If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that combines bright color, irresistible flavor, and a little bit of whimsical magic, the Ube Layer Cake Recipe (Purple Yam Cake) will absolutely steal the spotlight at any gathering! This cake dazzles with its plush buttery crumb, vivid purple hue, and subtly earthy sweetness that only ube can deliver. Featuring layers of ube-infused sponge and a glossy ube buttercream, finished with a crown of fresh fruit and edible flowers, it’s the kind of recipe friends will beg you to make again (and again). Let’s dive into this celebration-worthy treat that brings joy with every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the loveliest things about this cake is how the ingredients, though simple, each add their own touch of character—whether it’s the creamy richness of ube halaya or the tropical notes of coconut milk. Here’s what you’ll need and why each is essential for the perfect Ube Layer Cake Recipe (Purple Yam Cake):
- Cake Flour: Gives the cake its signature light and fluffy texture; if needed, sifted all-purpose flour works in a pinch.
- Baking Powder: Powers the rise, making the cake tender and airy.
- Salt: Just a bit sharpens and balances all that sweetness.
- Ube Halaya (Purple Yam Jam): The star ingredient, it imparts a velvet softness, gorgeous color, and authentic ube flavor.
- Whole Milk: Ensures a moist crumb without overpowering the ube.
- Coconut Milk: Adds a gentle tropical aroma and creaminess.
- Ube Extract: Amps up both color and flavor—don’t skip it!
- Unsalted Butter: Keeps the cake incredibly rich and tender; make sure it’s at room temperature.
- Sugar: For just the right amount of sweetness to highlight the ube.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and support the cake’s structure.
- Powdered Sugar (for frosting): Makes the buttercream silky-smooth and easy to spread.
- Milk or Heavy Cream (for frosting): Helps the frosting whip up to a glossy, luscious consistency.
- Vanilla Extract (for frosting): Rounds out flavor with gentle warmth.
- Fresh Blueberries, Blackberries, Cherries, Fresh Figs, Edible Flowers: These are your finishing touch, adding freshness, beauty, and a pop of natural sweetness.
How to Make Ube Layer Cake Recipe (Purple Yam Cake)
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) for that perfect rise. Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment—this simple step ensures your gorgeous cake layers slip right out later. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. This guarantees your dry mix is light and lump-free, setting you up for fluffy success!
Step 2: Mix the Ube Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the ube halaya, whole milk, coconut milk, and ube extract. Stir until smooth—you’ll see that vibrant purple color come alive! This mixture will infuse your cake with real ube flavor and a dreamy hue in every bite.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar, Then Add Eggs
Using a stand or hand mixer, beat the room temperature butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. This gives the cake its tender, moist crumb. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated—don’t rush, and your batter will thank you!
Step 4: Combine the Batter
With your mixer on low speed, alternate adding the whisked dry ingredients and the ube mixture to the creamed butter, starting and finishing with the dry ingredients. Doing this in thirds prevents over mixing and results in a soft, even crumb. Scrape the bowl as needed to ensure no streaks remain!
Step 5: Bake and Cool the Cake Layers
Evenly divide your lush purple batter between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully turn them out onto racks to cool completely before frosting—patience pays off here!
Step 6: Make the Glossy Ube Buttercream
Beat room temperature butter until creamy and pale. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, mixing until smooth and fluffy. Blend in the ube halaya, vanilla, and a splash of milk for a gloss you’ll want to dive into. For extra vibrancy, add a few drops more ube extract. Your frosting should be billowy and easily spreadable.
Step 7: Assemble and Frost Your Cake
Place a cake layer on your serving stand, then spread a thick, even layer of ube buttercream on top. Repeat with the next two layers, ensuring each is level. Apply a thin crumb coat all over and chill for 15 minutes; this locks in stray crumbs. Finally, slather the whole cake with a generous final coat of frosting—get it as smooth as you like, but a few swoops and waves look beautiful, too!
Step 8: Decorate Like a Pro
For a truly swoon-worthy finish, crown your cake with clusters of fresh blueberries, blackberries, cherries, and halved figs. Tuck in a few edible flowers—pansies or violets—for a luxurious, bakery-worthy effect. This is your time to shine!
How to Serve Ube Layer Cake Recipe (Purple Yam Cake)
Garnishes
Don’t be shy when garnishing this beauty. Sprinkle those fresh berries across the top, nestled amongst fig halves and delicate edible flowers. The jewel-toned fruit and dainty petals not only look stunning but provide juicy accents and bursts of flavor against the ube buttercream. Slice just before serving so everyone can admire your creation!
Side Dishes
Because the Ube Layer Cake Recipe (Purple Yam Cake) is already quite the standout, pair it with simple, refreshing sides. Think unsweetened coconut flakes, a bowl of tangy Greek yogurt, or even a scoop of coconut ice cream. A light fruit salad with citrus segments can also balance the cake’s richness, ensuring every bite feels light and festive.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try slicing the cake into tall wedges and plating with a smear of extra ube halaya or a drizzle of condensed milk. Arrange slices atop individual dessert plates adorned with extra berries and flower petals for that five-star look. Or, if you’re serving a crowd, try presenting the whole cake on a cake stand with trailing flowers and a scattering of coconut flakes on the table—it’s a guaranteed showstopper!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual slices to an airtight container. The Ube Layer Cake Recipe (Purple Yam Cake) stays moist and flavorful for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge. Just let chilled cake come to room temp before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this cake—just make sure it’s well-wrapped in several layers of plastic wrap, then foil. For best results, freeze the cake unfrosted and assemble fresh, but individual frosted slices also do well. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, still wrapped, to prevent condensation from ruining the buttercream.
Reheating
While this cake is delicious cold or at room temperature, if you want that “just-baked” softness, microwave individual slices for about 10 seconds. This will restore some of the buttercream’s silky texture and give the crumb a gentle warmth. Don’t overdo it—just enough to taste that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
FAQs
Can I use ube powder instead of ube halaya?
Yes! If you can’t find ube halaya, reconstituted ube powder is a good stand-in. Cook the powder according to package instructions, cool, and use in place of the jam for similar color and flavor. The cake may be a touch less moist, but it will still be delicious.
What’s the best way to get a vibrant purple color?
The secret is a combination of ube halaya and ube extract. The extract really amplifies the hue—just add a few drops more if your batter isn’t quite as bright as you’d like. Don’t worry, since it won’t change the flavor in a noticeable way.
Can I make this Ube Layer Cake Recipe (Purple Yam Cake) gluten-free?
Definitely! Substitute a good quality gluten-free baking blend in place of cake flour. Check that your baking powder is gluten-free, too. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can join in on the fun.
How long in advance can I bake the cake layers?
You can bake the layers up to two days ahead. Wrap each cooled layer tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble and frost. Chilled layers are actually easier to frost cleanly!
What does ube taste like?
Ube has a beautifully unique flavor—imagine hints of vanilla, coconut, and a mild nuttiness, all wrapped in a sweet, earthy note. In this Ube Layer Cake Recipe (Purple Yam Cake), it creates a dessert that’s familiar yet wonderfully different from anything else you’ve tried.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough that you give this Ube Layer Cake Recipe (Purple Yam Cake) a whirl—it’s dazzling, delightful, and surprisingly approachable to make at home. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply treating yourself, this purple yam masterpiece is sure to spark joy. Time to preheat the oven and let your inner baker shine!