Description
This delicious Ube Cheesecake features a creamy, vibrant purple yam-infused filling set atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Combining traditional Filipino ube halaya with classic cheesecake ingredients, this baked dessert offers a smooth, luscious texture and a subtly sweet flavor, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup ube halaya (ube jam)
- 1/2 cup coconut cream
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup sugar, and melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Once baked, remove the crust from the oven and allow it to cool completely before adding the filling.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it becomes smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1 cup sugar and mix until well combined. Blend in the ube halaya and coconut cream until the mixture is smooth and uniformly colored.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time to the mixture, mixing on low speed after each addition to prevent overmixing. Stir in the vanilla extract, salt, and all-purpose flour just until everything is incorporated; avoid overmixing.
- Assemble and Bake Cheesecake: Pour the prepared filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top evenly. Bake in the oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the center is mostly set but still slightly jiggly to the touch.
- Cool Cheesecake: After baking, turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the cheesecake cool inside the oven for 1 hour to avoid cracking and ensure even cooling.
- Chill Before Serving: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This resting period allows the cheesecake to set fully and enhances the flavor before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a smooth, creamy batter.
- Avoid overmixing the batter once the eggs are added to prevent cracks on the cheesecake surface.
- For extra flavor and a decorative touch, top the cheesecake with whipped cream or toasted coconut before serving.
