Name: Delightful Ube Roll Cake: A Festive Filipino Favorite
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 165 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Cake Flour (Can be substituted with all-purpose flour.); 1 tsp Baking Powder (Ensure freshness for best results.); 1/4 tsp Salt (Enhances flavor.); 4 large Egg Yolks (Use room-temperature eggs.); 1/2 cup Maple Syrup (Can substitute with honey.); 1 tbsp Ube Extract (Use high-quality extract.); 1/4 cup Water (Use room temperature.); 1 cup Granulated Sugar (Balance with adequate egg whites.); 1/4 cup Canola Oil (Can substitute with vegetable oil.); 4 large Egg Whites (Ensure room temperature.); 1/4 tsp Cream of Tartar (Stabilizes the meringue.); 8 oz Cream Cheese (Use cold, cut into portions for easier mixing.); 1 cup Heavy Cream (Ensure it is cold for optimal volume.)

The soft, fluffy cloud of an Ube Roll Cake—its vibrant purple hue turning heads at every gathering—has a way of drawing people in, creating a moment that feels both comforting and celebratory. As I roll the cake, it reminds me of sunny family gatherings and sweet memories, making it an ideal centerpiece for any birthday or festive feast. This Filipino dessert is not only visually stunning but also a joy to make and customize, especially with a cream cheese frosting that adds a delightful sweetness. With its quick prep time, it’s perfect for those last-minute dessert dilemmas or planned celebrations. Are you ready to roll your way into something truly special? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Why is Ube Roll Cake a Must-Try?

Vibrant, Eye-Catching: The stunning purple hue of the Ube Roll Cake is sure to grab attention and add a festive spirit to any occasion.

Easy to Make: With its straightforward steps, this cake is perfect for bakers of all skill levels, whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner.

Customizable Frosting: You can play around with the frosting flavors, perhaps trying an ube-flavored frosting for an extra layer of fun, similar to what I did with the Espresso Cheesecake Decadent.

Perfect for Celebrations: Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or gatherings, this cake is a surefire crowd-pleaser that brings smiles and sweet memories.

Moist and Fluffy Texture: The light, airy cake paired with the richness of cream cheese frosting offers a delightful contrast, making every bite irresistible.

Get ready to impress your guests and yourself with this delightful Ube Roll Cake!

Ube Roll Cake Ingredients

For the Cake

Cake Flour – Provides the structure and softness for the cake; substitute with all-purpose flour for a denser texture.
Baking Powder – Helps the cake rise, creating a light texture; ensure freshness for best results.
Salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
Egg Yolks – Contribute richness and moisture to the cake; use large, room-temperature eggs for optimal blending.
Maple Syrup – Adds sweetness and enhances the flavor of the ube; can be substituted with honey.
Ube Extract – Infuses the cake with a distinct purple color and sweet flavor; use high-quality extract for best results.
Water – Hydrates the batter; use room temperature for better mixing.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cake; balance with adequate egg whites to achieve the desired volume.
Canola Oil – Adds moisture and helps create a tender texture; substitute with vegetable oil.
Egg Whites – Create a meringue that gives the cake its lightness; ensure they are room temperature for better beating.
Cream of Tartar – Stabilizes the meringue, helping to achieve stiff peaks.

For the Frosting

Cream Cheese – Forms the base of the frosting, providing creaminess; use cold, cut into portions for easier mixing.
Heavy Cream – Whipped into the frosting for a light, fluffy texture; ensure it is cold for optimal volume.

The ube roll cake comes together with a blend of these ingredients, ensuring a delightful and memorable dessert experience!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for ube roll cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While waiting for the oven to heat, prepare a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan by lining it with parchment paper. This ensures the cake will easily release after baking, allowing you to achieve that perfect roll without tearing the delicate layers.

Step 2: Sift the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt to combine. This process aerates the flour, ensuring a lighter texture in your ube roll cake. Set this bowl aside, and prepare to focus on the wet ingredients, as they will soon come together to create a deliciously fluffy batter.

