A Quick and creamy Ube Halaya 

Powdered Purple Yams from the Philippines are used in this recipe to create the Ube Halaya. I use the powdered because it has a smooth texture, is easy to use, and has a longer shelf life than fresh yams – which are next to impossible to find in the USA.

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THE RECIPE

Yields

Approximately 1 to 1 ½ cups (about 250 to 300 ml) of ube jam.

Ingredients

• 6 tbsp Ube powder (dehydrated purple yam). For this recipe I used Bionutricia Ube Purple Yam Extract Powder 
• 1 cup Full-fat coconut milk (NOT coconut cream – too thick)
• ½ cup Sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 1 pinch Salt
• Optional: ¼ tsp ube clear extract for a stronger ube flavor. For this recipe I used 100% Natural UBE Flavoring Extract by Halo Pantry

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Whisk the ube powder and coconut milk together in a cold non-stick pan. Let it sit for 5 minutes so the powder absorbs the liquid and avoids a grainy texture. 

2. Combine: Turn the heat to medium-low. Stir in the condensed milk, salt, and optional ube extract. 

3. Simmer and Stir: Simmer on medium-low and stir constantly with a silicone spatula or whisk to prevent sticking or burning at the bottom of the pan. 

4. Thicken: Cook for about 15 minutes until the mixture turns very heavy and pulls away cleanly from the sides of the pan. 

5. Finish: Remove from heat. Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until glossy and completely smooth. Cool before using or storing.

How to Store Ube Jam Safely for Longer Shelf Life

To store homemade ube jam safely, let it cool completely at room temperature, then pack it into an airtight container or sterilized glass jar. It can keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 to 6 months.

Keep in mind that homemade halaya contains coconut milk and dairy with no chemical preservatives, so it spoils quickly if left exposed or handled with unsterilized utensils.

Safe Storage Methods

• Refrigerator Storage: Place the cooled jam in a sealed container. It firms up significantly when cold; so let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes or microwave it briefly to soften before spreading
• Freezer Storage: Portion the jam into heavy-duty freezer bags or airtight containers. Flatten bags to save space and thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before use.

Rewarm Chilled or Thawed Ube Jam

To rewarm chilled or thawed ube jam, microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl in 10-second bursts. You can stir in a tiny splash of liquid between bursts until soft, but I found it comes back to room temperature without adding anything extra.

Ways to Use Ube Halaya

• Breakfast Treat: Spread it generously over warm toast, or croissants.
• Halo-Halo Topping: Scoop a dollop over traditional Filipino shaved ice desserts.
• Pastry & Cake Filling: Use it as a rich center layer for Ube Cake Rolls or as a filling for sweet Halo-Halo Turon.
• Baked Goods: Fold the jam directly into batter for Ube Crinkle Cookies, Ube Blondies or Ube Mochi Cake and more.
• Parfaits & Desserts: Layer it with coconut whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes for an Ube Halaya Parfait.

💜  Until Next Time… Stay Sweet and Follow Your Purple 💜 

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