Purple Yam Cake

INTRODUCTION

Purple Yam Cake, also known as Ube Cake, is a delightful dessert that brings a stunning burst of color and flavor to your table. Made with purple yam, this cake is not only visually appealing but also rich in taste. It is light, fluffy, and features a charming sweetness that comes from the combination of ube jam and cake batter. This cake is perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or just to treat yourself on a cozy day at home.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

When you make Purple Yam Cake, you will love several things about it. First, the vibrant purple color adds a festive touch. This cake is sure to impress your family and friends. The flavor of ube is unique and delicious, creating a delightful experience for anyone who tries it.

Moreover, the texture of the cake is fluffy and moist, making each bite a pleasure. The Swiss meringue buttercream adds a smooth finish, complementing the cake perfectly. This recipe is also fun to make! Mixing the ingredients and watching the cake rise in the oven is a rewarding experience. Whether you are a beginner or a baking expert, you will find joy in preparing this beautiful cake. Lastly, the cake is versatile. You can add your favorite toppings or serve it as is, making it very easy to personalize for any occasion.

HOW TO MAKE Purple Yam Cake

Making Purple Yam Cake involves a few steps but is straightforward. The process is broken down into making the cake itself, creating the Swiss meringue buttercream, and assembling the final cake. Let’s explore the directions in detail.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make Purple Yam Cake, you will need the following equipment:

• 3 8-inch round baking pans
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls (large and small)
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Toothpick or cake tester
• Cooling rack

Ingredients You’ll Need :

• 2 1/2 cups sifted cake flour
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp ube extract
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup milk (room temperature)
• 8 egg yolks (from large eggs, room temperature)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 3.5 oz ube jam (about 1/2 cup, room temperature)
• Purple gel food color (optional)
• 8 egg whites (from large eggs, room temperature)
• 1 tsp cream of tartar
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 5 egg whites (from large eggs)
• 1 cup granulated sugar + 2 tablespoons
• Pinch salt
• 2 cups unsalted butter (cut into parts, room temperature)
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Ube extract to taste

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

For the Ube Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line the bottom of your 3 8-inch round baking pans with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
3. In a large bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to aerate the flour for a lighter cake.
4. In a smaller bowl, mix together the ube extract, vegetable oil, and room temperature milk.
5. In another large bowl, beat the egg yolks. Gradually add 1/3 cup of sugar while beating until the mixture is light yellow and creamy.
6. Add the ube jam to the egg yolk mixture and mix until it’s smooth.
7. Now, fold the sifted flour mixture and the milk mixture alternately into the egg yolk mixture. Start with the flour and end with the flour.
8. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until they are foamy.
9. Add the cream of tartar and gradually mix in 3/4 cup of sugar until stiff peaks form.
10. Carefully fold the meringue into the cake batter using a rubber spatula. Be gentle to keep the batter light and fluffy.
11. Transfer the batter into the prepared pans. Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
12. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool upside down on a rack to keep their shape.

For the Ube Swiss Meringue Buttercream:

1. Follow the basic instructions for making Swiss meringue buttercream.
2. Add ube extract to taste, then whip until it is well incorporated and smooth.

Cake Assembly:

1. Once the cakes have cooled completely, trim the tops and sides to make them even.
2. Place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread a layer of the ube buttercream on top.
3. Add the second layer of cake on top and repeat the frosting step.
4. Top with the third layer and frost the entire cake with the Swiss meringue buttercream.
5. Decorate according to your preference.

HOW TO SERVE Purple Yam Cake

You can serve Purple Yam Cake at room temperature. It is often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. If you want to add more treats, consider serving it with fresh fruits like strawberries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of toasted coconut or nuts on top can also enhance the cake’s flavor and texture.

STORAGE & FREEZING : Purple Yam Cake

To store leftover Purple Yam Cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the cake. To freeze, wrap the individual layers tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place them in the freezer. They can last for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let the cake thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

This cake is perfect for many occasions! Serve it at birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or as a special treat just because. You can also offer it at potlucks or as a dessert during family dinners. For a stunning presentation, enhance the cake with edible flowers or colorful fruit garnishes.

VARIATIONS

You can switch up the recipe based on your preferences. Here are a few variations:

• Chocolate Ube Cake: Add cocoa powder to part of the flour for a chocolate twist.
• Ube Cheesecake: Mix ube puree into a cheesecake filling for a unique dessert.
• Cupcakes: Instead of a layered cake, make Purple Yam Cupcakes using the same batter and bake in cupcake wrappers.
• Layered with Fruits: Add layers of fruit like mango or berries between the cake layers for a fresh touch.

FAQs

1. What does ube taste like?
Ube has a subtle sweetness and a unique flavor, often described as a mix of vanilla and nuts.

2. Can I use fresh ube instead of ube jam?
Yes, you can use fresh steamed and pureed ube, but the consistency may vary.

3. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can try substituting the cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may differ.

4. How do I know when the cake is done?
A toothpick inserted into the center of the cake should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Purple Yam Cake

You can make the cake layers and the frosting ahead of time. Bake the cake layers and let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly and store them in the fridge or freezer. You can also prepare the buttercream in advance. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. When you’re ready to assemble, simply thaw and re-whip the frosting before decorating your cake.

Enjoy creating and sharing this wonderful Purple Yam Cake! The process and results give joy and satisfaction to everyone who bakes and eats it.

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