Creamy Ube Cheesecake

Creamy Ube Cheesecake is a vibrant, velvety dessert that blends rich cream cheese with the sweet, nutty flavor of ube (purple yam). With its stunning purple hue and ultra-smooth texture, this Filipino-inspired treat is perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave something unique and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Beautiful purple color that impresses every time
• Rich and creamy cheesecake texture
• Authentic ube flavor using ube halaya and extract
• Can be made ahead for easy entertaining
• Customizable crust options (graham, almond flour, Oreo)
• Naturally gluten-free when using almond flour crust
• Great freezer-friendly dessert
• Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or everyday cravings
• Combines familiar cheesecake with Filipino flair
• No complicated steps—just classic cheesecake with a twist

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cream cheese, softened
• Ube halaya (purple yam jam)
• Ube extract (optional, for deeper color and flavor)
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Sour cream or heavy cream
• Vanilla extract
• Crust: almond flour with butter, or graham cracker crumbs, or crushed Oreos with melted butter

directions

this recipe

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Prepare your crust by combining crumbs and melted butter. Press into a springform pan and pre-bake for 10–15 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix well.
3. Add ube halaya, ube extract (if using), vanilla, and sour cream or cream. Mix until fully combined.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time on low speed. Do not overmix.
5. Wrap the springform pan in foil and place in a water bath. Pour filling over the crust.
6. Bake for 60–75 minutes or until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles.
7. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake sit for 1 hour.
8. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 10 slices
• Prep time: 30 minutes
• Bake time: 60–75 minutes
• Chill time: 4–6 hours or overnight
• Total time: 6–8 hours

Variations

• No-bake version: Skip baking and chill for 8 hours to set
• Basque-style: Bake at high heat for a caramelized top
• Oreo crust: For a chocolatey contrast
• Gluten-free: Use almond flour or gluten-free cookie crust
• Mini cheesecakes: Use a muffin tin for individual servings
• Coconut topping: Add whipped coconut cream for a tropical touch
• Vegan: Use plant-based cream cheese and egg substitute
• Extra ube: Add more extract for deeper color and flavor
• Layered: Alternate ube filling with plain cheesecake
• Fruit topping: Serve with fresh berries or coconut flakes

storage/reheating

• Store in the fridge, covered, for up to 5 days
• Freeze individual slices for up to 1 month
• Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving
• Best served chilled or at room temperature

FAQs

What is ube halaya?

Ube halaya is a sweet purple yam jam from the Philippines, used in many desserts for its distinct flavor and color.

Can I use fresh ube instead of halaya?

Yes, but it needs to be cooked and mashed, and sweetened for best results.

Is ube extract necessary?

No, but it enhances the color and deepens the flavor.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely! It’s actually best when made a day ahead and chilled overnight.

Can I freeze ube cheesecake?

Yes, freeze slices for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

How do I avoid cracks in the cheesecake?

Use room-temperature ingredients, a water bath, and avoid overmixing the batter.

What’s the best crust for ube cheesecake?

Almond flour for a nutty base, graham for classic, or Oreo for a chocolatey twist.

Can I make this cheesecake without baking?

Yes, use a no-bake recipe variation and chill for at least 8 hours to set.

How long should it chill before serving?

At least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal for full flavor and texture.

What can I top it with?

Try coconut whipped cream, white chocolate shavings, or fresh fruit like blueberries or raspberries.

Conclusion

Creamy Ube Cheesecake brings together the classic decadence of cheesecake with the unique flavor and color of ube. It’s an eye-catching, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s both elegant and deeply comforting—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.

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