Sweet Ube Halaya Purple Yam Jam

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, sweet Filipino dessert made by slow-cooking purple yam with condensed milk and butter until smooth and luscious. This filipino-inspired desserts ready in about 35 minutes layers purple yam (ube), peeled and grated, condensed milk, evaporated milk into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 Filipino cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large non-stick pan over medium-low heat, combine 2 cups grated purple yam, 1 cup condensed milk, 1/2 cup evaporated milk, and 1/4 cup sugar. Stir continuously for 15 minutes until the mixture thickens and the yam softens.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the mixture. Continue stirring for another 10 minutes until the jam is thick, smooth, and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the ube halaya to a container and let cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Serve chilled as a sweet spread or dessert topping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sweet Ube Halaya Purple Yam Jam take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Sweet Ube Halaya Purple Yam Jam?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sweet Ube Halaya Purple Yam Jam?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sweet Ube Halaya Purple Yam Jam for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Sweet Ube Halaya Purple Yam Jam?

Filipino desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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