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Ube Halaya

Prep 30 min
Cook 1.5 hrs
Servings 12
Difficulty Hard
Recipe by Nanay Rosa |

Ube Halaya

Creamy Filipino Purple Yam Jam

Prep Time 30 min
Cook Time 1.5 hrs
Servings 12
Difficulty Hard
Ube Halaya

About This Recipe

Ube Halaya, also known as ube jam, is a sweet Filipino jam made from purple yam (ube). This gorgeous violet-colored treat has become internationally famous as an ice cream flavor and cake filling, but in the Philippines, it has been a beloved dessert and ingredient for generations.

Making ube halaya from scratch requires patience - constant stirring over low heat for over an hour - but the result is worth every minute. The rich, creamy texture and the naturally sweet, earthy flavor of real purple yam cannot be replicated by shortcuts. This jam is essential for halo-halo, ensaymada, and countless other Filipino desserts.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs fresh purple yam (ube), grated
  • 1 can condensed milk (14 oz)
  • 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz)
  • 1 can coconut milk (13.5 oz)
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp ube extract (for deeper color, optional)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare the Ube

    Peel and grate the purple yam finely. Alternatively, boil until tender (about 30 minutes), then mash thoroughly. The finer the texture, the smoother your halaya.

  2. 2

    Cook with Coconut Milk

    In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or wok, combine grated ube with coconut milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the ube absorbs the coconut milk, about 15-20 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add Other Milks and Sugar

    Add condensed milk, evaporated milk, and sugar. Continue stirring over medium-low heat. The mixture will gradually thicken - this takes about 30-40 minutes of constant stirring.

  4. 4

    Add Butter and Extracts

    When mixture starts pulling away from the pan, add butter in pieces. Stir until incorporated. Add vanilla and ube extract if using. Continue cooking until very thick.

  5. 5

    Test and Cool

    The halaya is done when it holds its shape when scooped and doesn't spread. Transfer to a greased pan or mold. Let cool completely, then cover and refrigerate. Keeps for 2 weeks refrigerated.

Tips & Variations

Arm Workout

Constant stirring prevents burning and ensures even cooking. Take turns if making a large batch!

Frozen Ube

If fresh ube is unavailable, use frozen grated ube from Asian stores. It works just as well.

Add Latik

Top with coconut curds (latik) for traditional presentation and extra flavor.