Name: Ube Cake with Ube Jam and Macapuno Filling Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 1/4 cup butter, softened; 3/4 cup sugar; 2 large egg whites, room temperature; 2 to 3 teaspoons ube extract; 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons cake flour; 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup 2% milk; 3 large egg whites, room temperature; 3/4 cup sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, cubed; 1 to 2 teaspoons ube extract; 1/3 cup ube jam or preserves; 1/2 cup coconut macapuno

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 37 reviews

If you are looking for a vibrant and irresistible dessert that will captivate both your eyes and taste buds, the Ube Cake with Ube Jam and Macapuno Filling Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful Filipino-inspired cake combines the natural earthy sweetness of ube with creamy buttercream, luscious ube jam, and the unique chewiness of macapuno, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that feels like a celebration in every bite. It’s a perfect centerpiece for any special occasion or when you simply want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly memorable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows 10 bowls and a pitcher on a white marbled surface. The largest bowl at the top left is filled with small cubes of pale yellow butter. Next to it on the right is a large white bowl filled with granulated white sugar. Below the butter is a small dark bowl containing a white powder. Below the sugar is a pitcher with white cream. Below the dark bowl is a white bowl holding clear liquid egg whites. To the right of the egg whites is a medium white bowl filled with white powdered sugar. Above this bowl is a small beige bowl containing a thick purple paste. To the right of the purple paste is a small white bowl filled with translucent white coconut flakes. Below the coconut flakes is a tiny white bowl holding dark brown liquid vanilla extract. Finally, below the bowl of powdered sugar is a small dark bowl with white salt. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To craft this spectacular Ube Cake with Ube Jam and Macapuno Filling Recipe, you’ll want to gather simple, yet essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in shaping the cake’s fluffy texture, rich flavor, and beautiful purple hue. The balance between the soft cake, velvety frosting, and unique filling ingredients makes this recipe truly special.

Butter (1/4 cup softened): Adds a creamy richness and tender crumb to the cake base.
Sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the cake perfectly while helping with moisture retention.
Egg whites (2 large, room temperature): Whip into the batter to create a light, airy texture.
Ube extract (2 to 3 teaspoons): Brings that iconic purple color and unmistakable ube flavor.
Cake flour (1 cup plus 2 tablespoons): Ensures a delicate crumb that’s soft and tender.
Baking powder (1-1/2 teaspoons): Gives the cake a light rise for perfect fluffiness.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
2% Milk (1/2 cup): Moistens the cake to keep it soft and tender.
Egg whites for frosting (3 large, room temperature): Key for the silky Swiss meringue buttercream.
Sugar for frosting (3/4 cup): Sweetens the frosting without graininess.
Salt for frosting (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness in the buttercream.
Unsalted butter (1 cup, cubed): Creates that silky, luscious texture in the frosting.
Ube extract for frosting (1 to 2 teaspoons): Infuses vibrant color and deep ube flavor into the buttercream.
Ube jam or preserves (1/3 cup): The star filling layer that’s sweet and creamy with a bit of texture.
Coconut macapuno (1/2 cup): Adds a chewy, tropical surprise that perfectly complements the ube.

How to Make Ube Cake with Ube Jam and Macapuno Filling Recipe

Step 1: Make the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s ready for the batter. Begin creating your cake’s foundation by creaming the softened butter and sugar together until your mixture is light and fluffy—this aeration is key to achieving that tender crumb. Then, thoughtfully incorporate the egg whites one at a time, beating well after each addition to maximize volume. Mix in the magical ube extract to bring that stunning purple color and signature flavor everyone loves. In a separate bowl, whisk your cake flour, baking powder, and salt before gently folding this dry mixture into your wet ingredients alternately with the 2% milk. This alternating technique maintains the perfect balance of moisture and lightness.

Step 2: Bake the Cakes

Carefully divide the batter between two greased 6-inch round baking pans. Baking time is short but critical — about 18 to 22 minutes — and you’ll know your cakes are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once out of the oven, allow them to rest in their pans before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling step ensures that the cake layers hold their shape and are ready to be filled and frosted.

