Ube Cheesecake Recipe: A Creamy Dessert with a Filipino Twist

If you’ve never tried Ube Cheesecake, you’re in for a treat. Imagine a velvety, purple-hued cheesecake with a rich, nutty flavor from ube (purple yam) and a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s the perfect blend of traditional Filipino flavors and classic dessert elegance. Whether you’re a fan of Ube or just looking to try something new, this cheesecake is guaranteed to impress.

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make this stunning dessert at home. From the perfect ingredient combinations to expert tips and creative variations, we’ve got you covered. If you’re into unique desserts, you’ll want to check out our Ube Halaya Recipe—it’s another must-try for ube lovers! Plus, we’ll link to some of our other favorite recipes to inspire your next baking adventure. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ube Cheesecake is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Unique Flavor: The nutty, slightly sweet taste of ube pairs perfectly with the creamy richness of cheesecake.
Stunning Presentation: The vibrant purple color makes it a showstopper at any gathering.
Versatile: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or coworkers, this cheesecake is guaranteed to impress.

If you’re into unique desserts, you’ll want to check out our Ube Halaya Stuffed Pandesal—it’s another must-try for ube lovers!

Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need

Ingredients for Ube Cheesecake arranged on a white marble countertop

The Crust:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or gluten-free crumbs for a GF option)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted (to bind the crust)
¼ cup granulated sugar (for a touch of sweetness).

The Cheesecake Filling:

24 ounces cream cheese, softened (full-fat for the creamiest texture)
1 cup granulated sugar (to balance the tanginess of the cream cheese)
1 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam) (homemade or store-bought)
3 large eggs (for structure and richness)
1 cup heavy cream (for a smooth, creamy texture)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for a hint of warmth)
½ teaspoon ube extract (for an extra boost of flavor and color).

The Topping (Optional):

Whipped cream
Grated ube or purple yam
Edible flowers (for a fancy touch).

Tools You’ll Need:

9-inch springform pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons.

How to Prepare: Building the Flavors

The secret to this cheesecake? It’s all about balancing the nutty, earthy flavor of ube with the creamy richness of cheesecake. The crust adds a sweet, crunchy contrast, while the ube halaya gives it that signature purple hue and unique taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well combined.
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool while you prepare the filling.

Mixing Ube Cheesecake batter in a mixing bowl

Mixing graham cracker crumbs and butter for Ube Cheesecake crust.

Quick Tip: For an extra-flavorful crust, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the graham cracker mixture.

Pressing graham cracker crust into a springform pan

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
Add the ube halaya, ube extract, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Gradually pour in the heavy cream, mixing until the batter is smooth and velvety.
Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.

Pouring Ube Cheesecake batter into a springform pan.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

Place the springform pan in a larger baking dish and fill the dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the pan.
Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.

3. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour.

4. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Finished Ube Cheesecake with whipped cream and grated ube

Quick Tip: To prevent cracks, avoid overmixing the batter and cool the cheesecake slowly.

Pro Tips for a Foolproof Cheesecake

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
Water Bath: Baking the cheesecake in a water bath ensures even cooking and prevents cracks.
Chill Thoroughly: Let the cheesecake chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours for the best texture.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 slice)
Calories	450 kcal
Total Fat	32 g
Saturated Fat	18 g
Cholesterol	140 mg
Sodium	280 mg
Total Carbohydrates	35 g
Dietary Fiber	1 g
Sugars	28 g
Protein	7 g

Nutritional Benefits

While Ube Cheesecake is undeniably a treat, it’s worth noting that some of its ingredients offer surprising health benefits. Let’s break it down:

Ube (Purple Yam)

Ube is the star of this dessert, and it’s more than just a pretty face. This vibrant purple yam is packed with nutrients that make it a standout ingredient. For starters, ube is rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which give it its signature color. These antioxidants help combat free radicals in the body, reducing inflammation and supporting overall health. Ube is also a great source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you feeling full longer. Plus, it’s loaded with vitamin C, which boosts your immune system and promotes healthy skin.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese adds that creamy, indulgent texture we all love in cheesecake. While it’s not exactly a health food, it does have some nutritional perks. Cream cheese is a good source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth. It also provides healthy fats, which are important for brain function and energy. If you’re looking to lighten things up, you can opt for a reduced-fat version, but keep in mind that full-fat cream cheese gives the cheesecake its signature richness.

