Ube Halaya Purple Yam Jam with Coconut Milk
Smooth and vibrant purple yam jam cooked slowly with coconut milk and sugar to create a sweet, rich Filipino dessert spread. This filipino-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers purple yam (ube), peeled and grated, coconut milk, sweetened condensed 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups purple yam (ube), peeled and grated
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, combine 2 cups grated purple yam, 1 cup coconut milk, 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Stir continuously to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Cook the mixture for 30-40 minutes, stirring frequently, until the yam softens and the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp butter and 1/4 tsp salt, cooking for another 5 minutes until butter melts and the jam becomes glossy and smooth.
- Step 4: Transfer to a greased container and let cool to room temperature before serving as a dessert or spread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ube Halaya Purple Yam Jam with Coconut Milk take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (10 min prep + 45 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 Ube Halaya Purple Yam Jam with Coconut Milk?
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 Ube Halaya Purple Yam Jam with Coconut Milk?
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 Ube Halaya Purple Yam Jam with Coconut Milk 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 Ube Halaya Purple Yam Jam with Coconut Milk?
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.
