As I sat down to sketch out my latest dessert project, the vibrant purple hue of ube caught my eye. There’s something truly stunning about this root vegetable—it’s not just a feast for the eyes but also brings a unique, earthy flavor to the palate. I can still hear my friends oohing and aahing over the creamy goodness of ube cheesecake I made last summer. With its rich coconut graham cracker crust and velvety texture, this dessert isn’t just another cheesecake; it’s a celebration of flavor that takes your taste buds on a delightful journey.
After a long week filled with fast food and takeout, I craved a dessert that didn’t just satisfy my sweet tooth but felt wholesome and homemade. This luxurious ube cheesecake merges the familiar comfort of traditional cheesecake with an exotic twist that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Simple to prepare yet impressive enough to serve at gatherings, this treat proves that elegance can be achieved without hours of effort. Let’s dive into making this dreamy dessert that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Why is Ube Cheesecake the Ultimate Dessert?
Decadent Delight: This ube cheesecake offers a unique blend of sweet, earthy flavors that sets it apart from the standard cheesecake, making it an instant favorite for dessert lovers.
Velvety Texture: You’ll love sinking your fork into its creamy, smooth filling that practically melts in your mouth—it’s a texture experience like no other!
Coconut Twist: The coconut graham cracker crust not only adds a flavorful crunch but also elevates the overall experience, creating a delightful contrast to the richness of the filling.
Simple Yet Impressive: With an easy-to-follow recipe, you can impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen, turning your home into a gourmet dessert haven.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, this show-stopping cheesecake will wow friends and family alike—watch as they rave about its stunning purple hue and irresistible flavor!
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, this ube cheesecake is the indulgence you’ve been craving.
Ube Cheesecake Ingredients
For the Coconut Graham Cracker Crust
- Graham Cracker Crumbs – Provides the essential structure and texture; opt for gluten-free crumbs if necessary.
- Unsalted Butter (7 tablespoons) – Binds crust ingredients together well; replace with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Shredded Coconut (½ cup) – Adds delightful flavor and texture; choose unsweetened coconut for better control of sweetness.
- Light Brown Sugar (2 tablespoons) – Sweetens the crust beautifully; honey or maple syrup are great alternatives if needed.
For the Cheesecake Filling
- Cream Cheese (32 oz) – The main filling ingredient that brings creaminess; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy blending.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup) – Sweetens the cheesecake; feel free to reduce it for a less sweet dessert experience.
- Sour Cream (½ cup) – Adds richness and a tangy note; substitute with plain yogurt if desired.
- Ube Halaya (½ cup) – Provides the unique ube flavor and stunning purple color; for convenience, use more ube extract if ube halaya is unavailable.
- Ube Extract (1 teaspoon) – Enhances the ube flavor profile; could swap for vanilla extract for a different taste twist.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon) – Balances the overall flavors, bringing harmony to the sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract (½ tablespoon) – Deepens the flavor; can be omitted if you want to maintain a pure ube profile.
- Large Eggs (4) – Gives structure and stability to the cheesecake; use at room temperature for optimal results.
For the Whipped Topping
- Heavy Whipping Cream (1 cup) – Perfect for achieving a luscious whipped topping; coconut cream is a great dairy-free substitute.
- Powdered Sugar (½ cup) – Sweetens the whipped cream; consider reducing this for a less sugary top.
- Ube Extract for Whipped Cream (¼ teaspoon) – Infuses color and flavor enhancement into your whipped cream.
This ube cheesecake recipe is all set to not only delight but leave a lasting impression on anyone who digs into its creamy layers!
How to Make Ube Cheesecake
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Prepare the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan. Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs, then combine them with shredded coconut, light brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Pour in melted butter and mix until clumpy. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form a sturdy crust. -
Make Cheesecake Filling:
In an electric mixer, beat the room temperature cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar while mixing on low speed until well combined. Next, mix in sour cream, ube halaya, ube extract, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is velvety and homogenous. -
Add Eggs:
Lightly whisk your eggs in a separate bowl. Add one egg at a time to the cream cheese mixture, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. This results in a smooth filling with no lumps. -
Bake:
Carefully pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust. For a water bath, place your springform pan into a larger roasting pan filled with about 1 inch of hot water. Bake for approximately 1 hour, until the edges are set and the center has a slight wobble. -
Cool:
Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for 10 minutes. This helps prevent cracking. Run a knife around the edge of the cheesecake to loosen it from the pan. Remove from the water bath and allow to cool completely at room temperature. -
Chill:
Once cooled, cover the cheesecake and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or ideally overnight. This step ensures it sets perfectly for slicing. -
Make Whipped Cream:
Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and ube extract until medium-stiff peaks form, creating a luscious topping. Decorate your chilled cheesecake with this delightful whipped cream.
Optional: Garnish with fresh fruit or a sprinkle of shredded coconut for extra flair.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Ube Cheesecake
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially cream cheese and eggs, are at room temperature to achieve a lump-free, creamy batter.
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Avoid Water Seepage: Wrap the springform pan in aluminum foil before placing it in the water bath. This prevents water from seeping into your ube cheesecake.
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Oven Door Management: Resist the temptation to peek! Opening the oven too soon can lead to cracks; wait until baking time is complete for the best results.
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Monitor Baking Time: Baking times can vary, so check if the edges are puffed as directed, but the center should still wobble slightly—this ensures a perfectly set cheesecake.
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Chilling is Crucial: Don’t skip the chilling stage! Allowing your ube cheesecake to set in the fridge for at least 6 hours helps develop its lovely texture and flavor.
