3. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and ube extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until the batter is smooth.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting with your favorite icing.
9. Decorate, slice, and enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking. While the oven is heating, take two 8-inch round cake pans and generously grease them to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine 250g of all-purpose flour, 10g of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk the ingredients together until they are fully mixed, ensuring that the baking powder is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, take 115g of unsalted butter and 200g of sugar. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, cream these together until the mixture becomes light in color and fluffy, giving off a delightful sweet aroma.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Extracts
Add 4 large eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then stir in 2.5ml of vanilla extract and 120ml of ube extract, enveloping your kitchen in a fragrant, inviting scent that hints at the flavors to come.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture from Step 2 into the wet mixture, alternating with 240ml of whole milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix everything until the batter is smooth and you can no longer see any lumps.
Step 6: Divide Batter into Pans
Carefully pour the lush purple batter into the two greased cake pans, ensuring that both pans have an equal amount of batter for even baking.
Step 7: Bake the Cakes
Place the pans onto the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cakes; it should come out clean when they are ready.
Step 8: Cooling the Cakes
Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, gently take them out of the pans and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 9: Frost and Decorate
Once the cakes are completely cool, frost them with your favorite icing, which can enhance the ube flavor with either a cream cheese frosting or a simple buttercream. Decorate as desired.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the cake and serve it to family and friends, savoring the moist, sweet layers filled with the delightful essence of ube.
Notes
Ingredient Quality Matters
For the best flavor, use high-quality ube extract. This will enhance the vibrant color and rich taste of the cake.
Storage Tips
Store leftover Ube Layer Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate it for up to a week. It can also be frozen for longer preservation.
Flavor Additions
Consider adding shredded coconut or ube jam between the layers for added texture and flavor complexity.
Decorative Options
For an added touch, consider topping your cake with edible flowers or a sprinkle of desiccated coconut for visual appeal.
Cook techniques
Whisking Dry Ingredients
Whisking the flour, baking powder, and salt together aerates the mixture, ensuring a light and fluffy cake texture.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy incorporates air into the mixture, which helps the cake rise and gives it a tender crumb.
Adding Eggs
Adding eggs one at a time helps maintain an emulsion, preventing the mixture from curdling and ensuring an even texture throughout the batter.
Alternating Dry and Wet Ingredients
Alternating the addition of dry ingredients and milk allows for better integration, resulting in a smoother batter and preventing overmixing.
Baking the Cake
Baking at the right temperature ensures even cooking. Checking for doneness with a toothpick helps avoid overbaking, keeping the cake moist.
Cooling the Cake
Allowing the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack prevents sogginess and promotes a better texture for frosting.
FAQ
Can I use fresh ube instead of ube extract?
Yes, you can use fresh or cooked ube, but be sure to puree it until smooth and adjust the liquid content of the recipe as needed.
What type of frosting goes well with ube layer cake?
Cream cheese frosting or whipped cream complements the flavor of ube beautifully, but feel free to use any frosting you like.
How do I store leftover Ube Layer Cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cakes ahead of time. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to frost and serve.
What can I do if my cake sinks in the middle?
A sinking cake could be due to underbaking or a sudden change in temperature. Ensure to properly bake until a toothpick comes out clean and avoid opening the oven door too early.
Conclusion
The Ube Layer Cake is not only a feast for the eyes with its vibrant purple hue, but it also offers a deliciously unique flavor profile that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines. Its moist texture, combined with the sweet taste of ube, makes it an ideal dessert for any occasion. Whether for birthdays, celebrations, or simply a treat for yourself, this cake is sure to impress!
Ube Cheesecake
Combine the flavors of a classic cheesecake with the distinct taste of ube. This velvety dessert features a graham cracker crust and is topped with ube puree for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Ube Macarons
Try making delicate macarons infused with ube extract. These colorful treats can be filled with ube buttercream or a rich custard for a delightful twist on traditional French cookies.
Ube Pancakes
Start your day with fluffy pancakes that incorporate ube extract in the batter. Serve them with coconut syrup and a sprinkle of desiccated coconut for a tropical breakfast experience.
Ube Pudding
Create a creamy ube pudding that can be served chilled. This smooth dessert can be topped with whipped cream or shaved coconut for added texture and taste.
Ube Ice Cream
Churn a creamy ube ice cream that captures the essence of the gorgeous purple yam. A perfect treat for warm days, this refreshing dessert can be enjoyed on its own or as a topping for other desserts.
Ube Buttercream Frosting
Enhance any cake with a delicious ube buttercream frosting. Its vivid color and rich flavor will elevate your baked goods and add a unique touch to your desserts.
