Are you ready for a taste adventure that seamlessly blends two beloved desserts? Ube Cake Flan is a unique twist on the classic leche flan combined with the vibrant, nutty flavor of ube. As someone who has experimented with various Filipino desserts, this recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen!
Why Make This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The creamy sweetness of the flan pairs perfectly with the earthy, slightly sweet notes of ube, creating a delightful symphony of flavors.
- Visual Appeal: Bright purple hues make this dessert visually stunning, making it an eye-catching centerpiece for any gathering.
- Versatile Occasion Fit: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply an impress-your-friends kind of day, this cake flan is sure to be a hit.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and methods, even novice bakers can tackle this recipe successfully.
- Nutrition Boost: Ube is a nutritious root vegetable packed with antioxidants and vitamins, adding a healthy twist to this decadent dessert. Personally, I love making this recipe because it brings back fond memories of family celebrations and sharing it with loved ones.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 10
- Difficulty Level: Medium
- Cooking Method: Steaming and baking
This Ube Cake Flan is crafted by creating a luscious caramel flan that sits atop a moist ube cake. The combination not only delivers on flavor but also on presentation.
My Experience Making This Recipe
When I first attempted to make Ube Cake Flan, I encountered a few challenges—primarily with the caramel. However, with practice, I learned the right temperature to achieve a perfect golden color, and the layering of the flan and cake turned out beautifully in the end. The process has become a joyful ritual in my cooking routine, where I look forward to the final reveal of this stunning dessert!
How to Make Ube Cake Flan
Creating Ube Cake Flan is a two-part process. First, you will make the caramel by cooking sugar until it melts and turns golden. Next, prepare the flan mixture by blending eggs, evaporated milk, and ube. Bake everything in a water bath—not only does this ensure even cooking, but it also helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Just keep an eye on the time; overbaking can lead to a rubbery flan.
Expert Tips for Success
- Perfect Caramel: Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan for even heating and swirl the pan gently as the sugar melts to prevent burning.
- Quality Ube: Opt for pure ube extract or frozen ube, as it provides the best flavor and color. Avoid artificial coloring.
- Bain-Marie Technique: Ensure your water bath is filled to halfway up the sides of the flan mold to create gentle steam, which prevents cracking.
- Cool Properly: Allow your cake flan to cool completely before transferring to the fridge for chilling; this helps with texture.
- Serve Chilled: For the best experience, serve the Ube Cake Flan chilled, allowing all flavors to meld beautifully.
How to Serve Ube Cake Flan
- Presentation: Dust with grated coconut or shredded ube for an appealing garnish.
- Add Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh mangoes or a berry medley for a refreshing contrast.
- Pair with Coffee: Enjoy it alongside a strong cup of coffee or a creamy dessert wine to enhance the flavors.
- Special Events: This dessert can elevate any occasion, from family gatherings to festive celebrations.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store Ube Cake Flan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, it can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and serve cold. If you prefer, you can gently reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overdo it, as it can alter the texture.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: To adapt this recipe to be gluten-free, ensure that all your ingredients, including baking powder, are certified gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut milk for evaporated and condensed milk for a lighter, dairy-free variation.
- Flavor Swaps: Try blending in some pandan extract alongside the ube for a fragrant twist.
- Mini Versions: Bake in individual ramekins or muffin tins for personal-sized treats that are fun to serve.
Nutritional Highlights
Ube not only adds vibrant color but is also a good source of dietary fiber and antioxidants. When prepared, each slice is approximately 150-200 calories, depending on portion size. This dessert may contain dairy and eggs, so make sure to inform guests of allergens.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Rubbery Texture: Overbaking can cause the flan to become rubbery. Keep a close eye on the time and check for doneness with a toothpick.
- Caramel Hardening: If your caramel hardens too quickly after pouring, try reheating it gently on the stove to liquefy.
- Separation: If the layers begin to separate, ensure your batter is mixed thoroughly before layering, as this can help with cohesion during cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use fresh ube instead of ube extract?
Yes, you can use fresh ube. Boil and mash it before adding to your flan mixture. It may be less potent than extract, so you might need to adjust quantities to taste. -
What should I do if my flan falls apart while transferring?
Make sure the flan cools for at least 30 minutes before flipping. If it still breaks, simply serve it in bowl portions—delicious regardless! -
Is it necessary to use a water bath?
A water bath helps cook the flan evenly and maintain moisture. Skipping this step may lead to uneven cooking and cracking. -
Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! Ube Cake Flan can be made a day or two in advance, as the flavors deepen and improve with chilling.
Embrace the allure of Ube Cake Flan as a charming addition to your dessert repertoire, and enjoy impressing your friends and family with this delightful twist on a Filipino classic!
Ube Cake Flan
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious fusion of classic leche flan and ube cake, this stunning dessert is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar (for caramel)
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup ube extract or mashed ube
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup grated coconut (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the caramel by heating sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan until melted and golden.
- Pour caramel into the bottom of a flan mold and set aside to harden.
- In a mixing bowl, blend eggs, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and ube extract until smooth.
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and coconut milk until combined.
- Layer the ube cake batter on top of the caramel, then pour the flan mixture over the cake batter.
- Prepare a water bath (bain-marie) and place the mold inside.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 60 minutes or until set.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely before chilling in the fridge.
- To serve, invert the mold onto a serving plate and garnish with shredded coconut.
Notes
Serve chilled for the best experience. Can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Steaming and Baking
- Cuisine: Filipino