This is the best and the original ube cheesecake recipe. The recipe that’s inspired so many copycats; it just goes to show how outstanding this recipe is. And it does have everything you’ve ever wanted in an ube dessert. Luxurious ube cheesecake filling on a bed of crunchy coconut cookie crust then topped with creamy coconut whipped cream. So good.
(Love ube cheesecakes? Try this ube Basque cheesecake recipe for a creamy, dreamy variation. Or ube cheesecake bars, a fantastic 2-in-1 ube dessert.)
I love all things ube, especially ube cakes:
- For the best ube cake try my recipe for ube cake (Filipino purple yam cake) — it’s one of the most popular recipes on TUB.
- If you’re looking for a simple ube cake recipe, this ube chiffon cake is exactly what you need.
- Want a no bake ube cake? Try ube tiramisu.
Now ube cheesecake, this one is an all-time reader-favorite. And for good reason.
It’s just so good! Dangerously good. You won’t be able to stop eating it good.
And with that gorgeous purple color, it has that wow factor too that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Find out why so many people have tried to copy, but never perfectly replicate, this wonderfully creamy, mouthwatering, purple cheesecake recipe.
Why you’ll love ube halaya cheesecake
If ube sounds foreign and unfamiliar to you, see FAQs below.
The quick and simple explanation is it’s Filipino purple yam and used mostly for desserts, the most common of which is ube halaya or ube jam.
If you’re already a fan of ube, ube cheesecake will become a staple in your baking arsenal for sure:
- Easy to make. Cheesecakes have a reputation for being fussy to make but I break down these steps for you into manageable parts so making it is a breeze! We also don’t need a water bath so that’s one less thing we need to worry about. It’s a no-fail recipe and even novice bakers can do it.
- Coconut cookie crust. Instead of the usual graham cracker crust, we have a coconut cookie crust, one of my favourite crusts to make. It’s so simple but so good. It’s the same crust I use for Meyer lemon pie, creamy lime bars and the best lemon cheesecake ever.
- Coconut whipped cream. We also top our cheesecake with coconut whipped cream, which always takes desserts over the top. Simply take a can of coconut cream (cream not milk) and chill it overnight. The next day, open the can and scoop out the solid parts, add sugar and vanilla extract and beat until stiff. It’s delicious!
- Feeds a crowd. This recipe serves 8-12 people so it’s the perfect cake to share with family and friends. Warning: people will go for seconds!
- Wonderfully purple. And seriously, who can resist that vibrant purple color? It brightens everyone’s day.
How to make
This pinoy cheesecake recipe is unique and familiar at the same time.
Ingredients
Ube cheesecake has the same basic ingredients as the classic New York cheesecake — cream cheese, eggs, sour cream — but the addition of ube jam and ube extract makes it that much more scrumptious.
You can find the full ingredient list in the recipe card below.
A few things to note:
- Cream cheese — for best results, use full-fat cream cheese. And use the ones available in blocks, not in tubs.
- Ube jam — I make my own ube halaya but if you’re buying a jar from the store, know that not all jams are created equal. The important thing to remember is to use jam that you enjoy eating on its own.
- Sour cream — again, best to use full-fat sour cream.
- Ube extract — this is what gives our cheesecake its ube flavor. Unfortunately, I haven’t yet found a good substitute. You can find ube extract or ube flavoring in Asian supermarkets and Amazon.
- Coconut cream — I use canned coconut cream but if you have access to fresh kakang-gata go for it. Just make sure you’re using cream and not coconut milk or even coconut water.
Baking tools
You’ll need a 9-inch round springform pan, as well as a roasting pan (or a 9×13 inch baking pan).
I also like using my stand mixer when making ube cheesecake but a handheld electric will work as well.
Step-by-step photos
Preheat oven to 325F. Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine all crust ingredients (graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, melted unsalted butter and salt).
Stir until evenly moist.
Transfer to your prepared pan.
