Get ready to dive into a delightful and colorful dessert with this Delicious Ube Biko Flan. This recipe combines the richness of flan with the nutty sweetness of ube, a purple yam known for its vibrant color and unique flavor. Not only is this dish an eye-catcher, but it also offers a healthy version of a traditional dessert that is great for meal prep and can fit into various dietary needs. With protein-rich ingredients and fiber from ube, it’s a delicious treat that can be enjoyed by everyone, including those on weight loss journeys or those looking for diabetic-friendly options.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS Delicious Ube Biko Flan

This Ube Biko Flan is perfect for gatherings or special occasions. Its creamy texture and beautiful presentation will impress your guests, while the combination of ube and flan will satisfy any sweet tooth. Plus, it’s a healthy option that includes ingredients contributing to a balanced diet. You can also customize this dessert to fit your dietary preferences, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Equipment 1: Medium Saucepan

You will need a medium saucepan for cooking the sugar and water for the caramel layer, as well as for making the ube mixture. A good-quality non-stick saucepan is ideal for this recipe, making it easier to handle these sweet components.

Equipment 2: Baking Dish

A 9 x 13-inch baking dish is required to hold the ube biko flan. This size is perfect for layering the caramel and ube mixture. Choose a dish that is oven-safe to ensure even cooking.

Equipment 3: Mixing Bowl

You’ll need a large mixing bowl to combine your flan mixture. The bowl should be big enough to whisk together the egg yolks and milk without spilling.

Equipment 4: Fine Sieve

Using a fine sieve helps to strain the flan mixture, ensuring a smooth texture without lumps. This step is essential to achieve that creamy consistency you desire in your finished dish.

Equipment 5: Roasting Pan

To create a water bath for baking the flan, you will need a larger roasting pan. This method helps to regulate the baking temperature and prevents the flan from cracking.

INGREDIENTS

Ingredient 1: Granulated Sugar

1 cup of granulated sugar is used for the caramel layer. This sugar will melt into a beautiful golden color, giving the flan a rich sweetness. Avoid overcooking to prevent burnt flavors.

Ingredient 2: Water

2 tablespoons of water will help dissolve the sugar for the caramel. Water is essential in ensuring the sugar melts evenly.

Ingredient 3: Glutinous Rice

2 cups of glutinous rice add texture to the biko. This rice has a sticky quality that binds the ube mixture together, making it hearty. It’s also a source of carbohydrates, providing energy.

Ingredient 4: Coconut Milk

1 cup of coconut milk adds creaminess and flavor to the ube mixture. Coconut milk contains healthy fats and can replace dairy in this recipe to make it more suitable for lactose intolerant individuals.

Ingredient 5: Ube Halaya

1 cup of ube halaya brings the vibrant purple color and sweet, nutty flavor unique to this dessert. Ube is rich in vitamins and minerals, offering a healthier twist.

Ingredient 6: Brown Sugar

3 tablespoons of brown sugar not only sweetens the dish but also adds a hint of caramel flavor that complements the flan. You can use less if desired for a lower-calorie version.

Ingredient 7: Ube Extract

1 teaspoon of ube extract intensifies the ube flavor in the dish. This extract makes the ube taste more pronounced without adding any extra calories.

Ingredient 8: Salt

1 teaspoon of salt enhances the overall flavors in the dessert, balancing the sweetness. It’s an essential ingredient in baking and cooking to elevate taste.

Ingredient 9: Egg Yolks

6 large egg yolks are the key to creating a rich, creamy flan. They are packed with protein, making this a high-protein dessert that’s satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredient 10: Sweetened Condensed Milk

1 can of sweetened condensed milk contributes to the flan’s creaminess and sweetness, giving it a luscious mouthfeel.

Ingredient 11: Evaporated Milk

1 can of evaporated milk adds richness while keeping the calorie count reasonable compared to heavy cream.

Ingredient 12: Vanilla Extract

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract enhances flavor and adds a lovely aroma to the flan, complementing the sweetness of the ube.

