Creamy Ube Halaya Recipe Without Food Coloring Easy Homemade Purple Yam Jam
A creamy and naturally vibrant purple yam jam made without artificial food coloring, using fresh purple yams and simple ingredients for a comforting Filipino dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds (900 grams) peeled purple yams (ube)
- 1 cup (240 ml) canned full-fat coconut milk
- 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons (60 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) evaporated milk (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the yams by peeling and cutting into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes.
- Boil the yam cubes in a large pot covered with water until tender, about 20-25 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash the yams while still warm using a potato masher or fork until smooth but slightly textured. For a silkier jam, use a food processor or fine grater before cooking.
- In a heavy-bottom pan, combine mashed yams, coconut milk, sugar, evaporated milk, and salt. Stir gently over medium-low heat.
- Continuously stir the mixture to prevent sticking or burning. Cook for about 30-40 minutes until thickened and glossy.
- Stir in softened butter and vanilla extract. Continue cooking and stirring for another 5-7 minutes until fully incorporated and the jam pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Transfer the ube halaya to a heat-resistant bowl or container. Let cool to room temperature before refrigerating to thicken further and develop deeper flavor.
Notes
Stir constantly during cooking to prevent burning and achieve a creamy texture. Use fresh purple yams for best color and flavor. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil and evaporated milk with more coconut milk or non-dairy creamer. The jam thickens further when chilled and can be loosened with a splash of coconut milk before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (60 grams)
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 3.5
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 1.5
Keywords: ube halaya, purple yam jam, creamy ube, Filipino dessert, no food coloring, homemade ube, natural purple yam, ube recipe