Step 3: Prepare the Frosting

Creating the luscious buttercream frosting starts by whisking your egg whites, sugar, and salt together in a heatproof bowl. This bowl goes over simmering water to gently warm the mixture while constantly whisking, until a temperature of 160°F is reached—this ensures safety and a stable meringue. Remove the bowl from heat and beat the mixture on high until it cools to about 90°F and stiff peaks form. Gradually add cubed unsalted butter to the meringue, mixing until the texture is smooth and creamy. Your buttercream may go through phases—curdled or soupy—but just keep beating or adjust the temperature gently, and it will come together beautifully. Finally, whisk in ube extract to infuse the frosting with color and flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Ube Cake with Ube Jam and Macapuno Filling Recipe

Place one perfectly baked cake layer on your serving plate, then spread a thin layer of buttercream frosting on top. Pipe a frosting border around the edge to act as a barrier for the filling. Next, dollop the luscious ube jam right inside the border—this layer is what makes the cake truly stand out with its creamy sweetness. Top with the second cake layer and press gently to align the edges. Cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing out the sides and top. For the finishing touch, pipe decorative borders and crown the cake’s top center with a generous handful of coconut macapuno, adding a tropical chewy surprise with every bite.

How to Serve Ube Cake with Ube Jam and Macapuno Filling Recipe

A small, round cake covered smoothly with light purple frosting sits on a white plate. The top margin of the cake has a single row of thick, swirled dollops of the same purple frosting, arranged evenly in a circle. To the left, there is a clear piping bag filled with the same light purple frosting, placed on a white marbled surface. On the right side of the cake, there is a small white bowl with a silver spoon partially dipped into a white shredded ingredient. Next to the bowl, a knife with a wooden handle has some light purple frosting on its blade, resting on the white marbled surface. No woman's hand is in the scene. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For that extra wow factor, consider sprinkling toasted coconut flakes or edible purple flowers atop the frosting. These add both visual charm and a subtle toasty crunch, complementing the smooth, sweet layers inside.

Side Dishes

Pair your cake with a light, refreshing fruit salad featuring mangoes or pineapple. The tropical notes balance the richness of the cream and ube, making each bite harmonious and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the cake into mini layers for individual servings, perfect for parties or gatherings. You can also serve with small ramekins of extra ube jam and macapuno on the side, inviting guests to customize each bite. A drizzle of coconut caramel sauce can also elevate the dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Ube Cake with Ube Jam and Macapuno Filling Recipe fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay moist and flavorful for up to 3 days.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy it later, freeze the cake layers separately, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. The fully assembled cake can also be frozen, but be sure to thaw in the fridge overnight before serving to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since this cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, avoid microwaving. Instead, let slices sit out for about 30 minutes to take off the chill and bring out the complex ube and macapuno flavors fully.

FAQs

Can I use fresh ube instead of ube extract?

Absolutely! Fresh ube requires cooking and mashing before using, which gives a more natural flavor but requires additional prep. Ube extract is a convenient alternative with consistent flavor and color.

What can I substitute for macapuno?

If you can’t find macapuno, young coconut strips or shredded sweetened coconut make good alternatives, providing similar chewiness and tropical flavor.

Is this cake suitable for making ahead for parties?

Yes, this Ube Cake with Ube Jam and Macapuno Filling Recipe can be made a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and allow it to come to room temperature before serving for best taste and texture.

How do I prevent the buttercream from curdling?

Ensure your butter and egg mixture are at proper room temperature. If curdling happens, keep beating as heat from mixing will smooth it out, or gently warm the bowl edges with a hair dryer.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can try substituting cake flour with a gluten-free blend, but results may vary, especially in texture. Experimenting with gluten-free flours suited for cakes will help you get close to the original softness.

Final Thoughts

There is something undeniably magical about the Ube Cake with Ube Jam and Macapuno Filling Recipe that makes it an exceptional treat for any occasion. It’s a beautiful balance of tradition and whimsy, bursting with gorgeous purple hues and luscious flavors that impress everyone lucky enough to share it. If you love creative baking that delivers stunning results both visually and in taste, do yourself a favor and bring this delightful cake to life in your kitchen.

Ube Cake with Ube Jam and Macapuno Filling Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need