Ube Pound Cake

Ube Pound Cake

Ube Pound Cake is a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of ube with the classic taste of a pound cake. This moist, flavorful cake can be enjoyed on its own or served with a cup of coffee or tea. Its beautiful purple color makes it visually appealing and adds a unique twist to a beloved recipe.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to try making Ube Pound Cake. First, it is simple to prepare and doesn’t require a lot of special equipment. The combination of ube and coconut milk adds a delightful flavor and texture that sets it apart from regular pound cakes. Plus, it’s a great dessert for sharing at parties, gatherings, or special occasions. Your friends and family will be impressed by both its taste and its stunning appearance.

How to Make Ube Pound Cake

Making Ube Pound Cake is straightforward and fun. Follow these easy steps to create a delicious cake that you can enjoy anytime.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (170 g), softened, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (300 g)
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (260 g)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup canned full-fat coconut milk (115 g), well shaken
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup ube halaya (160 g)
• 1 teaspoon ube extract

Directions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch metal loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the two long sides for easy removal. Generously grease the parchment-lined pan with butter. Set aside.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until smooth and slightly pale, about 3 minutes.

3. Add Eggs: With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully mixed in before adding the next. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

5. Combine Ingredients: On low speed, add the dry mixture to the wet batter in three additions, alternating with the coconut milk. Mix until just combined and there are no dry streaks of flour.

6. Prepare Batters: Remove about 250 grams (1/3) of the batter from the mixing bowl and stir in the vanilla extract. Set this vanilla batter aside. To the remaining batter, add the ube halaya and ube extract. Mix on medium speed until well combined.

7. Swirl Batters: Alternate dollops of vanilla batter and ube batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a mini offset spatula or knife to gently swirl the two batters together. Tap the bottom of the filled loaf pan against the counter to remove any air pockets.

8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

9. Cool and Slice: Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then unmold and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice the cooled cake.

How to Serve Ube Pound Cake

Ube Pound Cake is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of icing. Enjoy it as an afternoon snack or a dessert at dinner.

How to Store Ube Pound Cake

To store Ube Pound Cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil.

Tips to Make Ube Pound Cake

• Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Don’t overmix the batter, as this can make the cake tough.
• For a more intense ube flavor, you can adjust the amount of ube extract to suit your taste.

Variation

Try adding shredded coconut to the batter for extra texture and flavor. You can also use purple food coloring to enhance the color if desired.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh ube instead of ube halaya?
Yes, you can use fresh ube, but ensure it is cooked and mashed before adding it to the batter.

2. Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

3. Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or macadamia nuts would add a nice crunch and flavor to the cake.