Ube Leche Flan Cake Recipe

If you have a soft spot for desserts that combine creamy richness with vibrant color, then you will absolutely adore this Ube Leche Flan Cake Recipe. This Filipino-inspired treat layers the velvety, caramel-kissed leche flan atop a moist and fluffy ube cake that bursts with that unmistakable purple yam flavor. The marriage of textures and tastes creates a slice of heaven that’s both show-stopping and comforting, making it perfect for celebrations or simply a special indulgence. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it quickly becomes a household favorite that everyone will be asking for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Ube Leche Flan Cake Recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients, each chosen to build on texture, sweetness, and that gorgeous purple hue. Every component plays a vital role, from the smooth condensed milk that forms the flan to the fragrant ube extract that gives the cake its signature flavor and color.

• Sweetened condensed milk: Provides rich sweetness and creaminess to the leche flan base.
• Evaporated milk: Adds a silky smooth texture without overpowering the flavors.
• Egg yolks: Essential for the custard to set perfectly with a creamy consistency.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with subtle warmth and depth.
• Granulated sugar (for caramel): Transforms into luscious caramel that forms the iconic flan crust.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the ube cake that creates tender crumb.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and stay light.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the other flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake batter.
• Granulated sugar (for cake): Sweetens the ube cake without being cloying.
• Eggs: Bind the cake ingredients and contribute to a fluffy texture.
• Ube halaya (mashed purple yam): Provides authentic flavor and that stunning natural purple color.
• Whole milk: Keeps the batter smooth and tender.
• Ube extract or powder: Intensifies the ube flavor and deepens the hue.

How to Make Ube Leche Flan Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel

Start by gently melting the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it forms a golden caramel. This step requires a little patience and attention, but the reward is a beautifully deep caramel layer that adds crunch and a hint of bitterness to offset the cake’s sweetness. Immediately pour it into a 9-inch cake pan, swirling to coat the bottom evenly, then let it cool and set.

Step 2: Whisk the Leche Flan Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Whisk them together until smooth and fully incorporated. Pour this luscious mixture carefully over the set caramel layer in the cake pan, setting it aside while you prepare the cake batter.

Step 3: Preheat Oven and Mix Dry Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This keeps your dry ingredients aerated and ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed for a perfect rise.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is key to achieving that tender crumb in your ube cake, so take a few minutes to do it right.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, ube halaya, and ube extract or powder. The ube halaya lends natural taste and texture, while the extract boosts color and aroma, making the cake truly irresistible.

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and whole milk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix gently until your batter is smooth and homogenous, avoiding overmixing which can make the cake dense.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Carefully pour the ube cake batter over the leche flan layer in your prepared cake pan, spreading gently to create an even layer. The layers will remain distinct during baking, creating the signature two-texture experience.

Step 8: Create the Water Bath and Bake

Place the cake pan inside a larger roasting pan, then pour hot water into the outer pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of your cake pan. This water bath ensures gentle, even heat which helps set the flan smoothly while baking the cake to moist perfection. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the flan is fully set.

Step 9: Cool and Chill

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least three hours or overnight. Chilling is essential for the layers to firm up properly and for flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 10: Unmold and Serve

To unmold, run a knife around the edges of the cake to loosen the sides. Place a serving plate over the pan and flip gently to release the cake, revealing the glossy caramel topping and vibrant purple cake beneath. Your Ube Leche Flan Cake Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Ube Leche Flan Cake Recipe

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing, simplicity enhances this dessert best. A few toasted coconut flakes or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios provide a lovely textural contrast. Alternatively, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of coconut cream can add an extra layer of indulgence without overwhelming the delicate flavors.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with fresh tropical fruits like mango or pineapple for a bright counterpoint. For a beverage, a hot cup of black coffee or a tea with floral notes will balance the cake’s sweetness perfectly and cleanse your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving slices of this cake on colorful plates makes the vibrant purple pop even more. For special occasions, cut into smaller bite-sized squares and serve on a platter with tiny dessert forks for a fun, shareable treat. You can even serve alongside a scoop of ube or coconut ice cream for a dreamy dessert collaboration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Ube Leche Flan Cake refrigerated, covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors. It should stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days, making it a great make-ahead dessert.

Freezing

If you want to keep the cake longer, it freezes well. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn, then place it in a freezer-safe container. When frozen properly, the cake will maintain its flavor and texture for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Since this is a custard-based cake, it’s best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature rather than reheated. If you prefer a softer texture, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving instead of using heat.

FAQs

Can I use ube powder instead of ube extract?

Yes, ube powder is a great alternative if you don’t have ube extract. Just mix it well with your wet ingredients to ensure the flavor spreads evenly through the cake. You might want to adjust the amount slightly depending on the powder’s strength.

What size cake pan should I use?

A 9-inch round cake pan is ideal because it allows the layers to cook evenly and fit nicely in the water bath. Using a different size might affect cooking time and the thickness of the layers.

How important is the water bath?

The water bath is crucial for this recipe because it gently cooks the flan layer without cracking or curdling the custard. It also keeps the cake moist as it bakes, giving you that perfect combination of smooth flan and soft cake.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

You can substitute some of the dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk, and use dairy-free butter. However, note that this might slightly change the texture and richness of both the cake and flan layers.

How long does it take to chill the cake properly?

For the best results, chill the cake for at least 3 hours. Overnight chilling is even better as it allows the flavors to fully develop and the flan layer to set firmly, making for easier slicing and a more satisfying bite.

Final Thoughts

This Ube Leche Flan Cake Recipe is truly a celebration of flavor and texture that brings joy with every bite. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a dessert that looks as stunning as it tastes. Give it a try for your next gathering or whenever you want an extraordinary treat — your friends and family will thank you, and you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again!

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