Ube Cupcakes

INTRODUCTION

Ube cupcakes are a delightful treat that brings a taste of the Philippines right to your kitchen. They showcase the lovely purple yam known as ube, which has gained popularity around the world for its unique flavor and vibrant color. Ube is sweet, nutty, and adds a beautiful hue to baked goods, making these cupcakes not just tasty but also visually stunning. Topping them with a fluffy ube whipped cream frosting makes them even more irresistible.

In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make these soft and moist ube cupcakes that everyone will love. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a casual day, these cupcakes are perfect for all kinds of celebrations.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are several reasons why you will adore these ube cupcakes. First, they are incredibly simple to make. With easy-to-follow steps, even the novice baker will find joy in creating these treats. Second, the flavor is out of this world. The combination of ube jam and extract brings a rich, sweet taste that is hard to resist.

Furthermore, the soft texture of the cupcakes perfectly complements the airy whipped cream frosting. This makes each bite a delightful experience. Not to mention, the beautiful lavender color will impress your family and friends. Whether you are serving them at a party or enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cupcakes will surely brighten your day.

HOW TO MAKE UBE CUPCAKES

Making ube cupcakes is a straightforward process that involves a few simple steps. Below, you will find detailed instructions to help you bake your own batch of these lovely cupcakes.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make ube cupcakes, you will need the following equipment:

• A cupcake pan
• Cupcake liners
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Sifter
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Microwave-safe bowl

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup canola oil or vegetable oil
• 1 cup ube jam (1 heaping cup)
• 3 tsp ube extract
• 1 cup cake flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp unflavoured gelatine
• 2 tbsp cold water
• 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar (for frosting)
• 1 tbsp ube extract (for frosting)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
2. Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners. This helps the cupcakes not to stick.
3. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, and oil together until everything is combined.
4. Add the ube jam to the bowl, and whisk until the mixture is smooth and even.
5. Mix in the ube extract for added flavor.
6. Next, sift in the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently combine everything by folding it together, being cautious not to over-mix.
7. Scoop the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them a little over half full.
8. Place the cupcake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You can check the cupcakes by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out with minimal crumbs, they are done.
9. Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool completely before frosting.

For the ube whipped cream frosting:

1. Start by blooming the unflavoured gelatine in 2 tablespoons of cold water. This means letting it sit until it absorbs the water and thickens.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with the sugar and ube extract until medium peaks form.
3. To dissolve the gelatine, you can microwave it for about 10 seconds. Then, temper it by adding a spoonful of the whipped cream to the gelatine. Mix well to combine.
4. Carefully fold the gelatine mixture into the whipped cream until you achieve stiff peaks.
5. Once the cupcakes are cool, frost them with the ube whipped cream frosting and decorate as desired.

HOW TO SERVE UBE CUPCAKES

Ube cupcakes are perfect for serving at any gathering. You can present them on a beautiful cake stand or on a simple platter. They can be enjoyed plain or decorated with colorful sprinkles for fun. Adding a sprinkle of edible glitter can also give them a festive touch. When serving, consider pairing them with some fresh fruits or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.

STORAGE & FREEZING: UBE CUPCAKES

If you have leftover ube cupcakes, you can store them easily. Place the cooled cupcakes in an airtight container. They can stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy one, simply thaw it at room temperature and frost it before serving.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

To make your cupcake experience more enjoyable, consider pairing ube cupcakes with beverages like milk, coffee, or tea. You can also add sides like fresh fruits, chocolate sauce, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, consider using colorful toppings or ube-flavored ice cream to complement the flavors.

VARIATIONS

You can add your twist to ube cupcakes by trying different variations. Here are a few ideas:

• Ube and Coconut: Add shredded coconut to the batter or as a topping for a tropical flair.
• Ube Chocolate Chip: Fold in some chocolate chips before baking for a delicious sweet contrast.
• Mini Ube Cupcakes: Use a mini cupcake pan to create bite-sized treats perfect for parties.
• Different Frostings: Experiment with cream cheese frosting, or a chocolate ganache to see what you enjoy most.

FAQs

What is ube?

Ube is a purple yam commonly used in Filipino desserts. It has a sweet, nutty flavor and bright purple color, which makes it popular in various dishes and treats.

Can I use fresh ube instead of ube jam?

Yes, you can use fresh ube if you steam and mash it until smooth. However, using ube jam gives a more concentrated flavor and sweetness.

How do I know when my cupcakes are done baking?

You can check if your cupcakes are done by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with minimal crumbs, they are ready.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free. Just ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR UBE CUPCAKES

If you’re planning to bake ube cupcakes in advance, here are some tips. You can make the cupcake batter a day earlier and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just scoop the batter into the liners and bake as directed. Also, you can make the frosting a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just remember to give it a good whip before using it to frost your cupcakes.

These ube cupcakes are a delightful treat that is not only fun to make but also delicious to eat. Enjoy baking, and happy eating!

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