Step 3: Whip the Egg Yolks
In another large bowl, combine the egg yolks, granulated sugar, maple syrup, ube extract, and water. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat this mixture on medium-high speed for about 8-10 minutes until it thickens and lightens in color. You want it to be creamy and almost ribbon-like in texture, indicating it’s ready for the next step.

Step 4: Create the Meringue
In a separate clean and dry bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add in the remaining granulated sugar while continuing to whip until you achieve stiff peaks. This should take around 5-7 minutes. The meringue should be glossy and hold its shape, which will give your ube roll cake its light and airy structure.

Step 5: Combine the Mixtures
Gently fold half of the meringue into the yolk mixture, being careful not to deflate the whites. Gradually add the sifted flour mixture in three parts, folding it in gently after each addition. This technique preserves the airiness of the meringue, creating a fluffy texture in your ube roll cake.

Step 6: Add Oil and Remaining Meringue
Incorporate a mixture of canola oil and batter, folding it in smoothly. After this, gently add the remaining meringue, folding until just combined. This mixture should be vibrant purple and smooth, showcasing the delightful ube color that will make your roll cake stand out on any dessert table.

Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared jelly roll pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cake is set and springs back lightly when touched. You’ll know it’s done when it is golden around the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Unroll the Cake
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully turn the cake out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar and gently peel off the parchment paper. While it is still warm, roll it up with the towel starting from one short end, creating a log shape.

Step 9: Fill the Cake
After letting the rolled cake cool completely, gently unroll it and spread a layer of whipped cream cheese frosting over the surface. Be generous but ensure an even spread, creating a smooth layer that will provide a creamy contrast to the fluffy ube cake.

Step 10: Re-roll and Frost
Now it’s time to re-roll the cake, this time without the towel, starting from one end delicately to maintain its shape. Once rolled, place the cake seam-side down on a serving platter. Spread the remaining frosting over the top, ensuring smooth coverage. You can also optionally coat the exterior with crushed ube pieces for an added visual and textural delight.

Step 11: Chill and Serve
Finally, chill the assembled ube roll cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set the frosting properly. This cooling period allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Once chilled, slice and serve this vibrant, festive dessert at your next celebration, impressing everyone with your culinary creation!

Expert Tips for Ube Roll Cake

Fresh Egg Whites: Make sure your egg whites are at room temperature for better whipping, which is crucial for achieving that light ube roll cake texture.
Gentle Unrolling: Carefully unroll the cake after baking while it’s still warm to prevent cracking. Use a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar for a smoother release.
Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality ube extract and fresh ingredients for the best flavor in your ube roll cake; it truly makes a difference in taste.
Chill Time: Let the assembled cake chill for at least 2 hours before slicing; this helps the frosting set and makes for cleaner cuts.
Flavour Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment with the frosting flavors! Adding ube extract to the cream cheese frosting can amp up the taste for a delightful twist.

Ube Roll Cake Variations & Substitutions

Inviting creativity into your kitchen can lead to delicious surprises. Let’s explore some fun twists that will make your Ube Roll Cake uniquely yours!

Macapuno Addition: Mix in sweetened macapuno for a delightful coconut twist in the filling. The chewy texture beautifully contrasts the fluffy cake.
Ube Frosting: Give your cream cheese frosting an extra ube kick by blending in some additional ube extract. This simple swap enhances flavor and color wonderfully.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream in place of heavy cream for a dairy-free frosting. This offers a rich, tropical vibe that’s simply irresistible!
Nutty Crunch: Fold chopped walnuts or cashews into the frosting for a delicious added crunch. The nuttiness pairs perfectly with the creamy sweetness of the frosting.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the frosted cake for a decadent finish. This delightful contrast elevates the flavor profile for chocolate lovers.
Layered Delight: Consider creating a layered ube cake instead. Bake the batter in two round pans and layer with frosting in between for an impressive dessert.
Spice Infusion: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter to introduce a warm spice note. It complements the ube beautifully, making each bite more intriguing.
Ube Crumbs Topping: For added texture and presentation, sprinkle crushed leftover ube cake or cake crumbs over the frosted top. This adds a fun twist and vibrant color.

