Ube Cheesecake

I still remember the first time I made Ube Cheesecake. Wow, it looked so pretty and purple. Then I took one bite, and oh my, it was sweet, creamy, and so soft.

I love how the ube flavor feels rich but light too. The cheesecake melts in my mouth, and the crust adds a little crunch. It feels like a fun dessert for parties, holidays, or cozy nights at home.

And honestly, this recipe is easier than it looks. I just mix, bake, and chill. Then I get a creamy cheesecake that always makes everyone smile.

Why You’ll Love This Ube Cheesecake Recipe

• Exotic and Flavorful: The distinct taste of ube elevates this cheesecake to something extraordinary. It’s sweet without being overpowering, with a hint of nuttiness that adds depth to every bite.
• Creamy Texture: The combination of cream cheese and sour cream makes for an ultra-creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that you’ll crave.
• Eye-Catching: The vibrant purple color makes this cheesecake a stunning centerpiece for any occasion.
• Easy to Make: Despite its luxurious taste and look, this cheesecake is surprisingly easy to prepare, with simple steps that yield amazing results.
• Perfect for Meal Prep or Special Occasions: This is a great make-ahead dessert, and it also freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance!

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we start baking, make sure you have the following tools in your kitchen:

• 9-inch Springform Pan: This allows for easy removal of the cheesecake once it’s set.
• Mixing Bowls: For mixing your ingredients.
• Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: To achieve that smooth, creamy batter.
• Rubber Spatula: To scrape down the sides of your mixing bowl.
• Oven and a Baking Sheet: To bake the crust and the cheesecake.
• Hand Whisk or Electric Mixer: For whipping the heavy cream into a fluffy topping.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.

Ingredients for Ube Cheesecake

Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits) – 180 grams
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar – 55 grams
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter (melted) – 85 grams

Cheesecake Batter:

• 907 grams cream cheese (softened) – 4 packages of 8 oz
• 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar – 250 grams
• 1 cup ube halaya jam – 300 grams
• 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream – 120 grams
• 1 tbsp ube extract
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1/4 tsp salt

Ube Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp ube extract

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Ube Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

Start by preparing the crust for your ube cheesecake. This crust is buttery, sweet, and crunchy – the perfect base for the creamy filling.

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until everything is evenly coated and forms a sandy texture.
3. Press into Pan: Pour the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Press it down firmly with your fingers or the back of a spoon to form a compact, even layer.
4. Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the cheesecake batter.

Step 2: Make the Ube Cheesecake Filling

Now, let’s move on to the star of the show—the ube cheesecake filling. This filling is rich and smooth, with just the right amount of sweetness from the ube halaya jam.

1. Mix the Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to ensure no lumps remain.
2. Add the Ube Jam: Add the ube halaya jam and ube extract to the cream cheese mixture. Continue mixing until the batter turns a beautiful purple color and everything is well incorporated.
3. Add the Sour Cream and Salt: Stir in the sour cream and salt. The sour cream will add a bit of tang to balance out the sweetness of the ube and cream cheese.
4. Add the Eggs: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. It’s important to make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one.
5. Final Mix: Once all the ingredients are combined, give the batter one final mix to ensure smoothness.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

Now that we’ve got the delicious cheesecake batter ready, it’s time to bake!

1. Pour the Batter into the Crust: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even layer.
2. Prepare for Baking: Place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips. Then, bake the cheesecake in your preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 45-50 minutes.
   • Baking Tip: The cheesecake is done when the edges are set, but the center is still slightly jiggly. You can test the center by gently shaking the pan. It should wobble just a little, but not be runny.
3. Cool the Cheesecake: Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the oven door slightly ajar for an hour. This will help prevent cracking.
4. Chill the Cheesecake: After the hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Then, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to ensure it sets properly.

Step 4: Make the Ube Whipped Cream

This whipped cream is the perfect topping for your ube cheesecake. Light, fluffy, and infused with the same ube flavor as the cheesecake.

1. Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
2. Add Ube Extract: Once the cream has reached soft peaks, add the ube extract and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
3. Top the Cheesecake: Once the cheesecake has fully chilled, spread or pipe the whipped cream over the top of the cheesecake. You can create decorative swirls or just spread it evenly for a beautiful finish.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Now that your ube cheesecake is beautifully adorned with whipped cream, it’s time to slice and serve!

1. Remove from Springform Pan: Carefully run a knife around the edges of the cheesecake to loosen it from the sides of the springform pan. Release the pan and transfer the cheesecake to a serving platter.
2. Slice and Serve: Slice the cheesecake into generous portions, and serve with additional whipped cream, fresh fruit, or even a drizzle of ube jam for extra flavor.

Variations of Ube Cheesecake

• Add a Crunchy Topping: For a little extra texture, you can sprinkle crushed graham crackers, toasted coconut, or chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios on top of the whipped cream.
• Incorporate Chocolate: For an even richer dessert, you can swirl some melted chocolate into the cheesecake batter before baking or drizzle it on top with the whipped cream.
• Mini Ube Cheesecakes: If you want individual servings, consider making mini cheesecakes using a muffin tin. Just press the graham cracker mixture into each muffin cup and top with the ube cheesecake filling. Bake as directed.

How to Store Ube Cheesecake

Storing Leftovers:

• Refrigeration: Keep the leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This will help the cheesecake stay fresh and creamy.
• Freezing: If you want to store the cheesecake for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap the cheesecake (or individual slices) in plastic wrap and foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will last for up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350 kcal
Carbohydrates	30 g
Protein	5 g
Fat	25 g
Saturated Fat	15 g
Cholesterol	100 mg
Sodium	250 mg
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	24 g

Conclusion

This Ube Cheesecake is everything you could ever want in a dessert—creamy, dreamy, and bursting with flavor. The ube adds a unique twist to the classic cheesecake, making it stand out at any gathering. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging yourself, this ube cheesecake will not disappoint. Give it a try, and enjoy every delicious bite!

Ube Cheesecake FAQs

Can I use store-bought ube halaya jam?

Yes! If you don’t want to make homemade ube halaya, you can definitely use store-bought versions. Just make sure it’s a high-quality ube jam for the best flavor.

Can I make this cheesecake without a springform pan?

If you don’t have a springform pan, you can use a regular round cake pan lined with parchment paper. Just be sure to carefully remove the cheesecake from the pan once it’s chilled.

Can I make the crust gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap out the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free biscuits or crackers, making this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.