Best Filipino Ube Puto Recipe – Simple, Moist & Vibrant

Filipino Ube Puto

Filipino Ube Puto is a colorful twist on the classic steamed rice cake, made with the naturally sweet and vibrant purple yam, ube. Soft, fluffy, and lightly sweet, this dessert is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. Perfect for celebrations, snacks, or even breakfast, ube puto brings a touch of Filipino tradition to your kitchen without requiring complicated ingredients or tools.

With simple pantry staples like rice flour, coconut milk, and ube halaya (purple yam jam), you can easily create this melt-in-your-mouth treat at home. Steaming gives it a moist, tender texture that baked desserts can’t match, while toppings like shredded cheese or toasted coconut make it extra special. This guide will walk you step by step, making it easy for both beginners and seasoned bakers to enjoy authentic Filipino ube puto.

Why You’ll Love This Filipino Ube Puto

Ube puto stands out for its delicate, naturally sweet flavor, light texture, and striking purple color. Unlike heavy desserts, it’s soft, fluffy, and slightly chewy, offering a satisfying yet gentle treat. Steaming keeps it moist and fresh longer, making it perfect for parties, snacks, or gifting.

Its vibrant hue makes it visually appealing, and adding simple toppings like cheese or coconut enhances both flavor and presentation. This recipe is beginner-friendly, uses easy-to-find ingredients, and gives you the chance to bring a unique Filipino dessert into your home. Every bite offers comfort, sweetness, and a little cultural magic in a perfectly portioned cake.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make about 12 Filipino Ube Puto:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rice flour
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
  • 3/4 cup coconut milk (or almond/soy milk)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional: shredded cheese, grated coconut, or salted egg

The rice and all-purpose flour combination ensures soft, fluffy texture, while ube halaya gives the signature flavor and color.

How to Make Filipino Ube Puto

  1. Prepare Steamer & Molds – Boil water in a steamer and lightly grease molds.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients – Combine rice flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients – Whisk ube halaya, coconut milk, water, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Combine – Gradually mix dry into wet until smooth.
  5. Fill & Top – Pour batter into molds 3/4 full; add toppings if desired.
  6. Steam – Steam over medium heat for 15–20 minutes until set.
  7. Serve – Let cool slightly and enjoy warm.

You Must Know

Before diving into making ube puto, there are a few essential tips to ensure success. First, always use fresh or properly stored ube halaya for the best flavor and vibrant color. The quality of your coconut milk also affects the creaminess of the puto, so opt for full-fat canned coconut milk or a rich plant-based alternative.

Steaming is the key cooking method, and it requires attention. Avoid letting water droplets fall into the batter, which can create uneven textures—cover the steamer with a clean kitchen towel under the lid. Don’t overmix the batter; this keeps the puto soft and fluffy instead of dense. Using molds that are too large can also affect cooking time and texture, so stick to small muffin or puto molds for even results.

Lastly, toppings like cheese or grated coconut should be added just before steaming, not mixed into the batter, to maintain their flavor and presentation. These small details make a big difference, turning simple ube puto into a visually stunning and delicious treat.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Achieving perfect ube puto comes down to timing, temperature, and preparation. Steam over medium heat rather than high to avoid rapid boiling that can crack or collapse the cakes. Check doneness with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, your puto is ready.

Properly greased molds prevent sticking, while evenly filling each mold ensures consistent cooking. Allow the puto to sit for a few minutes after steaming before removing from molds; this helps retain shape and texture. If you want a slightly firmer top, briefly steam uncovered for the last few minutes.

Experimenting with different steaming setups, like using a rack to elevate molds above water, can also refine texture. With attention to these details, you’ll consistently get soft, fluffy, and vibrant ube puto that impresses every time.

Add Your Touch Filipino Ube Puto

One of the joys of making ube puto is customizing it to your taste. While the classic version is delicious on its own, you can elevate it with simple additions. Toppings like shredded cheese, grated coconut, or slices of salted egg not only enhance flavor but also add visual appeal. For a twist, swirl in a little ube halaya or even chocolate chips into the batter before steaming.

