Ube Leche Flan Cake Recipe

If you have a sweet spot for Filipino desserts that are both stunning and utterly delightful, you are going to fall head over heels for this Ube Leche Flan Cake Recipe. It brings together the rich, creamy decadence of leche flan with the vibrant, subtly sweet goodness of ube cake, creating a gorgeous layered treat that’s perfect for celebrations or whenever you want a special indulgence. Each bite offers a harmonious mix of velvety caramel, smooth custard, and moist purple yam-infused cake that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to make this Ube Leche Flan Cake Recipe is incredibly rewarding because the ingredients are straightforward yet essential. Each component plays a crucial role, from creating the luscious caramel coating to building the soft and flavorful ube cake layers.

• Sweetened condensed milk: This delivers the necessary sweetness and creamy texture to the leche flan layer.
• Evaporated milk: Adds richness without making the flan too heavy.
• Large egg yolks: The key to the smooth and silky texture of the leche flan.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warm, aromatic notes to both the flan and the cake.
• Granulated sugar (for caramel): The magic ingredient to create that signature golden caramel base.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the ube cake ensuring a soft crumb.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise perfectly.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Adds moisture and tender richness to the cake.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake batter for a delightful balance.
• Large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cake batter.
• Ube halaya (mashed purple yam): The star ingredient giving the cake its beautiful color and earthy sweetness.
• Whole milk: Keeps the cake tender and moist.
• Ube extract or ube powder: Enhances the purple color and intensifies the ube flavor.

How to Make Ube Leche Flan Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel for Leche Flan

Start by melting the granulated sugar slowly over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Watch as the sugar transforms into that irresistible golden caramel that’s the foundation of the leche flan layer. Pour it straight into the bottom of your cake pan and swirl it to coat evenly; this ensures every slice has that sweet, slightly bitter caramel bite.

Step 2: Make the Leche Flan Mixture

Whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. This mixture will become a silky custard that sits just beneath the ube cake, creating a delicious contrast in texture and flavor.

Step 3: Pour Leche Flan Over Caramel

Carefully pour the leche flan mixture over the cooled caramel layer in the cake pan. Be gentle to maintain the caramel’s even coating. Set this aside while you move on to the cake batter.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Dry Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix will ensure your cake rises nicely and has an even crumb.

Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to getting that tender texture in your ube cake.

Step 6: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Incorporate the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed in before adding the next. Then fold in the vanilla extract, ube halaya, and ube extract to infuse your batter with beautiful color and flavor.

Step 7: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and whole milk to the wet batter, starting and ending with the flour blend. Mix gently but thoroughly until you achieve a smooth, luscious batter ready to be layered.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Pour the ube cake batter on top of the leche flan mixture in your cake pan, spreading evenly with a spatula. This layering creates the dynamic dual texture and flavor of the whole dessert.

Step 9: Bake with a Water Bath

Place your cake pan inside a larger roasting pan, then carefully pour hot water into the outer pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the cake pan. This water bath ensures gentle, even cooking which is crucial for the perfect flan texture without cracking.

Step 10: Bake and Cool

Bake for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and the flan is set. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before moving on to chilling.

Step 11: Chill and Unmold

Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours or overnight to let everything set properly. When ready, run a knife around the edges to loosen, place a plate on top, and flip the pan to reveal your masterpiece. The caramel will drizzle beautifully over the cake.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Slice your chilled ube leche flan cake and savor the creamy layers bursting with flavor and color. It’s a dessert that tastes as spectacular as it looks.

How to Serve Ube Leche Flan Cake Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Ube Leche Flan Cake Recipe, consider garnishing with toasted coconut flakes for a subtle crunch or a sprinkle of edible gold dust to make it party-ready. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream also pair beautifully, adding a hint of brightness to balance the cake’s creaminess.

Side Dishes

This cake shines best on its own or accompanied by a light fruit salad — think citrus segments or mango slices to add a refreshing contrast. A cup of hot tea or coffee complements the rich flavors perfectly, making every bite even more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation matters, especially with this Instagram-worthy dessert. Serve individual slices with a drizzle of coconut syrup or ube sauce for a dramatic touch. Alternatively, try layering mini servings in clear glass cups to highlight the distinct layers, making it an elegant option for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Ube Leche Flan Cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, maintaining its creamy texture and vibrant flavor.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It’s best enjoyed within 1 month of freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

This cake is designed to be enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t recommended. Just let frozen pieces thaw completely in the fridge, and they’ll taste just as delightful as freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use ube powder instead of ube extract?

Absolutely! Ube powder is a great alternative if you don’t have ube extract. Just mix it with a little milk to create a smooth paste before adding it to your batter, ensuring vibrant color and authentic flavor.

Do I need a water bath for baking?

Yes, the water bath is essential for this Ube Leche Flan Cake Recipe because it creates a moist, even heat environment. This prevents the leche flan from cracking and helps the custard cook gently alongside the cake.

What’s the best way to serve this cake?

The cake should be served chilled. Serve slices straight from the fridge to enjoy the cool, smooth leche flan layer paired with the soft ube cake. Adding simple garnishes like toasted coconut or fresh fruit can make it even more special.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

This recipe relies heavily on eggs, milk, and condensed milk for its signature texture and flavor, so it’s not easily veganized without significant modifications. For a vegan version, you might need to look for a specialized recipe designed with plant-based ingredients.

How long does the cake need to chill?

For the best texture and flavor, chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, though overnight chilling is recommended. This gives the leche flan layer time to set completely and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Ube Leche Flan Cake Recipe is truly a gem to have in your dessert repertoire. It brings together the best of Filipino flavors in a way that’s both comforting and impressive, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic that never fails to bring smiles to the table. So go ahead, whip up a batch and experience the magic!

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