Ingredient 13: Lemon Juice (optional)

1 tablespoon of lemon juice can brighten the flavors. It adds a subtle tang that cuts through sweetness, making it a perfect addition if you enjoy a slightly tart flavor.

HOW TO MAKE Delicious Ube Biko Flan

Step 1: Prepare the caramel

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of water over medium heat. Allow the mixture to cook without stirring. As it cooks, watch for the sugar to turn a beautiful golden amber color, which usually takes around 8–10 minutes. Once it’s ready, carefully pour the caramel into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish and set it aside to harden, ensuring the bottom of the dish is covered evenly.

Step 2: Cook the rice

Rinse 2 cups of glutinous rice under cool water until the water runs mostly clear. In a pot, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water. Cook the rice over medium heat until the water is absorbed and the rice is partially tender, about 12–15 minutes. Once done, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the ube mixture

In a separate saucepan, mix 1 cup of coconut milk, 1 cup of ube halaya, 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ube extract, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook this mixture over medium-low heat until it becomes smooth and well-blended. Once smooth, add the partially cooked rice to the mixture, stirring continuously for 8–12 minutes until it thickens and sticks together. The sweet aroma will fill your kitchen, making this step truly delightful.

Step 4: Layer the ube biko

Gently spread the ube mixture over the hardened caramel layer in the baking dish. Press it down slightly to create an even layer that fills the dish and ensures it adheres well to the caramel underneath.

Step 5: Whisk the flan mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 6 large egg yolks, 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, 1 can of evaporated milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (if using). Strain this mixture through a fine sieve into another bowl to ensure a smooth texture, removing any lumps that may have formed.

Step 6: Combine layers

Slowly pour the flan mixture over the ube biko, ensuring it covers the top evenly without disrupting the layer beneath. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning during baking.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the baking dish inside a larger roasting pan. Pour hot water into the outer pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the baking dish. This water bath helps to create a steamy environment, ensuring the flan sets perfectly. Bake for 60–80 minutes, or until the flan is set around the edges but still has a slight jiggle in the center.

Step 8: Cool down

Once baking is complete, carefully remove the casserole from the water bath. Allow the dish to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. After it cools, refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and the texture firm up.

Step 9: Slice and serve

After chilling, run a thin knife around the edges of the flan to loosen it. Cut into squares and carefully lift out each piece, ensuring the caramel topping stays intact on top. Serve immediately and enjoy this colorful, creamy delight!

TIPS AND TRICKS

For a healthier version of this Ube Biko Flan, consider using less sugar or opting for a natural sweetener.
If you’re preparing this dessert for meal prep, you can make it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
This dessert is gluten-free and can be made diabetic-friendly by selecting sugar substitutes that meet your dietary requirements.
For variations, consider adding nuts or coconut flakes on top before serving for added texture and flavor.

Delicious Ube Biko Flan FAQ

Q1: Can I make a low-sugar version of Ube Biko Flan?

Yes! You can substitute the granulated sugar and brown sugar with low-calorie sweeteners to reduce the overall sugar content. Ensure you choose sweeteners that measure closely to sugar for better results.

Q2: How long can I store Ube Biko Flan?

Ube Biko Flan can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap to keep it fresh and prevent odors from affecting the flavor.

Q3: Is this dessert suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dessert is great for meal prep. You can make a big batch in advance and enjoy it throughout the week. Just portion it out into individual containers.

Q4: Is Ube Biko Flan high in protein?

Yes, the inclusion of egg yolks in the recipe contributes protein to this dessert, making it a high-protein meal option. It can be part of a balanced diet, especially when eaten in moderation.

CONCLUSION

The Delicious Ube Biko Flan is a fantastic dessert option that combines tradition with healthy eating. With its creamy, colorful layers and unique flavor, this dessert is sure to delight and impress. It’s an ideal treat for those seeking healthier sweets, as well as for anyone looking to add some color to their dessert table. We encourage you to try making this dish and share your experience with us, as well as any variations you have explored. Enjoy your cooking adventure!