Looking for a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious? This Delicious and Vibrant Ube Macapuno Cake is the perfect blend of sweet, nutty, and creamy — all in one stunning slice. Featuring the rich purple hue of ube (purple yam) and the soft, chewy texture of macapuno coconut, this cake brings together two beloved flavors from Filipino cuisine into a moist, airy, and utterly unforgettable dessert.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, holiday, or just want to impress your guests with something unique, this Ube Macapuno Cake will steal the show. It’s light yet indulgent, vibrant yet comforting — making it a must-have for any occasion.
Let’s dive into the full recipe and discover why this cake deserves a spot on your dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Ube Macapuno Cake
This cake isn’t just tasty — it offers several benefits that make it a standout dessert choice:
- Eye-Catching Appearance : The deep purple color from ube makes it an instant visual favorite.
- Unique Flavor Combination : Ube and macapuno create a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
- Moist & Airy Texture : Thanks to the whipped egg white base, this cake stays tender and fluffy.
- Easy to Make at Home : No fancy equipment required — just basic baking tools and ingredients.
- Great for Special Occasions : Perfect for birthdays, fiestas, or family gatherings.
- Versatile for Dietary Needs : Easily adaptable for gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free diets.
If you’re looking for a beautiful and flavorful Filipino dessert , this cake checks all the boxes.
Ingredients Needed for Ube Macapuno Cake
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this vibrant dessert. All ingredients are pantry-friendly and easy to find, especially in Asian grocery stores or online.
For the Cake:
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 7 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
- 1 teaspoon ube extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 can (12 oz) macapuno coconut sport, drained and chopped
Ube halaya is a thick, sweetened paste made from mashed purple yam — it gives the cake its signature flavor and color. If unavailable, you can substitute with homemade ube mixture or use frozen pureed ube.
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ube extract
The frosting is light, airy, and complements the richness of the cake without overpowering it.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Ube Macapuno Cake
Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of this stunning cake at home.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure the cakes release easily after baking.
Step 2: Sift the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together:
- Cake flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
Set aside. Sifting helps eliminate lumps and aerates the flour for a lighter cake.
Step 3: Beat the Egg Yolks and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat:
- 7 egg yolks
- ½ cup sugar
using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture becomes pale yellow, thick, and forms ribbons when the beaters are lifted.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Gradually add:
- Vegetable oil
- Ube halaya
- Ube extract
- Whole milk
Mix well until smooth and fully incorporated.
This creates a rich, velvety base that infuses every bite with ube flavor.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold in the sifted dry ingredients using a spatula. Mix gently until just combined — avoid overmixing to keep the batter light and airy.
Step 6: Whip the Egg Whites
In a separate clean bowl, beat:
- 7 egg whites
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
until soft peaks form.
Gradually add the remaining ½ cup sugar , beating continuously until stiff, glossy peaks form.
Whipping the egg whites separately ensures a light and fluffy cake texture.
Step 7: Fold in the Meringue
Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter in thirds, using a spatula and folding motion to preserve air bubbles.
This step is crucial for achieving a tall, airy cake.
Step 8: Divide and Bake the Batter
Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans.
Smooth the tops with a spatula and bake for 25–30 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes , then run a knife around the edges and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 9: Prepare the Ube Whipped Cream Frosting
In a medium bowl, whip:
- Heavy cream
- Powdered sugar
- Ube extract
until stiff peaks form.
Refrigerate the frosting while you assemble the cake.
Step 10: Assemble the Cake
Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
Spread a thin layer of chopped macapuno evenly over the top.
Add a generous layer of whipped cream frosting on top of the macapuno.
Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream.
For extra flair, garnish with additional macapuno pieces or edible flowers.
What to Serve With Ube Macapuno Cake
This cake is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a variety of beverages and accompaniments:
- Hot Tea or Coffee : Balances the sweetness and enhances the earthy ube notes.
- Cold Milk or Horchata : A classic pairing for desserts in many cultures.
- Fruit Salad : Adds freshness and contrasts the richness of the cake.
- Coconut Sorbet or Ice Cream : Complements the tropical flavors of macapuno.
- Filipino Halo-Halo : For a full dessert experience featuring multiple local favorites.
It also makes a lovely centerpiece for birthdays, weddings, or cultural celebrations.
How to Store and Reheat Ube Macapuno Cake
Since this is a delicate cake with a whipped cream frosting, proper storage is key to maintaining quality.
Storing:
- Refrigerator : Store leftovers in an airtight container or under a cake dome for up to 3 days .
- Freezing : Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Freeze for up to 2 months .
To prevent the cake from absorbing fridge odors, store it away from strong-smelling foods.
Reheating:
- Microwave : Heat for 10–15 seconds for a slightly warm, fudgy texture.
- Room Temperature : Let sit out for 20–30 minutes before serving to soften the frosting.
Tip: Thaw frozen slices overnight in the fridge before reheating for optimal results.
Nutritional Info & Calories in Ube Macapuno Cake
Each serving (based on 12 servings) contains approximately:
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 30g |
Health Benefits:
- Ube : High in antioxidants, fiber, and potassium.
- Macapuno : Contains natural sugars and small amounts of protein and minerals.
- Egg Whites : Provide lean protein and help with volume.
- Cream & Sugar : Offers quick energy but should be consumed in moderation.
This cake can easily be made healthier by using reduced-fat cream, coconut milk, or alternative sweeteners.
Is Ube Macapuno Cake Good for Breakfast, Snack Time, or Dessert?
