Ube Halaya

Indulge in the velvety sweetness of Ube Halaya, a beloved Filipino dessert that highlights the vibrant flavor and natural beauty of purple yam. This creamy, rich delight is made by simmering freshly mashed purple yams with coconut milk, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk, then slowly cooked to perfection for an irresistibly smooth texture. Enhanced with a hint of vanilla and a pinch of salt for depth, this dessert is both luxurious and versatile—perfect as a stand-alone treat or as a topping for halo-halo or pastries. With its stunning purple hue and melt-in-your-mouth appeal, Ube Halaya is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. Whether you enjoy it plain, garnished with grated cheese, or paired with butter, this traditional favorite is a celebration of Filipino culinary heritage.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 pounds fresh purple yam (ube)
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1 cup condensed milk
• 0.5 cup butter
• 0.75 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch pinch of salt

Directions

Step 1

Wash the purple yams thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Peel the yams using a vegetable peeler.

Step 2

Cut the peeled yams into small chunks for faster cooking.

Step 3

Place the yam chunks in a large pot and cover them with water. Boil over medium-high heat for about 25 minutes or until the yams are tender.

Step 4

Drain the cooked yams and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Mash the yams using a potato masher or a fork until you achieve a smooth consistency.

Step 5

In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 6

Add the coconut milk, evaporated milk, and condensed milk to the melted butter, stirring to combine.

Step 7

Add the mashed yams, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into the saucepan. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.

Step 8

Cook the mixture over low to medium heat, stirring continuously to prevent sticking and burning. Continue to cook for about 35 minutes or until the mixture becomes very thick and smooth.

Step 9

Once done, transfer the ube halaya to a lightly greased mold or container and spread it evenly.

Step 10

Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least an hour to set.

Step 11

When ready to serve, remove the ube halaya from the mold and slice into portions as desired. Optionally, top with additional butter or grated cheese before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1969.7 grams (1969.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3775

Total Fat 120.90g	155%
Saturated Fat 68.30g	342%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.90g
Cholesterol 377mg	126%
Sodium 1534mg	67%
Total Carbohydrate 618.30g	225%
Dietary Fiber 37.20g	133%
Total Sugars 366.30g
Protein 57.60g	115%

Vitamin D 244IU	1219%
Calcium 1788mg	138%
Iron 6mg	33%
Potassium 9621mg	205%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 28.7%

Protein: 6.1%

Carbs: 65.2%