Dessert

Ube Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Name: Ube Tres Leches Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 cup sugar; 5 large eggs (room temperature); 1 tbsp ube extract; 1½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 1 14-oz can coconut milk (room temperature); 1 14-oz can ube condensed milk (room temperature, can substitute with sweetened condensed milk flavored with ube extract); 1 12-oz can evaporated milk (room temperature); 2 cups heavy cream (chilled, can substitute with whipped cream); 2 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

ByMaya Quinn February 15, 2026February 15, 2026

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Introduction

This Ube Tres Leches Cake is a delightful twist on the classic Latin American dessert, featuring the vibrant flavor of ube, a purple yam popular in Filipino cuisine. Moist, creamy, and perfectly sweet, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

A square piece of cake with two layers sits in the center of a round white plate on a beige cloth over a wooden surface. The bottom layer is a dense, dark purple sponge with a textured look. Above it is a thick, smooth white layer of cream that slightly drapes over the edges of the sponge. In the background, there is a white ceramic cup filled with black coffee on a white saucer and a black baking pan with more of the same cake covered in the white cream. A silver fork rests on the wooden surface near the plate. The scene is set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 cup sugar
5 large eggs (room temperature)
1 tbsp ube extract
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 14-oz can coconut milk (room temperature)
1 14-oz can ube condensed milk (room temperature, can substitute with sweetened condensed milk flavored with ube extract)
1 12-oz can evaporated milk (room temperature)
2 cups heavy cream (chilled, can substitute with whipped cream)
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease or butter a 9×13 inch baking pan and set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the sugar and butter together using a handheld electric mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until light and incorporated.
Step 3: Add eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Step 4: Stir in the ube extract until it is well blended.
Step 5: Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into the bowl. Stir gently until just combined.
Step 6: Pour the cake batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly.
Step 7: Bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few dry crumbs.
Step 8: Remove the cake from the oven and pierce it all over with a fork to create holes for the milk mixture to soak in.
Step 9: In a separate large bowl, stir together the coconut milk, ube condensed milk, and evaporated milk until fully combined.
Step 10: Pour the milk mixture over the cake gradually, about half a cup at a time, allowing it to absorb before adding more. Continue until the cake is soaked through.
Step 11: Place the soaked cake in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to cool completely.
Step 12: Meanwhile, whip the heavy cream with sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Step 13: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled cake.
Step 14: Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve. Enjoy chilled for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and better rise.
For a vegan version, substitute coconut milk and use a plant-based whipped cream alternative.
Try adding toasted coconut flakes or purple yam jam as garnish for extra flavor and texture.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed chilled; to reheat, let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving. The whipped cream topping is best fresh but can be reapplied if needed.

How to Serve

A square piece of dessert with two visible layers sits centered on a white plate. The bottom layer is a thick, moist, dark purple cake with a porous texture. The top layer is a smooth, creamy white frosting that evenly covers the cake layer beneath it. The surface of the frosting is mostly flat with gentle, soft swirls and a slightly velvety texture. The white plate rests on a beige fabric, with a blurred white cup and saucer in the background over a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular sweetened condensed milk instead of ube condensed milk?

Yes, you can substitute regular sweetened condensed milk and add a teaspoon or two of ube extract to mimic the flavor.

How long should I soak the cake with the milk mixture?

Pour the milk gradually to allow full absorption; the cake should be fully soaked within a few minutes, but letting it rest for 15 minutes refrigerated helps the flavors meld beautifully.