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.
Stu
Hi! Ube ice cream is one of my favorites and reminds me of the Philippines when I was a small kid living there. I talked about making Ube pie with my girlfriend last week and she had doubts about it. I came across your recipe and told myself this one is going to be good. I made some minor tweaks instead of granulated sugar I used condensed milk. It turned out shockingly good and my girlfriend tried it and was amazed. She took some to work to share with her coworkers. Love the recipe!
Jolina
That’s awesome Stu! Glad you guys liked it! PS: hope you try my ube pie as well, it’s delicious 🙂
Marja
Have you used Ube powder instead of jam? And would you still add the 5 oz of powder as opposed to 5 oz jam? I have the powder but am thinking I may have to add extra liquids, maybe extra sugar since the jam may be already sweetened too.
Jolina
Hi Marja, I don’t use the ube powder but I know you have to reconstitute it to use it. I believe there are some readers who’ve used it to make this recipe, have a look at the comments section and see! Happy baking!
Kristin
Hi can I use icing sugar instead of granulated sugar? ,
Jolina
Hi Kristin, I haven’t tried and I don’t recommend.
Kip
The cheesecake came out fine but had many cracks in it even though I put in two pans with very hot water in them. I usually use a turkey bag to keep the cheesecake dry in the Bain Marie but I decided to try the pan with water underneath. Just didn’t work for me.
Jolina
Hi Kip, thanks for trying the recipe and I’m glad you liked it. Cheesecake is really finicky, I would suggest if you have a fool-proof way of making them, do that. The bain marie method never worked for me it was always a mess lol. Hope you had a lovely thanksgiving!
Dana
I just made this yesterday and it’s amazing!! We have to buy a small piece from a boba place here for Ube cheesecake for 10 bucks for a slice. Now, we ca make it anytime.
Jolina
Glad you like it Dana! It’s awesome that we can bake ube cheesecake at home, right? 🙂
Lolit
Hello Jolina! Your Ube cheesecake is the best and our family’s fave dessert. Thanks for the recipe and God bless.
Jolina
So happy to hear that Lolit!
Em
Can I use ready made crust from the grocery store?
Jolina
Hi Em, you can! You may need more than one. Happy baking!
Nolan
Hello! Did you use a water bath when baking? Thanks!
Jolina
Hi Nolan, I did not. I did place a roasting pan filled with hot water on the bottom rack, with the cheesecake on the middle rack.
Michelle
Great recipe. Clearly my favorite! How long would you think to bake if I was using an 8” pan?
Jolina
Hi Michelle, your baking time should’t vary that much. Just make sure to check for doneness earlier so you can determine how much longer you may need to go.
Simone
Hi there, Great recipe! So good! I want to make it again but use a 8×8 or 10×10 square pan? Will it be messy when cut?
Jolina
Hi Simone, glad you like it! The first slice might be challenging to slide out but the others should be a breeze. Better yet, line your pan with parchment so you can just lift the cheesecake up and off the pan. Enjoy!
Annie
Hello!
I was wondering if I would have to change the baking method if I am doing mini cheesecakes instead of one big one?
Thanks!
Jolina
Hi Annie, yes, the cheesecakes would bake quicker. Check at the halfway mark and see how much longer you need to go. Enjoy!
Lila
I didn’t find your recipe soon enough! Next time for sure. Recipe I have calls for 1 1/4 cup of be jam which I bought from store. Friend has not remarked on finished product. Why was the amount of homemade ham so little compared to store bought?
Jolina
Hi Lila, I can’t speak for the other recipe but my recipe needs 5 oz / 150 g of ube jam, doesn’t matter if homemade or store-bought.
Steph
Hi, I am planning on baking mini cheesecakes as well. How long did you leave them in the oven to bake?
Vixenvena
Amazing recipe! I added pineapple and coconut as a crust with pineapple frosting to finish it off!
Jolina
Pineapple sounds like an amazing addition! Glad you liked it Vixenvena!
Juvelle Altubar
Hi! Can I use ube paste instead of ube jam? Thanks!
Jolina
Hi Juvelle, unfortunately I’m not familiar with ube paste.
Shiloh
So, I made this for Thanksgiving–which felt like a bit of a risk with my family–but it was a huge hit! I added edible glitter stars to make it look like a night sky, and even though there were more traditional desserts there this one was the family favorite. I was already asked to make it again next year! This was the first cheesecake I’ve ever made, so I really appreciated the extra tips you included.
There was only one slice left, and I ate it yesterday. Gotta say, I think that the flavors got even better after being in the fridge for a few extra days. Thanks for a great recipe!
Jolina
Glitter stars are a fantastic idea! Glad you and the family enjoyed the cheesecake Shiloh!
Maria T.
I just stumbled upon your recipe and dared make it for a potluck dinner (am not a baker and I never made cheesecake before). I thought it would not turn out well esp as I only have a (large) toaster oven, but it was surprisingly easy to make. And it turned out perfectly, everyone loved it, the sweetness was perfect, and it was all gone, finished, devoured! Thanks so much for this easy and super delicious recipe! Will certainly be doing it again many times!
Jolina
Hi Maria, that’s awesome! And you are most welcome 🙂 Happy baking!
LizzyD
Hi, the recipe says to make the whipped cream right before serving but if I’m giving it away can I just put the cream on top and refrigerate the whole cake? Just want to maker the whipped cream won’t turn runny overnight.
Also, has anyone ever frozen this cheesecake?
Thanks!
Jolina
Hi LizzyD, if you put the whipped cream on top then chill it, it will most likely seep through the cheesecake. The better option would be to store the whipped cream in a separate container. Note there’s still a chance liquid would accumulate at the bottom. I personally haven’t tried freezing this cheesecake but this is a great resource – Guide To Freezing Cheesecakes Hope it helps!
LizzyD
@Jolina, I made this over Christmas for work and everyone loved it. I used a different brand of coconut cream and it never solidified so it became a sauce instead. Thanks so much for sharing the recipe.
Mary Hebron
Can I use desiccated coconut instead of sweetened shredded coconut?
Jolina
Hi Mary, desiccated coconut is typically unsweetened, but the term is sometimes also used to refer to the less dry sweetened flake coconut as well. If you get the unsweetened kind, you can simply add a little bit of sugar. Enjoy!