Ube bars are my absolute favorite Filipino bakery treat, and I can’t wait for you to try this recipe in your own kitchen! Growing up with the comforting aroma of Filipino sweets filling the house, I learned that ube bars are more than just dessert, they’re a burst of color and joy, perfect for any merienda or snack break. The first time I made these vibrant purple yam bars with my family, it instantly became a tradition we looked forward to. With this ube bars recipe, you’ll discover why these chewy treats capture hearts wherever they go.
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What Is Ube Bars?
Ube bars are classic Filipino dessert bars made from ube, a purple yam celebrated for its naturally sweet, nutty taste and showstopping violet hue. Think of them as bakery-style snack bars that surprise you with every bite. Each bar boasts a soft and tender inside with a gently crisp sugary coating. As a kid, I was mesmerized by the gorgeous color and unique flavor. Every time I eat ube bars now, I’m reminded of lively family gatherings and happy afternoons. Whether you’re a Filipino food fan or just ube-curious, these bars are a cheerful twist on traditional dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Ube Bars Recipe
There’s something magical about the flavor of these ube bars, the perfect blend of coconut, vanilla, and a gentle nuttiness that’s truly one-of-a-kind. Not only do they catch everyone’s eye with their deep purple color, but they’re also easy to prepare. The recipe uses familiar pantry ingredients and comes together in a few simple steps. You don’t need special baking skills or fancy gadgets, just a love for delicious, colorful treats. These ube bars are soft, chewy, and dusted in sugar for that irresistible finish. You can even customize them to fit your taste or dietary needs, making this ube bars recipe a go-to for any celebration or cozy afternoon at home.
How to Make Ube Bars
Quick Overview
Making ube bars is straightforward and fun! You’ll mix wet and dry ingredients, bake until set, and then roll each slice in sugar for that classic bakery look. In just under an hour, you’ll have a batch of chewy, vibrant bars ready to enjoy.
Ingredients Overview
- Ube Halaya (Purple Yam Jam): The star of the show. Use homemade or store-bought. Substitute with mashed, steamed ube mixed with sugar and condensed milk if you can’t find halaya.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and chew. You can use gluten-free flour as an alternative.
- Baking Powder: Gives a gentle lift to keep bars light.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness. Use white, unrefined, or coconut sugar for a richer taste.
- Salt: Balances all the flavors.
- Eggs: Help bind everything together. Flax eggs work well for a vegan version.
- Butter: Brings richness. Margarine or coconut oil make it dairy-free.
- Condensed Milk: Delivers creamy sweetness and moisture. Try coconut condensed milk for a twist.
- Ube Extract (Optional): For extra color and a more intense ube flavor.
- Sugar (For Rolling): Coats the bars, giving that signature crackly finish.
Substitution Ideas:
Swap butter for coconut oil, use gluten-free flour, try coconut sugar for a caramel flavor, or use flax eggs for a plant-based treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep and Preheat: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, lightly greased. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk together melted butter, ube halaya, eggs, condensed milk, and ube extract (if using) in a large mixing bowl.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined for the best chewy texture.
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until edges look set and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- Cool and Slice: Let the bars cool in the pan. Lift them out using parchment, transfer to a board, and slice into bars or squares.
- Roll in Sugar: While still a little warm, roll each piece in sugar for that classic sparkling finish. Dip only the tops for a lighter coating if you like.
Helpful Tips & Customizations
- Don’t Overmix: Blend until just combined for a moist, chewy crumb.
- Vegan Version: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and switch to plant-based butter and coconut condensed milk.
- Fun Mix-Ins: Fold in shredded coconut, white chocolate chips, or even macapuno for extra texture and flavor.
- Use Store-Bought Ube: No fresh ube? Frozen grated ube or premade ube halaya work wonderfully in this ube bars recipe.
- Adjust Sweetness: Use less rolling sugar or try coconut sugar for a subtle sweetness.
For the ultimate sweet and salty treat, don’t miss these no-bake strawberry pretzel bars, they come together in minutes and are always a hit.
Serving Suggestions
Ube bars make a cheerful addition to any dessert table! Serve them chilled for a refreshing snack with fruity iced tea, or make a dreamy dessert plate by pairing with leche flan, vanilla ice cream, or coconut ice cream. For a true Filipino merienda, stack ube bars alongside cassava cake, puto, or ensaymada for a vibrant, inviting spread. Don’t forget to pour a cup of bold coffee or black tea to complement their sweet, earthy flavor.
FAQs About Ube Bars
What flavor pairs well with ube?
Ube’s earthy sweetness goes perfectly with coconut, vanilla, macapuno, and white chocolate. Tropical fruits like mango or jackfruit create a delicious contrast, while a little sea salt or mild cheese brings out the best in every bite.
What is ube made of?
Ube is a purple yam grown in the Philippines. Its deep color and sweet, nutty flavor make it the star of desserts like ube bars, ice cream, and cakes.
Is frozen grated ube already cooked?
Most frozen grated ube is partially cooked before packaging. Always check the label, and if it’s raw, steam or simmer it before using in your ube bars recipe.
What cheese goes well with ube?
Cream cheese, cheddar, and queso de bola pair wonderfully with ube. Adding grated cheese on top of ube bars gives a lovely salty-sweet contrast.
Conclusion
Ube bars are more than a treat, they’re a sweet, colorful tradition that brings everyone together. Every time I bake these soft, chewy bars, I’m reminded of afternoons spent laughing and sharing stories in my family’s kitchen. This recipe invites you to create new memories and enjoy a truly unique dessert. For more Filipino food inspiration, check out this collection of Filipino desserts from a trusted source. Don’t forget to connect with me on Facebook and Pinterest for more vibrant recipes and kitchen tips. Happy baking!