Use the back of a spoon or measuring cup to pack it tightly to the bottom. Set aside.
Using a handheld electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat cream cheese on med/high speed until fluffy.
About 2-3 minutes.
Add sugar.
Continue beating for another 2 minutes.
Add ube jam and sour cream.
Beat until smooth and incorporated. Make sure to break apart any chunks of ube jam (some brands are chunkier than others).
Add vanilla extract and ube extract and stir until combined.
Taste your batter and decide if you’re OK with the sweetness. Add sugar 1 tbsp at a time, if necessary.
Add eggs one a time, beating each one just until combined.
Remember to scrape the bottom and sides of your bowl to make sure you’re getting to every last inch of batter.
Pour the batter into your pan and tap gently on your counter. Place the pan on your oven’s middle rack. Place a roasting pan filled with hot water on the bottom rack.
Bake for 30 minutes at 325F then lower the oven temperature to 300F and bake for another 30 minutes or until set (see FAQs for tips).
Turn the oven off, open the oven door slightly but keep the cheesecake inside for another hour so it can gradually cool.
Take the cheesecake out of the oven, run a thin, sharp knife around the edges to separate the cake from the pan.
Don’t take the cake out of the pan though. You can place it straight into the fridge to chill 6-8 hours, preferably overnight.
When you’re ready to serve, prepare your coconut whipped cream by taking the chilled can out of the fridge and scooping out the solid parts into a small bowl. Add 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract and beat until stiff.
To serve the cheesecake, top with a dollop of coconut whipped cream and sprinkle with shredded coconut.
Expert baking tips
While cheesecakes are admittedly a little more finicky to bake compared to a regular cake, here are little things you can do for a perfectly smooth, creamy, crack-free cheesecake every time:
- Start with room temperature ingredients. They’re easier to incorporate, ensures a smooth cheesecake batter, and helps prevent the cheesecake from cracking later.
- Add eggs 1 at a time and beat for about 15 seconds or just until blended. Avoid over beating the batter because you don’t want to incorporate too much air into it.
- Before putting your cheesecake in the oven, gently tap your pan on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles hiding in the batter.
- Patience is key! Don’t be tempted to open the oven door to check on your cheesecake.
- You want your cheesecake to cool gradually too. Once it’s done, turn the oven off but keep the cheesecake in the oven for about an hour with the oven door slightly open.
- And remember to chill the cheesecake completely too. Wait until it’s completely set before cutting into it.
Cheesecake troubleshooting guide
| Problem | Possible Cause/s | Best Solution/s |
| Cheesecake is runny | Used low-fat ingredients | Use full-fat ingredients as the fat content is what gives the cheesecake its creamy texture |
| Under-baked | Learn how to check for doneness (see FAQs) | |
| Not chilled enough | Make sure to chill your cheesecake overnight to give it enough time to set and firm up | |
| Cheesecake sunk in the middle | Batter was over-mixed | Use room temperature ingredients to help you avoid over-mixing |
| Cheesecake cracked | Cheesecake was over-baked | Learn how to check for doneness (see FAQs) |
| Cheesecake was cooled too quickly | Leave the baked cheesecake in the oven with the door open slightly |
Recipe FAQs
For those of you who aren’t familiar with ube, it’s the Filipino word for purple yam.
Ube is common in Asian cooking and has been a staple in Filipino cuisine for generations. It’s most often used in making desserts.
A lot of people mistake ube for taro, Okinawan sweet potato and purple sweet potato but they’re all different kinds of root vegetables and have different flavor profiles as well.
Different people describe ube flavor differently — from nutty and earthy to sweet with notes of vanilla.
Everybody agrees on one thing though — ube is delicious!
Traditionally, cheesecakes are baked in a water bath or a bain-marie — you wrap your springform pan with aluminum foil and place it on a roasting pan halfway filled with water. The idea is to create a gentle and even heat around the cheesecake.