Eggs

Eggs are a key ingredient in cheesecake, providing structure and richness. They’re also a nutritional powerhouse, packed with high-quality protein and essential amino acids. Eggs are rich in vitamin B12, which supports nerve function, and choline, which is important for brain health. Plus, they contain lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that are great for eye health.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream adds a luxurious texture to the cheesecake filling. While it’s high in calories, it also provides healthy fats that are essential for energy and hormone production. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute it with coconut cream or a lower-fat alternative, though this may slightly alter the texture.

Graham Cracker Crust

The crust, made from graham crackers, adds a sweet and crunchy contrast to the creamy filling. While it’s not the healthiest part of the dessert, you can make it a bit more nutritious by using whole-grain graham crackers or adding a sprinkle of nuts for extra fiber and healthy fats.

So, while Ube Cheesecake is definitely an indulgence, it’s not without its nutritional perks. Enjoy it in moderation, and savor every bite!

Variations of the Recipe

One of the best things about Ube Cheesecake is how versatile it is. Whether you’re looking to tweak the recipe for dietary reasons or just want to try something new, here are some creative variations to consider:

No-Bake Ube Cheesecake

If you’re short on time or don’t want to fuss with the oven, a no-bake version is a great option. Simply use gelatin to set the filling and skip the baking process. Mix the cream cheese, ube halaya, and other ingredients as usual, then pour the mixture over the crust and let it chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours. This version is perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.

Gluten-Free Ube Cheesecake

For those with gluten sensitivities, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for the crust. The filling is naturally gluten-free, so no adjustments are needed there. This variation is just as delicious and ensures everyone can enjoy a slice.

Vegan Ube Cheesecake

To make this dessert vegan-friendly, swap the cream cheese for a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of regular eggs. For the crust, use vegan graham crackers or a mix of nuts and dates. The result is a creamy, indulgent cheesecake that’s completely plant-based.

Mini Ube Cheesecakes

If you’re serving a crowd or just want individual portions, try making mini cheesecakes. Use a muffin tin lined with cupcake liners and press the crust mixture into the bottom of each cup. Fill with the ube cheesecake batter and bake for about 20–25 minutes. These mini cheesecakes are adorable and perfect for parties.

Ube Cheesecake with a Twist

Feel free to get creative with the flavors! Add a swirl of chocolate ganache or raspberry jam to the filling for a fun twist. You can also top the cheesecake with toasted coconut flakes, crushed pistachios, or a drizzle of salted caramel for added texture and flavor.

Low-Sugar Ube Cheesecake

If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or use a natural sweetener like monk fruit or stevia. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture, but it’s a great way to enjoy the dessert without the guilt.

These variations allow you to customize the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you stick to the classic version or try something new, Ube Cheesecake is sure to be a hit!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing: Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks.
Skipping the Water Bath: This can cause uneven baking and cracks.
Rushing the Cooling Process: Let the cheesecake cool slowly to prevent sinking.

Serving Suggestions

With Coffee or Tea: Perfect for a cozy afternoon treat.
With Fresh Berries: Add a handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries for a pop of color.
For a Crowd: Cut into smaller slices for easy sharing.

Freshly baked Ube Cheesecake cooling on a wire rack

Healthier Alternatives

Low-Sugar: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit.
Light Cream Cheese: Swap full-fat cream cheese for a lighter version.
Coconut Cream: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free option.

Other Yummy Recipes

If you’re obsessed with this Ube Cheesecake, you’ve got to try these other desserts:

Cream Puff Cake: is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Traybake Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food You Need to Try.
Pizza Burger Pie with Beef Pepperoni: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup.
Chocolate Raspberry Cake: that’s sure to wow everyone who tries it.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars: combining the best of cheesecake, apple pie, and caramel in one irresistible treat.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen ube?

Yes, frozen grated ube works perfectly. Just thaw and drain it before using.

2. How do I store this cheesecake?

Store the cheesecake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

3. Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.

Conclusion

There you have it—your ultimate guide to making a stunning Ube Cheesecake that’s sure to wow everyone who tries it. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because this cheesecake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake something amazing. And don’t forget to share your creations with us using #KlikRecipes!