Ube Cheesecake Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize your ube cheesecake with these delightful twists. Your taste buds are in for a treat!
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Gluten-Free Crust: Swap out traditional graham crackers for gluten-free crumbs to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
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Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream cheese with vegan cream cheese and use coconut cream for whipped topping to make the cheesecake completely dairy-free.
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Nutty Flavor Boost: Fold in chopped macadamia nuts or walnuts into the cheesecake for added crunch and an extra layer of flavor.
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Chocolate Lovers: Mix in white or dark chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling for a rich, decadent surprise in every slice.
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Matcha Green Tea: Incorporate a teaspoon of matcha powder into the filling to create an earthy flavor twist that pairs beautifully with ube.
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Fruity Fusion: Top your cheesecake with fresh fruits like mango or strawberries for a refreshing taste that compliments the nutty base.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising heat that beautifully contrasts the sweet creaminess.
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Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the chilled cheesecake for a luscious, sweet finish.
Each of these variations will bring its own charm to the ube cheesecake, making your dessert experience even more delightful and unique! Enjoy experimenting!
How to Store and Freeze Ube Cheesecake
Fridge: Store your ube cheesecake in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain its creamy texture and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cheesecake for up to three months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, defrost the cheesecake overnight in the refrigerator. This ensures it retains its delightful taste and texture.
Leftovers: Any leftover whipped cream can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days, ready to top off your slices when you serve!
Make Ahead Options
These ube cheesecakes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the crust and filling up to 24 hours in advance, simply make the graham cracker crust and store it covered in the refrigerator to retain freshness. For the filling, mix your cream cheese, sugars, and ube ingredients, then keep it chilled in a separate container. When you’re ready to bake, pour the filling over the crust, bake, and cool as instructed. Remember, proper chilling for at least 6 hours or overnight is essential for achieving the best texture. So, you can enjoy a delightful dessert with minimal effort on busy weeknights or special occasions!
What to Serve with Ube Cheesecake?
Indulging in the creamy goodness of ube cheesecake opens up a world of delightful pairings to craft a spectacular meal experience.
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Fresh Tropical Fruit: Slices of mango or pineapple provide a refreshing contrast, enhancing the dessert’s vibrant flavor while lightening the palate.
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Coconut Sorbet: Chilled and creamy, this pairing complements the coconut notes in the ube cheesecake, offering a refreshing and tropical twist.
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Matcha Green Tea: The slightly bitter, earthy flavor of matcha balances the sweetness of the ube, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that feels sophisticated.
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Espresso or Coffee: The rich, bold flavors of coffee create a delightful contrast with the creamy cheesecake, stimulating your taste buds and completing your dessert experience.
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Macadamia Nut Cookies: These nutty, buttery treats add a satisfying crunch and earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy texture of the cheesecake.
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Chia Seed Pudding: For a light, wholesome option, consider serving a coconut or vanilla chia seed pudding. Its texture and flavor complement the ube beautifully without overpowering it.
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Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened coconut cream over the cheesecake enhances its flavor profile, making each bite an indulgent sensation.
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White Wine or Champagne: A glass of bubbly white wine or champagne adds an elegant touch, its effervescence elevating every mouthful and refreshing the palate.
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Dark Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle some dark chocolate on top for a touch of luxury. The deep, rich flavor beautifully contrasts the sweet notes of ube and enhances the cheesecake’s presentation.
Ube Cheesecake Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ube for this cheesecake?
When selecting ube for your ube cheesecake, look for firm, smooth roots without dark spots or blemishes. They should feel heavy for their size, indicating good moisture content. If using ube halaya, ensure it’s vibrant in color and has a pleasant, sweet aroma to bring that signature flavor to your cheesecake.
What’s the best way to store leftover ube cheesecake?
Store your ube cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. This helps to maintain its creamy texture and prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods. If you have leftovers, I often slice them individually and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a container for easy access!
Can I freeze ube cheesecake?
Absolutely! To freeze your ube cheesecake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, ensuring there are no air pockets. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor retention.
Why is my cheesecake cracking during baking?
Cracking is often caused by sudden temperature changes or overbaking. To prevent this, avoid opening the oven door while baking and leave the cheesecake in the oven to cool with the door slightly ajar for about 10 minutes. Additionally, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature, which helps create a smooth batter.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you certainly can! Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, use coconut oil instead of butter, and opt for coconut cream in place of heavy whipping cream. The flavor will be slightly different, but the essence of the ube cheesecake will still shine through beautifully.
Is ube safe for pets or those with allergies?
While ube is generally safe for pets in small amounts, it’s best to avoid sharing this cheesecake with them because of its high sugar and dairy content. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, especially to eggs or dairy, consider the alternatives mentioned above to ensure you can enjoy this delightful treat.
Creamy Ube Cheesecake with a Coconut Twist You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs, combine with coconut, light brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix in melted butter and press into the pan for the crust.
- Beat the room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar, mixing on low speed, then add sour cream, ube halaya, ube extract, vanilla extract, and salt until velvety.
- Whisk eggs separately and add to the cream cheese mixture one at a time, incorporating well to ensure a smooth filling.
- Pour the filling over the crust. For a water bath, place the pan in a roasting pan filled with hot water. Bake for about 1 hour until the edges are set and the center is slightly wobbly.
- Turn off the oven, leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge, remove from the water bath, and let cool at room temperature.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight to ensure it sets perfectly.
- Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and ube extract until medium-stiff peaks form. Decorate chilled cheesecake with whipped cream.