Ube Macapuno Cake is a Filipino dessert that combines the rich, earthy flavor of ube (purple yam) with the sweet and chewy texture of macapuno (coconut sport). This cake is light, fluffy, and beautifully purple, making it a show-stopping treat for any occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups cake flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup white sugar
• 7 egg yolks
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup ube (purple yam), cooked and finely grated
• 1 teaspoon ube extract
• 7 egg whites
• ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
• ½ cup white sugar

For the Frosting and Filling:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup macapuno (sweetened coconut sport)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottoms of two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat egg yolks and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vegetable oil, milk, grated ube, and ube extract.
4. Gradually add sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. In another clean bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add ½ cup sugar while beating until stiff peaks form.
6. Gently fold the egg white mixture into the batter in batches, ensuring not to deflate the air.
7. Pour the batter into prepared pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
8. Prepare the frosting by whipping the heavy cream, ¼ cup sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
9. Assemble the cake by placing one layer on a serving plate. Spread whipped cream over the top and add a layer of macapuno. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with whipped cream.
10. Decorate as desired with extra macapuno and serve chilled.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~350
• Carbohydrates: ~50g
• Protein: ~5g
• Fat: ~15g
• Saturated Fat: ~8g
• Cholesterol: ~80mg
• Sodium: ~150mg
• Sugar: ~35g

What Makes Ube Macapuno Cake Special?

Ube Macapuno Cake stands out for several reasons. First, it boasts a naturally sweet and nutty flavor, enhanced by the richness of coconut. Unlike regular sponge cakes, this cake has a light yet moist texture, thanks to the ube and macapuno.

The bright purple hue of the cake is another characteristic that makes it unique. While ube naturally has a purple color, bakers often use ube extract to enhance the shade, giving the cake a striking appearance. This makes it not only a delicious treat but also a visually appealing centerpiece for any dessert table.

Another special aspect of this cake is its combination of textures. The airy sponge layers pair perfectly with the creamy frosting and the chewy strands of macapuno, creating a delightful contrast in every bite. The balance of flavors and textures makes Ube Macapuno Cake truly special and different from other traditional cakes.

The Cultural Significance of Ube and Macapuno

Both ube and macapuno have deep cultural roots in the Philippines. Ube is a staple ingredient in Filipino desserts, often used to make jams, ice cream, and pastries. It is considered a delicacy and is frequently prepared during special occasions such as Christmas and fiestas.

Macapuno, on the other hand, is a rare and prized variety of coconut that is often used in Filipino sweets. Unlike regular coconut, macapuno has a soft, jelly-like consistency, making it ideal for use in cakes, ice cream, and candies. Because macapuno is less common than traditional coconut, it is often considered a premium ingredient in Filipino desserts.

Together, ube and macapuno represent the rich agricultural heritage of the Philippines. The use of these ingredients in a cake reflects the Filipino love for sweet, creamy, and vibrant desserts that bring people together.

Variations of Ube Macapuno Cake

While the classic Ube Macapuno Cake consists of soft ube sponge cake layers filled with macapuno and covered in whipped cream, there are several variations of this dessert that cater to different preferences:

• Buttercream Frosting Version: Some bakers prefer to use buttercream instead of whipped cream for a richer, more indulgent taste. This version is especially popular for those who enjoy a slightly denser and creamier texture.
• Chiffon-Style Ube Cake: This version uses a chiffon cake base, making it even lighter and fluffier. It’s perfect for those who prefer a delicate and airy cake.
• Ube Macapuno Roll: Instead of a layered cake, some bakers create a roll cake version, where the sponge cake is rolled with macapuno filling and topped with ube-flavored icing.
• Cheesecake Fusion: A modern twist combines the flavors of Ube Macapuno Cake with a creamy cheesecake base, offering a more decadent and luscious dessert.
• Vegan and Gluten-Free Options: Health-conscious bakers have developed versions that use plant-based ingredients and gluten-free flour, allowing more people to enjoy this delicious cake.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

Ube Macapuno Cake pairs well with a variety of beverages and side treats. It is often enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee, milk tea, or even traditional Filipino drinks like sago’t gulaman (sweet tapioca and jelly drink) or salabat (ginger tea).

For an extra indulgence, some people serve Ube Macapuno Cake with a scoop of ube ice cream or a drizzle of condensed milk. The combination of different textures and temperatures makes for an unforgettable dessert experience.

This cake is best served chilled, as it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. It can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, making it a great make-ahead dessert for special occasions.

Health Benefits of Ube and Macapuno

While Ube Macapuno Cake is undeniably a sweet treat, some of its key ingredients offer surprising health benefits:

• Ube (Purple Yam): This vibrant tuber is rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Ube is also a good source of fiber, vitamins C and E, and potassium, making it beneficial for digestion and overall health.
• Macapuno (Coconut Sport): Unlike regular coconut, macapuno is softer and sweeter, but it still provides essential nutrients like healthy fats, fiber, and electrolytes. It is also known to support hydration and digestion.

Of course, Ube Macapuno Cake is best enjoyed in moderation, as it contains sugar and cream. However, the presence of nutrient-rich ingredients makes it a slightly better option than highly processed desserts.

Why You Should Try Making Ube Macapuno Cake

If you love baking and want to explore Filipino cuisine, making Ube Macapuno Cake is a great way to start. This cake is not only delicious but also a fantastic introduction to the rich and diverse flavors of Filipino desserts.

It is also a great recipe to make for family gatherings, birthdays, and holidays. The vibrant color, unique taste, and delightful texture make it a conversation piece at any event. Plus, the process of making it—from cooking the ube to whipping the cream—can be a fun and rewarding baking experience.

Conclusion

Ube Macapuno Cake is more than just a dessert—it is a celebration of Filipino flavors, culture, and tradition. Its combination of ube’s earthy sweetness and macapuno’s chewy, coconut goodness makes it a truly unique and irresistible treat.

Whether you’re a fan of Filipino cuisine or simply looking for a beautiful and delicious cake to try, Ube Macapuno Cake is a must-bake. With its stunning purple hue, soft and fluffy texture, and creamy coconut filling, it’s no wonder this cake has captured the hearts of dessert lovers around the world.