While rummaging through my pantry the other day, I stumbled upon a bag of ube powder, bringing back memories of family gatherings filled with laughter and the delightful aroma of homemade Ube Halaya, or purple yam jam. This beloved Filipino dessert is not only a feast for the eyes with its vibrant hue but also a taste sensation that perfectly balances nutty and sweet flavors. What I adore about this all-natural recipe is how simple it is to whip up, making it a fantastic crowd-pleaser that’s also kid-friendly and gluten-free. Whether you choose to slather it on toast, use it in decadent desserts, or savor it straight from the jar, this homemade treat is so much better than store-bought versions. Curious about how to create this delightful purple wonder at home? Let’s dive into the magic of making Ube Halaya together!

Why is Ube Halaya so special?

Delightful Flavor: The nutty, creamy taste of Ube Halaya offers a unique twist that will enchant your taste buds. Versatile Uses: Perfect as a toast spread, a jam alternative in desserts, or on its own, it plays well with various dishes. Simple to Make: Even novice cooks can master this recipe quickly! Natural Ingredients: Made entirely with wholesome components, it’s a healthier option that avoids artificial additives. Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids love the vibrant color and sweet flavor; it’s a fantastic way to introduce them to new ingredients. Share the joy of this homemade treat and savor every bite!

Purple Yam Jam Ingredients

• To make the delightful Ube Halaya, gather these all-natural ingredients to create a sweet masterpiece!

For the Base

Ube Powder (2 ½ cups) / Frozen Grated Ube (32 oz) – This is the star ingredient, delivering the unique flavor and stunning purple color. For a fresher taste, opt for frozen ube, which may require a bit more cooking time.
Coconut Milk (1 can, 400 ml) – Adds a creamy richness; feel free to substitute with any milk if you prefer a lighter texture.
Condensed Milk (1 can, 300 ml) – Sweetens and enhances the creaminess; for a lighter version, try using a sweeter alternative.
Granulated Sugar (½ cup) – This helps balance flavors and sweetness; adjust to your taste or replace with a sugar alternative for a lower sugar option.
Salted Butter (1 tbsp) / Plant-Based Butter – Infuses richness with a touch of salt that complements the sweetness.

For Flavor Enhancement

Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Elevates the dessert’s flavor profile; you can swap this with vanilla paste or your favorite flavoring.
Additional Milk for Powdered Ube (¾ cup) – Optional, this adds creaminess when using the powdered version of ube.

Unleash your culinary creativity and indulge in the joy of making Ube Halaya as you experience this delightful purple yam jam!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for purple yam jam

Step 1: Heat the Base
In a large non-stick pan, pour in one can of coconut milk and place over medium heat. Bring the coconut milk to a high simmer, taking about 3–5 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent boiling over and stir occasionally to ensure an even consistency.

Step 2: Sweeten the Mixture
Once simmering, stir in the granulated sugar and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. As it cooks, stir frequently to help incorporate the sugar and watch for it thickening slightly. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture coats the back of a spoon.

Step 3: Add Creaminess
Next, pour in the condensed milk while continuously stirring, keeping the heat at medium. Allow the combination to thicken further for about 3 minutes. The purple yam jam should become creamier and richer, creating a delightful texture that fills your kitchen with sweet aromas.

Step 4: Incorporate Flavor Elements
Stir in the salted butter and vanilla extract, ensuring they fully blend into the mixture. This should take an additional 1-2 minutes of stirring. The butter will melt and enrich the flavors, adding a velvety smoothness to your purple yam jam.

Step 5: Introduce the Ube
Reduce the heat to low and gradually add either the ube powder or thawed frozen grated ube to the pan. Mix well to fully incorporate the ube into the sweet mixture. The vibrant purple color will begin to shine through—just like in traditional Ube Halaya!

Step 6: Continue Cooking
Allow the mixture to cook on low for an additional 5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking or burning. You’ll notice the texture becomes thicker and more cohesive, resembling the consistency of a soft jam.

Step 7: Blend for Smoothness
Once thickened to your liking, remove the pan from heat and use an immersion blender to achieve a smooth consistency. Blend until all lumps are gone, creating a velvety texture for your delicious purple yam jam.

Step 8: Store Properly
Transfer the smooth Ube Halaya into an airtight container. To prevent a skin from forming, cover the surface with parchment paper or plastic wrap. This will help maintain the creamy consistency while it cools in the container.

Step 9: Chill and Set
Refrigerate the Ube Halaya until it cools completely and sets, which typically takes a couple of hours. It will firm up beautifully. For the best serving texture, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.

Step 10: Serve with Joy
Your homemade purple yam jam can be shaped using buttered ramekins if desired. Serve as a sweet spread on toast, incorporated into desserts, or enjoy it straight from the jar. The possibilities are endless with this delightful treat!

What to Serve with All-Natural Ube Halaya?

Imagine the delightful experience of enjoying a beautifully vibrant purple yam jam that not only stands out on its own but also pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes.

