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Ube halaya and it’s rich purple hues make this popular Filipino dessert almost too beautiful to eat. It’s rich, creamy, and oh so yummy.

They say you eat with your eyes first and this gorgeous purple delicacy is no different Rich, deep purple hues that make any purple lover’s dreams come true.

All things ube have become more and more popular in many places around the world, including Hawai’i. And ube halaya is no different.

What is ube?

Ube is a purple yam. Not to be confused with purple sweet potatoes or taro. 

Where can I find ube?

Fresh ube is difficult to find in Hawai’i or the rest of the US. You’ll often find it sold as a powder, extract, grated and frozen, or as a jam.

What can I make with ube?

Ube has taken over many kitchens in Asia and Hawai’i. Some popular things you can make are ube mochi waffles, ube mochi, ube glazed air fryer donuts.

Another popular way to use ube is in ube halaya.

What is ube halaya?

Ube halaya is a popular Filipino jam made of boiled and mashed purple yams. It’s used as a base in many desserts like ice cream, halo halo, cakes, etc.

This jam can be found in the stores, but recently it’s been harder and harder to get my hands on it, so I figure I make my own. Fresh ube is pretty much non-existent here in Hawai’i, as I mentioned before. I was able to find powdered ube pretty easily at most stores. I adapted this recipe from Giron Foods.

You can use this recipe to make my ube crinkle cookies.

Ube halaya ingredients

• 1 package (4.06 ounces) ube powder
• 3 cups water
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ube extract
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

This recipe was adapted from Giron Foods, Inc and this post.

How to eat ube halaya?

You can eat this on its own as a dessert, sprinkle some cheese or coconut over it, as a spread on toast or bread, or in baked goods like cookies and cakes.

How to store ube halaya?

Once cooled, place in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator.

How long does ube halaya last?

This will last 3-5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator or 3-4 months in the freezer.

How to defrost frozen ube halaya?

When ready to use you can defrost at room temperature for a few hours or in the refrigerator overnight.

How to make ube halaya?

Set a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add ube powder and water. Mix until ube powder begins to rehydrate with the water.

Then add condensed milk, evaporated milk, sugar, and ube extract. Mix until well combined.

Once the mixture begins to thicken, about 10-15 minutes, add the butter. Stir until butter is well combined.

Continue cooking until mixture thickens to a jam like consistency stirring frequently to prevent burning. This will take a total of 30-45 minutes.

Place ube halaya in the container of your choice to completely cool. Once cooled store in the refrigerator. ENJOY!!

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