With these variations, your delightful Ube Roll Cake will surely impress family and friends. Don’t forget to make it your own and share those sweet memories! For more inspired baking, check out our Peach Cake Brown or Spice Latte Cake for festive flavors!

Make Ahead Options

Preparing the delightful Ube Roll Cake in advance is a fantastic way to save time for your celebrations! You can bake the cake itself up to 24 hours ahead of time; just make sure to allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it moist. The whipped cream cheese frosting can also be made up to 3 days in advance—just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply unroll the cake, spread the frosting, and re-roll it. Chill the assembled Ube Roll Cake for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld beautifully, ensuring it remains just as delicious as when freshly made!

How to Store and Freeze Ube Roll Cake

Fridge: Store the ube roll cake in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days for optimal freshness and flavor, as the moisture from the frosting helps keep it soft.

Freezer: If you’d like to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving for the best texture.

Reheating: This cake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. Simply slice and serve as is!

Leftovers: If you have any leftover frosting, store it separately in the fridge, and use it within a week to keep the flavors fresh.

What to Serve with Ube Roll Cake

Picture a table set for laughter and delight, where a slice of Ube Roll Cake takes the spotlight, inviting smiles and sweet moments.

Fresh Berries: Bursting with flavor, fresh strawberries and blueberries add a lively tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake beautifully.
Coconut Whipped Cream: This light, fluffy topping complements the cream cheese frosting, enhancing the tropical vibes of the ube while adding an airy touch.
Taro Ice Cream: A scoop of cool, creamy taro ice cream echoes the flavors of the ube, creating a harmonious sweet treat that’s unforgettable.
Mango Salsa: Bright mango salsa brings a burst of freshness, with its sweet and tangy notes beautifully contrasting the rich cake.
Filipino Leche Flan: Serving a slice of this rich custard next to the roll cake creates a delightful experience that showcases beloved Filipino flavors side by side.
Iced Coffee: Enjoying a chilled glass of iced coffee alongside the Ube Roll Cake elevates your dessert moment, offering bold flavors to balance the sweetness.
Champorado: This sweet chocolate rice porridge provides a comforting pairing, making for a unique and nostalgic experience that’s perfect for cozy gatherings.
Ube Crumble Cookies: Enhance the ube theme with these soft cookies, offering a chewy texture that complements the cake while keeping the flavor notes consistent.

Ube Roll Cake Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right ube extract for my Ube Roll Cake?
Absolutely! For making the best Ube Roll Cake, select a high-quality ube extract that has a strong, natural flavor and a vibrant purple color. Avoid those that have artificial colors or flavors, as they can affect both the taste and appearance of your dessert. Look for options from trusted brands or specialty Asian grocery stores.

What’s the best way to store leftover ube roll cake?
You’ll want to store the Ube Roll Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days to keep its flavor and moist texture intact, thanks to the frosting that helps maintain its softness. If you do have leftover cake, ensure it’s well-covered to prevent it from drying out.

Can I freeze the Ube Roll Cake?
Very! To freeze your Ube Roll Cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply move it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. This will help retain its moist texture and flavor.

What should I do if my cake cracks while rolling?
Don’t worry if your Ube Roll Cake cracks a little while rolling! This can often happen when the cake is not cooled enough or if it’s unrolled too quickly. For the best results, let the cake cool slightly in the pan before rolling. If cracks do occur, you can always apply some frosting over the cracks once it’s assembled – this way, it’ll still look beautiful and taste delicious!

Can I make this recipe allergen-friendly?
Absolutely! If you want to make the Ube Roll Cake suitable for various dietary needs, consider these substitutions: use gluten-free flour in place of cake flour to make it gluten-free. For a dairy-free option, replace cream cheese with a non-dairy cream cheese alternative and heavy cream with a coconut-based whipped topping. Always check the labels for allergen information to ensure safety for those with food sensitivities.

Is there a way to enhance the flavor of the frosting?
You bet! To amplify the flavor of your frosting, consider adding a teaspoon of ube extract to the whipped cream cheese mixture for a more intense ube flavor. You can also mix in a dash of vanilla or even a pinch of cinnamon for a unique twist! Experiment and see what delightful variations you can create; the more the merrier in the kitchen!