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Ube Macapuno Cake: A Tropical Treat of Flavor and Color

Ube Macapuno Cake with layers of ube sponge and creamy coconut filling, topped with ube frosting and coconut cream.

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Ube Macapuno Cake with layers of ube sponge and creamy coconut filling, topped with ube frosting and coconut cream.

This Ube Macapuno Cake is a stunning tropical dessert that combines the vibrant purple hues of ube with the creamy richness of macapuno. Perfectly moist and flavored, each slice of this cake offers a sweet escape with its layers of ube-flavored sponge cake and coconut curd filling. The beautiful swirl of ube frosting on top not only adds an appealing aesthetic but also enhances the overall flavor profile. Whether you’re serving it at a celebration or simply enjoying a slice with your afternoon tea, this cake is sure to be a hit.

The origins of this cake lie in Filipino culture, where ube, or purple yam, is a beloved ingredient in various desserts. The use of macapuno, a type of coconut, adds a delightful texture and a hint of sweetness that complements the earthiness of the ube. This cake is not just about flavor; it embodies a history of Filipino culinary traditions that celebrate the use of local ingredients. Its vibrant color and unique taste make it a popular choice for birthdays, fiestas, and other special occasions.

Ube Macapuno Cake is perfect for various celebrations, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and holiday gatherings. Its eye-catching appearance ensures it will be the centerpiece of any dessert table. Additionally, it serves wonderfully for casual get-togethers, where guests can enjoy a slice alongside coffee or tea. Whether you’re treating a loved one or indulging yourself, this cake is a lovely way to spread joy and sweetness during any occasion.

Ube Macapuno Cake with layers of ube sponge and creamy coconut filling, topped with ube frosting and coconut cream.

Ube Macapuno Cake: A Tropical Treat of Flavor and Color

Recipe by Mary Clarkson

Difficulty

Intermediate

Servings

12 servings

Prep time

30 Mins

Cooking time

30 Mins

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 5 eggs
  • 1 cup ube halaya
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup macapuno
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk (for frosting)
  • Coconut cream for decoration

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Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and prepare three 8-inch round cake pans by greasing and lining them with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 2 cups of sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add 5 eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 cup of ube halaya and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
  4. In another bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with 1 cup of milk.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. To make the macapuno filling, combine 1 cup of macapuno (coconut curd) with 1/2 cup of heavy cream in a bowl.
  8. Once the cakes are cool, layer them by spreading a layer of macapuno filling between each cake layer.
  9. For the ube frosting, beat together 1 cup of unsalted butter, 4 cups of powdered sugar, 1/2 cup of ube halaya, and 1/4 cup of milk until smooth and fluffy.
  10. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the ube frosting and add a dollop of coconut cream on top for decoration.
  11. Slice, serve, and enjoy your homemade Ube Macapuno Cake!

Nutrition Facts

Calories

410

Carbs

58

Protein

4

Fats

20