You can also experiment with milk alternatives—almond, oat, or soy milk—to subtly change the flavor while keeping it dairy-free. Some bakers like adding a hint of pandan essence or a few drops of vanilla extract to make the aroma even more inviting. The key is to balance creativity without overpowering the delicate ube flavor. Simple tweaks allow you to make each batch uniquely yours while keeping the traditional essence intact.

Storing & Reheating

Get Inspired in the Kitchen

Ube puto is best enjoyed fresh, but it also stores well. Keep steamed puto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month—wrap each cake individually in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer bag to maintain freshness.

To reheat, steam the puto for a few minutes until warm and soft again, or microwave for 15–20 seconds per piece. Avoid reheating for too long, as it can dry out the cakes. Proper storage and reheating preserve the fluffy, moist texture, ensuring every bite tastes as delightful as when freshly made.

Chef’s Helpful Tips for Filipino Ube Puto

A Flavor You Can’t Resist

Making perfect ube puto becomes easier with a few professional tips. Always measure ingredients accurately, especially rice flour and baking powder, to maintain the soft texture. Use a gentle folding motion when mixing to avoid deflating the batter. Cover the steamer with a clean kitchen towel to prevent condensation from dripping onto the cakes.

For vibrant color and flavor, use high-quality ube halaya and fresh coconut milk. Experiment with toppings like cheese, coconut, or even chocolate chips for added fun. Serve the puto warm for the best experience, and remember, small molds yield the iconic soft, fluffy texture that makes Filipino puto so special.

FAQ for Filipino Ube Puto

Q: Can I use frozen ube instead of ube halaya?
A: Yes, but make sure it’s fully thawed and mashed into a smooth paste for even mixing.

Try This Easy Recipe Next

Q: Can I make ube puto without coconut milk?
A: You can substitute with almond, oat, or regular milk, though coconut milk adds signature flavor.

Q: How do I prevent sticking?
A: Lightly grease molds or use silicone molds for easy release.

Q: Can I make them ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month. Reheat by steaming or microwaving briefly.

Conclusion

Filipino Ube Puto is a visually stunning, soft, and flavorful dessert that’s easy to make at home. Its vibrant color, delicate sweetness, and fluffy texture make it a favorite for celebrations, snacks, or casual treats. With simple ingredients, a few tips, and some creative touches, you can bring authentic Filipino flavors to your kitchen. Whether enjoyed warm with a sprinkle of cheese or customized with unique toppings, ube puto is a dessert that delights both the eyes and the taste buds, making every bite a little celebration of Filipino culinary tradition.

Best Filipino Ube Puto Recipe – Simple, Moist & Vibrant

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 15 minutesCook time: 20 minutesRest time: 5 minutesTotal time: 40 minutesCooking Temp:Steamed CServings:12 servingsEstimated Cost:$8–$10 $Calories:140 kcal Best Season:Summer

Description

Soft, fluffy, and naturally purple, this Filipino Ube Puto is a simple steamed rice cake bursting with sweet ube flavor. Perfect for snacks, celebrations, or anytime you crave a melt-in-your-mouth treat.

Ingredients

Instructions

    Prepare Steamer & Molds – Boil water in a steamer and lightly grease small molds.

    Mix Dry Ingredients – Combine rice flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

    Mix Wet Ingredients – Whisk ube halaya, coconut milk, water, egg, and vanilla until smooth.

    Combine – Gradually mix dry into wet until smooth. Avoid overmixing.

    Fill & Top – Pour batter into molds 3/4 full; add optional toppings.

    Steam – Steam over medium heat for 15–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

    Cool & Serve – Let cool slightly and enjoy warm.

Notes

  • Use fresh or thawed ube halaya for vibrant color and flavor.
    Cover the steamer with a clean towel under the lid to prevent water dripping.
    Small molds give the classic soft, fluffy texture.
    Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for 1 month.
Keywords:Easy Filipino Treat, Filipino dessert, Purple Yam Dessert, Steamed Rice Cake, Ube Puto, Ube recipe

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *