Ube Cupcakes with White Chocolate & Macadamia Nuts

These ube cupcakes are moist and fluffy with an irresistible, vibrant purple color.

Ube is a purple yam that is commonly used in a number of Asian countries, including the Philippines.

Now, yam is not something many of us would expect to find in a dessert recipe, but this is quite common in their native land.

Ube can be found in jams, cakes, pannacotta, jelly; almost any dessert you could think of!

In this recipe, we have added some fillings: buttery chopped macadamias and creamy white chocolate chips.

These ingredients give the soft, purple cakes a satisfying crunch in every bite to add some extra dimension. The nuttiness and creamy sweetness of these fillings compliment the subtle and sweet ube perfectly.

Why you will love this Ube Cupcake recipe…

Unexpected flavor combo– Ube is a unique ingredient to pair with the well-loved combo of white chocolate and macadamia.
Amazing texture- The cupcakes are fluffy and moist with pockets of melty chocolate and crunchy macadamias.
Visually stunning– The purple cupcake with the purple cream cheese icing is beautiful and unexpected.
Learn a Filipino dessert- Widen your culinary knowledge with a new cuisine using an unusual native ingredient.
Great for entertaining- These purple wonders are bound to be a showstopper.

Serving Suggestions

These cupcakes are great for a high tea spread, paired with a warm chai latte, or as a dessert for an Asian meal to keep up the theme of the dinner.

To enhance the appearance, you can sprinkle on extra chopped macadamias and drizzle on some melted white chocolate for an added pizzazz.

Expert Tips 🧑‍🍳

Use an ice cream scoop to portion the batter. This will help regulate your portions so the cupcakes bake evenly.
Don’t overmix the batter. Only mix until combined, or the texture will be dense.
Toast your macadamias. This brings out a delightful toasted depth of flavor.
Taste the ube halaya first. Each brand will vary in sweetness, so this will help you determine whether to add extra sugar or not.

These cupcakes are great for a high tea spread

Storage Suggestions

To store- Place the cupcakes in an airtight container. If they are iced, place them in the refrigerator, and if un-iced, they can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.
To freeze- The un-iced cupcakes are ideal for freezing for later. Place them in a freezer-safe container and label with the date. Freeze for up to 6 months.

Ube Cupcake FAQs

What does ube jam taste like?

Ube halaya or purple yam jam is a very unique ingredient that originates in the Philipines. It has a unique flavor that is nutty, sweet, and has a similar fragrance to vanilla. Many people describe the flavor as a combination of vanilla and pistachio.

What is the secret to moist cupcakes?

The secret to moist cupcakes is using the right balance of flour to wet ingredients, so be sure to measure them out accurately. It’s also essential not to overbake them.

Can you eat ube by itself?

Yes, ube can be eaten on its own as a starchy vegetable just like taro root. It needs time to cook to reach its full potential, so don’t rush the process.