Ube Cupcake

Ube Cupcakes are a delightful Filipino-inspired treat featuring the vibrant purple yam known as ube. These cupcakes are soft, moist, and topped with a luscious ube buttercream frosting. Perfect for celebrations or whenever you crave something unique and colorful!

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon ube extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Ube Buttercream Frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons ube halaya
• 1/2 teaspoon ube extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, oil, and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Mix in the ube halaya, ube extract, and vanilla extract until well combined.
6. Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
7. Pour in the milk and mix, then add the remaining dry ingredients. Mix until smooth, but do not overmix.
8. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
9. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Ube Buttercream Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Add the powdered sugar gradually, beating until smooth.
3. Mix in the ube halaya and ube extract. Add milk as needed to reach your desired consistency.
4. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the ube buttercream using a piping bag or a spatula.

Enjoy your delicious, vibrant Ube Cupcakes!

Tip: Ube halaya and ube extract can often be found at Asian grocery stores or online. If you need to buy ube halaya online, try searching for it on Amazon or specialty Filipino food retailers.