Yes! This cake is versatile enough to enjoy at any time of day.
✅ Best for:
- Dessert : The ultimate sweet treat served after meals or during special occasions.
- Snack Time : Enjoy a slice with coffee or tea for a midday pick-me-up.
- Brunch : Pair with fresh fruit or yogurt for a colorful breakfast option.
- Celebrations : Always a crowd-pleaser at birthdays, weddings, or cultural events.
Because it’s rich and satisfying, it works best as a dessert or occasional treat rather than a daily snack.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Use Fresh Ube Instead of Halaya?
Yes! Boil and mash fresh ube , then cook it with sugar, butter, and evaporated milk to make a homemade halaya. Blend until smooth before adding to the batter.
Is This Cake Gluten-Free?
No, it uses regular cake flour. To make it gluten-free:
- Substitute with gluten-free cake flour blend
- Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free
Can I Make This Vegan?
Yes! Simply replace:
- Eggs with chia or flax eggs
- Heavy cream with coconut cream
- Butter with coconut oil
- Use plant-based ube halaya
Can I Use Another Type of Coconut?
Yes! If macapuno is unavailable, you can substitute with shredded or desiccated coconut for a different texture.
Can I Make Cupcakes Instead?
Yes! Fill lined muffin cups about ¾ full and bake for 18–22 minutes . Top with whipped cream and macapuno.
Can I Make This Ahead?
Yes! Bake and frost the cake a day in advance. Store in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.
Conclusion – Try This Ube Macapuno Cake Today!
This Delicious and Vibrant Ube Macapuno Cake is the perfect celebration of Filipino flavors and textures. It’s light yet indulgent, colorful yet comforting — making it a go-to recipe for birthdays, holidays, or simply treating yourself to something special.
From prep to assembly, it takes a few hours but delivers restaurant-quality results that everyone will love. And with endless customization options, you can make it your own while still keeping it nourishing and satisfying.
So next time you’re craving a dessert that stands out, give this Ube Macapuno Cake a try!
Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later, share it with friends, or leave a comment below if you tried it!
Additional Tips for Making the Best Ube Macapuno Cake
To help you get the most out of your baking experience, here are a few expert tips and tricks:
🎂 Choosing the Right Pans
Use two 9-inch round pans for even layers. Avoid non-stick pans — they can interfere with rising.
🍠 Ube Extract vs. Paste
While ube halaya provides the main flavor and color, adding ube extract boosts the aroma and depth of flavor.
🧁 Frosting Tips
Chill the bowl and beaters before whipping the cream for better volume. Avoid overwhipping to prevent curdling.
🥣 Batch Size Adjustments
Double the ingredients to serve more guests or make mini versions for parties.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Garnish with candied macapuno, edible gold dust, or crushed pistachios for an elegant presentation.
Dietary Adaptations for Ube Macapuno Cake
Whether you follow a special diet or have food sensitivities, this cake can be easily adapted:
👩🌾 Vegan Option
- Replace eggs with flax or chia eggs
- Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream
- Swap sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup
- Use plant-based ube halaya
🚫 Gluten-Free Option
- Use gluten-free cake flour
- Check that ube halaya and macapuno are GF-certified
🥛 Dairy-Free Option
- Use coconut milk or oat milk
- Substitute butter with coconut oil
- Use dairy-free cream cheese or coconut cream
🥦 Low-Sugar Option
- Reduce sugar to ¾ cup total
- Use stevia or monk fruit as a partial replacement
- Choose unsweetened ube halaya if available
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Ube Macapuno Cake
Even the simplest recipes can go wrong if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
❌ Overmixing the Batter
Overmixing causes gluten development, leading to a dense or rubbery cake. Mix only until combined.
❌ Not Folding Properly
Rushing through the folding process deflates the meringue and leads to a flat cake. Take your time and use a gentle folding motion.
❌ Using Cold Ingredients
Cold eggs and cream don’t whip as well. Bring all ingredients to room temperature before starting.
❌ Skipping the Parchment Paper
Not lining the pans can cause sticking. Always line the bottom and lightly grease the sides.
Creative Variations of Ube Macapuno Cake
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these fun twists:
🍓 Ube Macapuno Layer Cake with Berries
Layer sliced strawberries or mango between the cake layers for a fruity twist.
🧁 Ube Macapuno Roll Cake
Make a sponge roll version by spreading the batter on a jellyroll pan and rolling it with macapuno filling.
🍰 Ube Macapuno Cupcakes
Fill cupcake liners and bake for a handheld version. Top with piped frosting and macapuno.
🧊 Ube Macapuno Cheesecake
Create a no-bake cheesecake layer with ube purée, cream cheese, and condensed milk on a graham cracker crust.
🧁 Ube Macapuno Trifle
Layer cubes of ube cake with whipped cream, custard, and macapuno in a glass trifle dish.
Final Thoughts
This Delicious and Vibrant Ube Macapuno Cake is a must-have in any baker’s repertoire. It combines the goodness of whole foods with the joy of Filipino-inspired baking. Whether you’re looking for a festive dessert, a cultural treat, or just something new to try, this cake delivers every time.
From prep to presentation, it’s a simple process that yields big rewards. And with endless customization options, you can make it your own while still keeping it nourishing and satisfying.
So go ahead — whip up a cake today and savor the warmth, flavor, and beauty of Filipino desserts in every bite!
✅ Recipe Recap:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 12
- Calories Per Serving: ~380 kcal
- Diet Type: Vegetarian, adaptable for vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-sugar diets