The Ube Macapuno Cake is a beloved Filipino dessert that showcases the unique flavors of ube (purple yam) and macapuno (coconut sport). This vibrant purple cake is not only visually stunning but also rich in taste, combining the earthy sweetness of ube with the creamy texture of macapuno. Light and fluffy, the cake layers are perfectly complemented by the coconut topping, creating a tropical treat that is both delicious and indulgent. Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this cake is sure to impress with its distinctive flavors and gorgeous presentation.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ube (purple yam), cooked and mashed
- 2 1/2 cups cake flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 6 egg yolks
- 7 egg whites
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 3/4 cup sugar (for meringue)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 jar macapuno (coconut sport) strings
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottoms of two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the ube, coconut milk, vegetable oil, and egg yolks. Whisk until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until smooth.
- In another large bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add 3/4 cup sugar, beating continuously until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the meringue into the cake batter, one-third at a time, until fully incorporated.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cakes are cool, spread the macapuno strings between the two layers and on top as desired.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 360 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Nutritional Benefits of Ube Macapuno Cake
Ube Macapuno Cake, a vibrant and colorful dessert from the Philippines, offers a unique blend of flavors and ingredients that provide some nutritional benefits along with its indulgent taste.
- Rich in Antioxidants: The primary ingredient, ube (purple yam), is rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins. These antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain cancers. The vibrant purple color of ube is a direct result of these beneficial compounds.
- High in Fiber: Ube is a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Consuming fiber-rich foods can also support heart health by lowering cholesterol levels.
- Moderate Sugar Content: While this cake does contain sugar from ingredients like condensed milk and sweetened coconut, using natural ube can moderate the glycemic impact compared to more processed desserts. It’s still a treat, but the natural sweetness of ube offers a less intense sugar rush than refined sugar-heavy alternatives.
- Coconut’s Nutritional Value: Macapuno, a soft, jelly-like coconut variety, is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of fat that is more easily digested and used by the body for energy. MCTs can support weight management and provide quick, sustained energy.
- Calcium and Iron: The cake is often made with ingredients such as milk and eggs, which add to its calcium and iron content. Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, while iron supports the production of red blood cells, preventing anemia.
History and Origin of Ube Macapuno Cake
The Ube Macapuno Cake is a beloved Filipino dessert that showcases the country’s rich history of incorporating locally grown ingredients like ube (purple yam) and macapuno (a rare variety of coconut) into their cuisine.
Ube, a vibrant purple yam, has been a staple in Filipino cuisine for centuries. Indigenous to the Philippines, it is used in a wide range of dishes, from desserts like ube halaya (a sweet ube jam) to savory dishes. Ube’s distinct flavor, which is often described as mildly sweet with a hint of nuttiness, made it an ideal ingredient for desserts. Its rise to global popularity in recent years has introduced international audiences to its striking color and unique taste.
Macapuno, on the other hand, refers to a variety of coconut that has a soft, jelly-like texture. While standard coconuts produce firm meat and liquid, macapuno has a much more gelatinous and creamy consistency, making it a prized ingredient for desserts.
The combination of ube and macapuno in cakes reflects the Filipino tradition of using local, tropical ingredients to create indulgent and memorable sweets. This cake, often served during special occasions such as birthdays, fiestas, and holidays, holds cultural significance as a celebratory dish, symbolizing abundance and joy. Over time, Ube Macapuno Cake has become a favorite not just in the Philippines but in Filipino communities worldwide.
The Ube Macapuno Cake is a beloved Filipino dessert that showcases the unique flavors of ube (purple yam) and macapuno (coconut sport). This vibrant purple cake is not only visually stunning but also rich in taste, combining the earthy sweetness of ube with the creamy texture of macapuno. Light and fluffy, the cake layers are perfectly complemented by the coconut topping, creating a tropical treat that is both delicious and indulgent. Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this cake is sure to impress with its distinctive flavors and gorgeous presentation.
Modern Variations and Popularity
In recent years, Ube Macapuno Cake has gained popularity beyond the Philippines, especially with the rising trend of ube-flavored desserts around the globe. From ube donuts to ube ice cream, this purple yam is now featured in many fusion desserts in the U.S., Japan, and other countries with strong culinary influences.
Bakeries have started incorporating modern twists on the traditional Ube Macapuno Cake. Some versions include ube-flavored chiffon cake layers, while others infuse the frosting with ube or decorate it with macapuno strands and shredded coconut. The use of ube powder or ube extract has also made it easier for home bakers to recreate this iconic dessert without access to fresh ube.
Conclusion
Ube Macapuno Cake is not just a feast for the eyes but also a delicious and nutrient-packed treat. The combination of antioxidant-rich ube and energy-boosting macapuno creates a cake that is not only visually stunning but also carries health benefits in moderation. Its history as a Filipino dessert beloved for generations highlights the deep cultural ties to the country’s natural ingredients and culinary creativity.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional Filipino sweets or exploring ube’s global rise in the dessert world, the Ube Macapuno Cake is a must-try. Its unique blend of flavors and textures make it a showstopper at any gathering, and a true symbol of the rich flavors of the Philippines.