3 Irresistible Recipe Ideas with Ube Powder: The Complete Guide

Ube, this purple tuber with sweet and vanilla notes, is taking the culinary world by storm with its vibrant color and unique taste. If you're looking for recipe ideas with ube powder, you're in the right place! Discover how to turn this magical powder into spectacular desserts that will wow your guests and delight your taste buds.

What is Ube Powder and Why Use It?

Ube powder is made from dehydrated Filipino purple yam, ground into a fine powder. This natural purple powder offers a mild flavor reminiscent of hazelnut and vanilla, with an unmatched creamy texture. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, it not only brings vibrant color to your creations but also adds nutritional benefits.

Benefits of Cooking with Ube Powder:

• Natural color: No artificial coloring needed
• Long shelf life: More convenient than fresh ube
• Versatility: Easily blends into a variety of recipes
• Unique flavor: Impossible to replicate with other ingredients

Recipe #1: No-Bake Ube Cheesecake

Ingredients

For the cookie base:

• 200g Graham crackers or Petit Beurre cookies
• 80g melted butter
• 2 tablespoons ube powder

For the topping:

• 500g cream cheese (Philadelphia)
• 300ml heavy cream
• 120g powdered sugar
• 60g ube powder
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 12g powdered gelatin
• 60ml hot water

Detailed Instructions

1. Preparing the base: Finely crush the cookies in a food processor. Mix with the melted butter and ube powder until you get a sandy texture. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

2. Dissolving the gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the hot water. Let it swell for 5 minutes, then stir until fully dissolved.

3. Preparing the filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and ube powder, beating constantly to avoid lumps.

4. Whipping the cream: In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold in the vanilla extract and dissolved gelatin into the cheese mixture, then gently fold in the whipped cream in three parts.

5. Final assembly: Pour the topping over the cookie crust. Smooth the surface with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.

Pro Tips:

• Use room-temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps
• Sift the ube powder for a smoother texture
• Decorate with ube-tinted whipped cream and coconut flakes

Recipe #2: Homemade Ube Mochis

Ingredients

For the mochi dough:

• 200g glutinous rice flour (mochiko)
• 50g ube powder
• 350ml water
• 150g sugar
• Cornstarch for dusting

For the topping:

• 200g sweetened red bean paste (anko)
• Or 200g of vanilla ice cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the filling: If using ice cream, scoop 8 balls with an ice cream scoop and freeze them on a tray. For the anko, divide into 8 portions and roll into balls.

2. Cooking the dough: In a microwave-safe bowl, mix the glutinous rice flour, ube powder, and sugar. Gradually add the water while stirring to avoid lumps. Cover with plastic wrap and poke a few holes.

3. Microwave Instructions: Cook for 2 minutes on high. Remove, stir vigorously, then microwave for another 2 minutes. The dough should be translucent and elastic.

4. Shaping the mochis: On a work surface generously dusted with starch, roll out the hot dough. Divide into 8 portions. Flatten each piece, place the filling in the center, and seal by pinching the edges together.

5. Finishing: Gently roll each mochi between your palms to form a perfect ball. Lightly dust with starch to prevent sticking.

Tips for Success:

• Work quickly as the dough hardens when it cools
• Use oiled plastic gloves to handle the dough
• Mochis will keep for 2 days at room temperature in an airtight container.

Recipe #3: Creamy Ube Latte

Ingredients

For the ube syrup:

• 100ml of water
• 100g sugar
• 3 tablespoons ube powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the latte:

• 60ml strong espresso or 2 teaspoons instant coffee in 60ml hot water
• 250ml whole milk (or oat milk for a vegan version)
• 2-3 tablespoons ube syrup
• Ice cubes (for the iced version)
• Whipped cream for topping (optional)

Detailed Preparation

1. Making the syrup: In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and ube powder. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat, add vanilla. Let cool completely.

2. Hot version: Prepare your espresso. In a saucepan, heat the milk without boiling. Add 2-3 tablespoons of ube syrup and whisk vigorously. Pour the flavored milk into a cup, then gently add the espresso to create a marbled effect.

3. Iced version: In a glass, mix the cooled espresso with the ube syrup. Fill with ice cubes. In a shaker or Mason jar, shake the cold milk vigorously to create foam. Pour over the ice.

4. Finishing Touch: Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of ube syrup. For an Instagram-worthy look, sprinkle a little ube powder over the cream.

Creative Variations:

• Ube Matcha Latte: Swap coffee for matcha tea
• Ube Chai Latte: Infuse milk with chai spices
• Ube Frappe: Blend all ingredients with crushed ice

Tips for Cooking with Ube Powder

Storage and Preservation

• Store ube powder in an airtight container, away from light and moisture
• It keeps for up to 2 years if stored properly
• Once opened, use within 6 months for optimal flavor.

Dosage and Use

• Intense Color: 2-3 tablespoons per 500g of mixture
• Bold flavor: 4-5 tablespoons for 500g
• Always sift the powder before use to avoid lumps
• Can replace 10–15% of the flour in baking recipes

Delicious Pairings

Ube powder pairs perfectly with:

• Coconut: For a tropical touch
• Vanilla: Enhances sweet notes
• White chocolate: Creates a beautiful color contrast
• Matcha: For a duo of colorful superfoods

Frequently Asked Questions about Ube Powder

Where to Buy Quality Ube Powder?

At Pure Tea, we offer two premium varieties of ube powder for your culinary creations:

• Pure Ube: Our organic ube powder comes straight from the Philippines, selected for its outstanding quality and vibrant color. Perfect for bringing the authentic taste of ube to all your recipes.

• Pure Ube Vanilla: An exclusive creation that blends the sweetness of organic Filipino ube with the richness of Madagascar Bourbon vanilla. This sublime combination brings an extra aromatic dimension to your desserts and drinks.

Both of these options are ideal for the recipes featured in this article. Organic quality ensures a pure powder without additives, for healthy and delicious creations.

Is Ube Powder Gluten-Free?

Yes, pure ube powder is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for people who are intolerant or sensitive to gluten.

Can Ube Powder Be Substituted With Something Else?

While no substitute can exactly replicate the unique flavor of ube, you can use purple sweet potato powder for color, adding a bit of vanilla and coconut extract to get closer to the taste.

Conclusion: Ube, Your New Favorite Ingredient

These ube powder recipe ideas are just the beginning of your purple culinary adventure! Whether you go for the creamy cheesecake, chewy mochi, or comforting latte, ube powder will turn your ordinary creations into edible works of art.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with this versatile ingredient: add it to your Sunday pancakes, mix it into your smoothie bowls, or create spectacular homemade ice creams. The only limit is your imagination!

Share your creations on social media with #RecettesUbe and inspire other food lovers to discover the magic of this purple tuber. Enjoy and have fun in the kitchen!