My problem with this method has always been seeping — water would always get into my cheesecake no matter how well I wrapped it. Happily, I discovered a new way to bake cheesecakes without all this mess and fuss.
I simply place a roasting pan with hot water on the lower rack of the oven with my cheesecake baking on the middle rack. No cracks, no seeping, just perfect creamy cheesecakes every time!
Of course you can continue baking cheesecakes using a water bath if you like but I hope you try this new method too. It’s a game changer.
You can’t really test a cheesecake for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the centre because it would cause the cheesecake to crack.
So here are other signs to look for:
– The edges of the cheesecake should be slightly puffy and the centre should be almost set but still slightly wobbly (not soupy though).
– To be sure, gently shake the pan, the centre should jiggle ever so slightly. This centre part will set as the cheesecake cools.
Not quite there yet? Continue baking but watch your cheesecake like a hawk.
Yes, you can make ube cheesecake up to 2 days ahead of when you’re planning to serve it. Keep it chilled.
We almost never have any leftovers lol but if you do, you can store them covered in the fridge. They should keep for about a week.
More traditional ube desserts
Love everything ube like I do? Try these!
More Filipino desserts
Filipino food hasn’t gone quite mainstream yet (unlike Chinese or Korean cuisine) which is a shame because it is so unique and delicious. Ube is a great place to start though. Try these too!
Ube cheesecake has become a staple in so many households over the years.
I’ve received countless feedback from readers saying how they enjoyed it for Christmas or Easter, how they made it for someone’s birthday, and some readers have even made a business out of selling ube cheesecakes out of their home kitchens!
It really warms my heart that you guys love this recipe as much as we do.
Happy baking!
Did you make this Filipino ube cheesecake recipe? I’d love to hear all about it! Leave a comment or a star rating below. You can also tag me on Instagram or Facebook. I’d love to see your creations!
You can also find me on Pinterest, Twitter and YouTube.
The Best Ube Cheesecake
Equipment
Ingredients
Coconut Cookie Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (see notes)
- ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
- pinch salt
Ube Cheesecake Filling
- 2 8-oz block cream cheese room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar may need more (see notes)
- 5 oz ube jam room temperature
- ¾ cup sour cream room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tsp ube extract
- 3 pcs large eggs room temperature
Coconut Whipped Cream
- 1 14-oz can coconut cream chilled
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325F. Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine all crust ingredients and stir until evenly moist.1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut, 6 tbsp unsalted butter, pinch salt
- Transfer to your prepared pan and use the back of a spoon or measuring cup to pack it tightly to the bottom. Set aside.
- Using a handheld electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat cream cheese on med/high speed until fluffy (2-3 mins).2 8-oz block cream cheese
- Add ½ cup sugar and continue beating for another 2 minutes.½ cup granulated sugar
- Add 5 oz ube jam and ¾ cup sour cream. Beat until smooth and incorporated. Make sure to break apart any chunks of ube jam (some brands are chunkier than others).5 oz ube jam, ¾ cup sour cream
- Add 1 tsp vanilla extract and 3 tsp ube extract and stir until combined. Taste your batter and decide if you’re OK with the sweetness. Add sugar 1 tbsp at a time, if necessary.1 tsp vanilla extract, 3 tsp ube extract
- Add eggs one a time, beating each one just until combined. Remember to scrape the bottom and sides of your bowl to make sure you’re getting to every last inch of batter.3 pcs large eggs
- Pour the batter into your pan and tap gently on your counter.
- Place the pan on your oven's middle rack. Place a roasting pan filled with hot water on the bottom rack.
- Bake for 30 minutes at 325F then lower the oven temperature to 300F and bake for 30 minutes more or until set (see blog post for tips on how you can tell if your cheesecake is done).
- Turn the oven off, open the oven door slightly but keep the cheesecake inside for another hour so it can gradually cool.
