Ube brownies have quickly become a beloved treat in our kitchen, combining our passion for bold flavors with memories of family and cultural discovery. When we first stumbled across ube brownies, we was instantly hooked by their vibrant purple hue and unique flavor. Inspired by the simple joy that baking brings into my life, especially as someone who’s always exploring new food stories and traditions, I couldn’t resist sharing this ube brownie recipe with you. If you love brownies and Filipino flavors, or you’re curious about playful, visually stunning desserts, you’re truly in for a treat!
Table of Contents
What Is Ube Brownies?
Ube brownies are a delicious twist on the classic brownie recipe that features ube, a purple yam native to the Philippines, as the starring ingredient. Imagine your favorite fudgy brownies, but with a mesmerizing purple color and a slightly nutty, vanilla-coconut flavor profile that dances across your taste buds. These brownies aren’t just a feast for the eyes. they’re a celebration of Filipino food culture, bringing together rich, earthy notes and that unmistakable ube aroma. The first bite always surprises me: sweet, creamy, with subtle hints of toasted marshmallow and vanilla from the ube. If you’re a fan of colorful bakes or want to try something new, ube brownies will absolutely brighten your dessert spread!
Ube’s vivid color and flavor shine through in so many creative treats, take these ube bars, for example, which layer creamy yam goodness into a chewy, golden base for another level of purple indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Ube Brownies Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall head over heels for these ube brownies. First, the taste is out of this world: think chocolatey brownies blended with the tropical, almost floral charm of ube halaya and nutty, caramel-like hints. The texture is ultra-fudgy and moist, thanks to the addition of ube. You’ll also appreciate how easy this ube brownie recipe is to follow, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just beginning your kitchen adventures, these brownies come together in a snap. Even better, the ingredients are straightforward, and you can find substitutions if needed. And, of course, let’s not forget that show-stopping natural purple color, sure to wow your friends and family at every gathering!
Ingredients Overview
- Ube halaya (purple yam jam): Adds sweetness, flavor, and color. Substitute: Use homemade or store-bought, or try mashed cooked purple yam and a bit more sugar in a pinch.
- Ube extract: Boosts flavor and enhances color. Substitute: Grape extract with vanilla (for color only, not for flavor).
- All-purpose flour: Standard binder for classic brownie structure. Substitute: Gluten-free blend for a gluten-free option.
- Sugar: Provides sweetness and aids in moisture retention. Substitute: Coconut sugar or light brown sugar for a slight twist.
- Butter: Ensures a moist and tender crumb. Substitute: Vegan butter or neutral oil for a dairy-free version.
- Eggs: Create that perfect fudgy texture. Substitute: Flax or chia eggs for a vegan swap (note: this may affect texture slightly).
- Salt: Balances flavors and enhances the sweetness.
- Optional: Chopped white chocolate or macadamia nuts for extra texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the sides hang over for easy lifting.
- Make Ube Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter and ube halaya. Whisk until smooth. Add sugar and eggs, mixing until glossy and thick.
- Add Ube Extract & Dry Ingredients: Stir in the ube extract for flavor and color. Gradually sift in the flour and salt, folding until just combined (do not overmix).
- Pour & Optional Swirls: Pour the batter into your prepared pan. If desired, swirl in extra ube halaya or sprinkle white chocolate chips on top.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Enjoy!
Helpful Tips & Customizations
- For extra moist ube brownies, don’t overbake, look for just-set edges and a slightly gooey center.
- Want more purple? Add an extra dash of ube extract or a touch of food-safe purple gel until you reach your desired color.
- Stir in chopped nuts for crunch, or try coconut flakes for added tropical flair.
- Swap butter for vegan butter and use flax eggs for a fully plant-based treat (results may vary slightly).
- Double the recipe for a crowd, simply use a 9×13-inch pan and check for doneness at 28–30 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Presentation makes these ube brownies unforgettable. Serve squares with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of coconut ice cream to highlight their rich, purple color. For festive gatherings, dust brownies with powdered sugar or drizzle with white chocolate for a gorgeous finish. I love plating them with fresh berries for a bright contrast and a pop of fruity flavor, raspberries and strawberries are especially beautiful. These ube brownies pair delightfully with tea, coffee, or a tall glass of cold milk for a comforting afternoon snack. They’re showstoppers for dessert tables, birthday parties, or anytime you want a little tropical color to light up your day.
Looking for a healthier dessert option? These fudgy avocado brownies pack in rich flavor with a secretly nutritious ingredient.
FAQs Section
What is ube, and how does it taste in brownies?
Ube is a type of purple yam native to the Philippines, known for its naturally vibrant hue and sweet, nutty, mildly vanilla flavor. In ube brownies, ube lends a unique taste. slightly earthy, creamy, and almost floral, with hints of coconut and almond that pair beautifully with the familiar fudginess of brownies. It’s different from taro or purple sweet potatoes and delivers a wonderful twist to your favorite dessert.
Where can I find ube or ube extract for making brownies?
You can find ube halaya (purple yam jam) and ube extract in most Asian grocery stores, especially those carrying Filipino products. Many well-stocked supermarkets have a world food aisle that features ube extract or frozen grated ube. You can also order both ube halaya and ube extract online, just be sure to look for a reputable brand to get authentic flavor and color for your ube brownies.
Can I substitute ube with something else if I can’t find it?
If you can’t locate ube or ube extract, try using cooked purple sweet potato or even taro paste as a substitute. However, the taste won’t be quite the same, the color may be less vivid and the flavor will be slightly earthier. For the signature ube brownies result, the real thing (ube halaya and extract) is best, but experimenting can still yield a delicious bake!
How do you get that vibrant purple color in ube brownies?
Achieving the signature purple color comes from two things: ube halaya, which brings a natural purple hue, and a good quality ube extract. Some brands of extract are more vivid than others, so add a little at a time until you reach the shade you love. If you want a truly bold color, add a drop of food-safe purple gel, but usually, ube extract alone is enough for stunning ube brownies.
Conclusion
Ube brownies are a beautiful and delicious way to explore Filipino-inspired baking, bringing rich flavor, striking color, and the joy of discovery right to your table. Every batch I create is a new adventure, easy, rewarding, and always gobbled up in minutes! I’d love to hear how your ube brownies turn out. Leave a comment below, and don’t forget to follow along for more colorful recipes and stories. Join our food-loving community on Facebook and Pinterest for even more kitchen inspiration!