Toast with Butter: A classic combination, warm toast topped with butter enhances the sweet, nutty flavors of Ube Halaya for a simple, satisfying breakfast.
Cheesecake Swirl: Incorporating Ube Halaya into a cheesecake adds a unique visual appeal and a creamy texture, elevating this dessert to new heights.
Sticky Rice: Pair your Ube Halaya with sweet sticky rice for a traditional and comforting dessert that balances flavors and textures beautifully.
Pancakes or Waffles: Drizzle Ube Halaya over fluffy pancakes or waffles for a colorful breakfast that’s both sweet and indulgent, turning a regular morning into a celebration.
Coconut Macaroons: Serve Ube Halaya alongside chewy coconut macaroons; the rich flavor of the jam complements the sweet, creamy coconut, creating a heavenly experience.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A dollop of Ube Halaya atop a refreshing fruit salad combines the jam’s creaminess with the crisp, juicy freshness of ripe fruit.
Coffee or Tea: Enjoy your Ube Halaya as a delightful accompaniment to your morning coffee or afternoon tea; the nutty flavor enhances the warmth of your beverage perfectly.
Grated Cheese Topping: For a unique twist, find a balance between sweet and salty by adding grated cheese on top of Ube Halaya, taking your taste experience to the next level.
Coconut Ice Cream: Finally, serve Ube Halaya alongside coconut ice cream for a cosmopolitan dessert that combines rich flavors with a creamy finish, delighting your taste buds.

How to Store and Freeze Purple Yam Jam

Fridge: Keep your homemade purple yam jam in an airtight container; it stays fresh for up to 1.5 weeks. Cover the surface with parchment or plastic wrap to avoid skinning.

Freezer: For extended storage, freeze Ube Halaya in individual portions. It can last up to 3 months; just thaw in the refrigerator and let it return to room temperature before serving.

Reheating: If the purple yam jam firms up after refrigeration, allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to restore its creamy consistency.

Variations & Substitutions for Purple Yam Jam

Customize your Ube Halaya with these scrumptious twists that’ll enhance its flavors and textures!

Vegan Option: Substitute plant-based butter and use non-dairy milk to create a creamy vegan version everyone can enjoy.
Flavor Infusion: Add a splash of almond extract to introduce a nutty aroma, giving your jam a delightful twist.
Texture Boost: For a crunchy finish, top your Ube Halaya with toasted coconut or chopped nuts. This adds a delightful contrast to the creamy base.
Extra Sweetness: If you crave more sweetness, try using honey or maple syrup in place of granulated sugar for a natural alternative.
Spicy Kick: Introduce a hint of spice by mixing in a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg—it’s an unexpected yet delicious blend with the purple yam’s natural flavors!
Fruit Fusion: Blend in puréed mango or guava for fruity undertones that complement the jam’s rich taste, turning your dessert into a tropical treat.
Chocolaty Indulgence: Swirl in some cocoa powder or melted dark chocolate to create an irresistible chocolate version of Ube Halaya.
Sugar-Free: For a healthier option, consider using a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia, perfect for maintaining flavor while cutting down on calories.

Ready to unleash your creativity? Explore these variations to make your Ube Halaya stand out, and don’t forget to enjoy it as a spread on toast or incorporate it into other delicious desserts!

Expert Tips for Purple Yam Jam

Smooth Finish: Use an immersion blender to achieve a velvety texture; traditional mashing may leave your purple yam jam chunky.
Constant Attention: Stir continuously while cooking to prevent burning; Ube Halaya can stick easily if left unattended.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture as you go; you can reduce sugar for a less sweet version or use a substitute for a healthier option.
Chilling Time: Don’t rush the chilling process; letting the jam set fully in the refrigerator will improve its texture and flavor.
Creative Variations: Experiment with ingredients like almond extract for a twist; this can elevate flavor and create your unique version of Ube Halaya.

Make Ahead Options

For busy home cooks looking to simplify dessert planning, Ube Halaya is a fantastic recipe that can be prepped ahead of time! You can prepare the entire Ube Halaya mixture up to 24 hours in advance. After blending everything to a smooth consistency, transfer it to an airtight container, closely covering the surface with parchment or plastic wrap to prevent air exposure, which helps maintain its vibrant color and creamy texture. When you’re ready to serve, simply refrigerate the halaya until you’re ready to enjoy it, or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften. Your homemade purple yam jam will be just as delicious and ready for a delightful treat whenever you crave it!

Ube Halaya (Purple Yam Jam) Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe ube for Ube Halaya?
When choosing fresh ube, look for firm and vibrant purple roots with no dark spots or blemishes. A good ube should feel heavy for its size and should not have an overly wrinkled skin. If you opt for frozen grated ube, ensure it’s well-packaged and hasn’t been thawed and refrozen.

What’s the best way to store Ube Halaya once I’ve made it?
Store your freshly made Ube Halaya in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 1.5 weeks. To maintain its quality, cover the surface with parchment paper or plastic wrap to prevent skinning, which is a common issue when stored in the fridge.

Can I freeze Ube Halaya for later use?
Absolutely! To freeze Ube Halaya, transfer it into an airtight container, portioning it out if desired. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

What can I do if my Ube Halaya is too thick?
If your Ube Halaya ends up too thick after cooking, do not fret! Simply add a small amount of coconut milk or water back into the mixture and stir over low heat until you reach your desired consistency. It’s always easier to add more liquid than to fix an over-thinned product, so go slowly!

Is Ube Halaya safe for children and those with allergies?
Yes, Ube Halaya is generally kid-friendly and gluten-free! However, always be mindful of any specific allergies in your household. If you know someone has a dairy allergy, you can substitute the condensed milk and butter with plant-based alternatives. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens, especially if using packaged ube powder or milk substitutes.

How do I ensure my Ube Halaya has the best texture?
To achieve that luxurious texture, it’s crucial to use an immersion blender after thickening the mixture on the stove. This will eliminate any lumps, creating a silky-smooth halaya. Additionally, constant stirring while cooking helps prevent the mixture from sticking and burning, ensuring it stays creamy throughout.