- Take the cheesecake out of the oven, run a thin, sharp knife around the edges to separate the cake from the pan. Don't take the cake out of the pan though. You can place it straight into the fridge to chill 6-8 hours, preferably overnight.
- When you’re ready to serve, prepare your coconut whipped cream by taking the chilled can out of the fridge and scooping out the solid parts into a small bowl (see notes). Add 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract and beat until stiff.1 14-oz can coconut cream, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- To serve the cheesecake, top with a dollop of coconut whipped cream and sprinkle with shredded coconut.
Video
Notes
- I use prepared graham cracker crumbs which are very finely crushed.
- Every ube jam is different so depending on the kind/brand of jam you use, your cheesecake may need more sugar. Taste your batter before adding the eggs so you can adjust accordingly.
- For the coconut whipped cream, make sure to only use the solidified parts of the coconut cream otherwise, your cream will be too soupy. It won’t come together. You can use the liquid parts for smoothies and other recipes.
- See post for more baking tips, a troubleshooting guide, FAQs and step-by-step photos.
Nutrition
Nutritional information are estimates only.
merribel palmani
I cant find Graham crackers, what other biscuit can i use? Thanks
Jolina
Hi Merribel, digestive biscuits will work too. But you can really use any of your favourite cookies and just crush that into crumbs.
Sylvie
I love ube and this is my favorite way to eat it! I’ve made it several times now and it’s always perfect each time. I’m not even a good baker lol. I made it again and I wanted to drop you a note to say this has become my family’s favorite cake. Thanks for the recipe!
Jolina
I’m so happy to hear that Sylvie! Hope you and the family are having an amazing summer!
Kaye Fortin
hi! im having a hard time finding ube jam, i’ve tried 3 filipino stores! do you think powdered ube would work?
Jolina
Hi Kaye, I haven’t tried using ube powder so can’t say for sure. I know there are recipes using ube powder to make ube jam though, if you’re inclined to make that.
Michele
Asian stores often carry it. It will usually be located in the dessert section with custard mixes and canned fruit. You could also order it on Amazon or ebay.
Sheryl
I made this many times and it always comes out perfect!
Jolina
Glad to hear that Sheryl! It’s one of our favourites 🙂
Lisa
Would I be able to make this in a square pan and cut them to put into cupcake liners to serve at a party? Or will it not work. Thank you!
Jolina
Hi Lisa! It should work, only issue you might encounter is getting the cheesecake out. Springform pans make that easy.
grace
do you know how to turn the frozen grated ube into jam? the store i went to was out of the jam!
Jolina
Hi Grace! Sorry I don’t. Hopefully someone here knows how and can give you tips.
Heather
HELP! Every Asian Supermarket and Amazon are sold out of Ube Extract and I am making this again** tomorrow to have ready for guests this weekend. I cannot find any websites that will have the extract shipped in time, and all stores I’ve contacted/visited are sold out. I have on hand, a jar of Ube hayala, frozen grated ube, and ube powder.
How can I substitute UBE EXTRACT??
**This is an AMAZING recipe by the way. My new Filipino in-laws were extremely impressed with the outcome of this cheesecake! 🙂 I was able to use my mother in-law’s Ube extract in her pantry, but I used up the last of it!
Thank you so much!
-Heather
Jolina
Hi Heather! I’m sorry but I don’t know of any substitutes for ube extract. Are you in Ontario? I can recommend a few places where I’ve seen it.
Heather
I think I’m going to adjust the recipe a bit and add the frozen ube (thawed, of course) to it. I’ll let you know how it comes out!
Lei
This was yummy! I would like to make it cupcake size. Do you know how long they would bake?
