Ube Leche Flan Cake

If you’ve been craving something that’s as dreamy as it is beautiful, then this Ube Leche Flan Cake is your answer. It’s like a showstopper dessert that combines the rich, creamy goodness of leche flan with the sweet, slightly earthy flavor of ube (purple yam). Trust me, this cake is a crowd-pleaser, with layers of soft, moist ube cake topped with a velvety flan, creating the perfect bite every time. The purple hue is just chef’s kiss, and the flavor? Well, it’s a match made in dessert heaven. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself to something special, this cake will definitely make your taste buds do a happy dance.

Why You’ll Love Ube Leche Flan Cake

This dessert isn’t just a treat; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that are meant to be enjoyed in every bite. Here’s why you’re going to fall for it:

Versatile

Perfect for special occasions, birthdays, or just as a weekend indulgence. Its striking purple color will surely turn heads at any gathering. Plus, the sweet and creamy flavor will satisfy all kinds of dessert lovers.

Budget-Friendly

You don’t need fancy, hard-to-find ingredients to create this beauty. Ube may seem exotic, but once you have it on hand, this cake is surprisingly affordable to make!

Showstopper Presentation

With its gorgeous layers of purple cake and golden flan, this dessert is a total showstopper. It’s the perfect dessert for impressing your guests, and they’ll be asking for the recipe as soon as they take their first bite.

Flavor-packed

Ube adds a subtle, nutty sweetness that’s unlike anything else. Paired with the smooth, silky leche flan, it creates a combination that’s both comforting and unique.

Customizable

You can tweak the recipe with different fillings or toppings! For example, top with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even some toasted coconut flakes for extra texture.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this flavor-packed Ube Leche Flan Cake to life:

Ube Cake:

• Ube (purple yam) jam/paste: This is the star ingredient for that unique ube flavor and color.
• All-purpose flour: The base for your cake, giving it structure.
• Baking powder: A little leavening to ensure a fluffy cake.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and brings the flavors together.
• Sugar: Sweetness to balance out the ube flavor.
• Eggs: Help bind the cake together, making it moist and tender.
• Butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the cake.
• Vanilla extract: A hint of vanilla enhances the flavor of the ube.
• Milk: Keeps the cake moist and tender.

Leche Flan:

• Eggs: The base of the flan, making it smooth and custardy.
• Condensed milk: Adds sweetness and richness to the flan.
• Evaporated milk: The perfect liquid counterpart to the condensed milk.
• Sugar: For making the caramel syrup that’s drizzled on top of the flan.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth to the flan’s flavor.

For the Caramel:

• Sugar: To make the caramel syrup that coats the bottom of the cake.
• Water: Helps to dissolve the sugar and make a smooth caramel.

Instructions

Ready to bake this beauty? Here’s how you can make the most decadent Ube Leche Flan Cake:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. You’ll want a pan with high sides to accommodate both the cake and the flan layers.

Step 2: Make the Caramel

In a small saucepan, add the sugar and a tablespoon of water. Heat it over medium heat, swirling the pan occasionally until the sugar dissolves and turns golden brown. Once it reaches a deep amber color, quickly pour it into the bottom of the prepared cake pan, swirling to coat evenly. Set aside to cool and harden.

Step 3: Make the Ube Cake

In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the ube jam/paste and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, mixing until smooth. Pour the batter into the cake pan, on top of the cooled caramel layer.

Step 4: Make the Leche Flan

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Pour the leche flan mixture gently on top of the ube cake batter. Be careful not to disturb the caramel layer at the bottom.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Place the cake pan in a larger baking dish or roasting pan. Pour hot water into the larger pan to create a water bath (this ensures even cooking of the flan). Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the flan is set (a knife inserted into the flan should come out clean). The cake should be lightly golden on top.

Step 6: Cool and Flip

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Then, carefully run a knife around the edges of the pan. Place a plate on top of the cake pan and flip it over to release the cake. The caramel should drizzle beautifully over the top.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Slice your cake into wedges, making sure to scoop up some of that luscious leche flan along with each piece. Serve and enjoy the perfect balance of ube cake and creamy flan!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10-12
Calories per serving: 300 (approx.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve Ube Leche Flan Cake

This cake is a showstopper on its own, but here are a few ways to make it even more special:

• Fresh Fruit: Top with a few fresh berries or sliced tropical fruits like mango for a pop of color and sweetness.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream complements the creamy leche flan layer perfectly.
• Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut adds a bit of crunch and flavor that pairs beautifully with the ube.

Additional Tips

• Make It Ahead of Time: This cake is perfect for making a day ahead. The flavors meld even better as it sits overnight in the fridge!
• Ube Substitution: If you can’t find ube paste, you can use a combination of purple yam and a little bit of sweet potato for a similar flavor, though the color might be slightly different.
• Water Bath Tip: When baking the cake, be sure the water level is high enough to cover the flan mixture but not so high that it touches the batter. This helps the flan cook evenly.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this cake without a water bath?
A1: The water bath is key to ensuring the leche flan cooks evenly and doesn’t crack. Try to make it if you can!

Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store the cake in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed chilled!

Q3: Can I use a different kind of jam for the cake?
A3: You could use sweet potato or purple sweet potato jam, but the ube flavor is what makes this cake so unique. I’d recommend sticking with ube for the best results.

Q4: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A4: Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works cup-for-cup.

Q5: How can I prevent the caramel from burning?
A5: Keep an eye on the sugar as it melts, and swirl the pan gently to ensure it’s evenly heated. If it starts turning too dark, remove it from the heat immediately.

Q6: Can I use a different pan size?
A6: You can use a different size, but keep in mind the baking time may need to be adjusted depending on the size and depth of the pan.

Q7: Can I freeze this cake?
A7: Yes! You can freeze the entire cake. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Q8: How do I know when the flan is set?
A8: The flan should be firm but slightly jiggly in the center. A knife inserted should come out clean.

Q9: Can I make this cake without the caramel?
A9: The caramel adds a beautiful, sweet touch, but you can skip it if you prefer. The cake will still be delicious!

Q10: What can I serve this cake with?
A10: This cake is great on its own, but you can serve it with a cup of coffee or a tropical fruit salad for a lovely dessert spread.

Conclusion

This Ube Leche Flan Cake is the perfect blend of texture, flavor, and beauty. The creamy flan layer contrasts so well with the soft, tender ube cake, making each bite a little piece of heaven. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply indulging in something special, this cake is sure to leave an impression. Try it out—you’ll love the vibrant color, the decadent flavor, and the joy it brings!

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