Jolina
Hi Lei! Thanks! Glad you liked it. I haven’t tried making cupcakes out of this recipe so can’t tell for sure. Certainly quicker. I have a recipe for mini cheesecakes (https://theunlikelybaker.com/mini-cheesecakes/) and they’re done in less than 30 minutes. So best to watch your cupcakes like a hawk 🙂
Raquel Konde
Thank you for sharing this recipe Jolina! This was my first attempt in making cheesecake and it was EVERYTHING! It was definitely a crowd pleaser and has become an instant favorite. I’ve posted my photos on social media and have gotten so many compliments and requests for the recipe. I’ll be sending them your way! xoxo
Jolina
That’s awesome Raquel! Can’t wait to see your photos 🙂
Hazel
For the crust, can I make it without the coconut flakes? If so, how much would I need to adjust the crust recipe?
Jolina
Hi! Yes, just sub with the same amount of graham crumbs.You might also want to add some sugar, to taste. Enjoy!
Enn
Yummm! This sounds very delicious. I have mini cheesecake pan with a 12 individual servings that I would like to use.
How many would this recipe make?
How many minutes in the oven? Same temperature?
Thank you so much
Jolina
Hi Enn! I haven’t tried making these in mini cheesecake pans so I can’t say for sure. The batter is enough for 12 mini cheesecakes though, maybe more.
Michelle Pagan
I have an egg allergy. Is there a substitute for the eggs that you can recommend? Thank you son much.
Jolina
Hi Michelle. I’m not familiar with egg substitutes and have not personally tried. But here’s an article I found: https://www.biggerbolderbaking.com/egg-substitutes-for-baking/ Hope it helps!
Lina
I baked your cheesecake recipe using homemade ube halaya and IT IS SO DELICIOUS!!!… This is the first time I ate ube as cheesecake but I think this is the best.I will make it again for Christmas. THANK YOU!!!
Jolina
That’s awesome Lina I’m glad you liked it! It’s one of my favourite ways to eat ube too 🙂 Have a wonderful day!
Maureen
To those who have tried making it, what brand of ube jam did you use? Good Shepard’s is surely not available here and I know for sure how good it is so I’m scared to use the jarred ones from the Asian groceries.
Purple
I make my own ube jam, so I can’t wait to give this recipe a try!!!
Rachael
I made this cheesecake and it came out perfectly!!! The portions and textures were perfect, and it was delicious. Everyone loved it! I got ube jam from Seafood City but the ube extract was out of stock so my cheesecake was a very light purple and I think the ube flavor would’ve came out more if I had the extract but it was still amazing! The coconut cream I got never separated after chilling it for over 24 hours but I just add heavy whipping cream with some of the coconut cream and it came out fine, it wasn’t super stiff but it still held shape after I piped it onto the cake! I figure I probably bought the wrong kind of coconut cream that was lacking in fat content. I used unsweetened coconut chips instead sweetened coconut flakes because I had them on hand already. I didn’t have a food scale but I looked at how many ounces were in the jar I bought and the measure of the serving sizes listed on the nutritional information, and there were about 5 oz in half a cup of ube jam according to my calculations (but like I read in your comments earlier, the density can vary depending what brand of ube jam you’re using).
I would definitely recommend this recipe to anyone!!! Thank you for sharing, I’ll definitely be making this again. I’m thinking about putting macapuno strips on top of the whipped cream next time for an ube macapuno cheesecake! I love your blog, and I’m excited to check out more of your recipes in the near future.
Jolina
That’s awesome Rachael!! Ube extract at the Chinese stores near us tend to go out of stock sometimes too so I usually buy a few bottles when I’m there (yes, I’m an ube extract hoarder lol!). I’ve found that coconut cream is hit or miss sometimes. Not all are created equal though I’ve had the most success with the Aroy-D brand…Macapuno strips sound delicious!! Hope you’re having a fabulous summer 🙂
Purple
I hoard ube extract as well. There’s one filipino store that sells a bottle for $2.99 compared to other stores at $4 or $5+ so every time I come by I always get like a dozen or more bottles of ube extract, the check out lady looks at me smiling but who knows what’s going on in her mind LOL