Ube Brownies
If you’ve been around Bonia Bakery for any amount of time, then you probably already know that I have a slight obsession with ube. And honestly, I blame my family for it! Once we discovered this sweet, nutty, vanilla-like purple yam, there was no turning back. What started as trying an ube dessert here and there quickly turned into a full-blown family obsession. Now whenever we spot something ube-flavored, everyone gets excited. It’s become one of those flavors that always feels a little special and never lasts long in our house.
Over the years, I’ve found myself coming back to ube again and again because it has such a unique flavor. It’s slightly sweet, a little nutty, and has subtle hints of vanilla that make it perfect for baking. I’ve made everything from cookies to cakes with it, and every single time, my family asks when I’m making another batch. So naturally, I knew I had to turn one of my favorite flavors into a brownie recipe.
One of my favorite things about these brownies is how easy they are to make. There’s no electric mixer required, no complicated techniques, and the batter comes together in just one bowl. Whether you’re already an ube lover or trying it for the first time, this recipe is a wonderful introduction to one of my favorite ingredients. In fact, every time I make these, my family starts sneaking pieces before I’ve even had a chance to finish frosting them—and honestly, I don’t blame them!
Why You’ll Love These Ube Brownies
- Soft, chewy, and perfectly fudgy.
- Gorgeous natural purple color.
- Rich brown sugar flavor that complements the ube beautifully.
- Easy one-bowl recipe.
- Topped with a creamy homemade cream cheese frosting.
- Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or whenever you’re craving something unique.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Ube Brownies
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar
- Egg
- Egg yolk
- Ube extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream cheese
- Unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Fun sprinkles for topping (optional) I love the brand Foliay!
Tips for the Best Ube Brownies
- Sift the dry ingredients to ensure a smooth batter.
- Use a spatula when adding the flour to avoid overmixing.
- For ultra-fudgy brownies, remove them from the oven when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting.
- Use a high-quality ube extract for the best color and flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator because of the cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Ube Brownies
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons ube extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Make the Brownies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 11 x 7-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until thickened and slightly lighter in color.
- Add the egg, egg yolk, and ube extract. Continue whisking until smooth and the mixture drips evenly from the whisk.
- Switch to a spatula and gradually add the dry ingredients, folding gently until no streaks of flour remain.
6. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and spread evenly.
7. Bake for 14-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Cool the brownies completely before frosting.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Beat until light and fluffy.
- Spread evenly over the cooled brownies.
Storage
Store the frosted brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow them to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ube taste like?
Ube has a sweet, nutty flavor with hints of vanilla and pistachio. It’s often described as earthy, creamy, and slightly similar to vanilla with a subtle coconut-like aroma.
Can I make these brownies without frosting?
Absolutely! These brownies are delicious on their own, but the cream cheese frosting adds a wonderful tangy contrast.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
For fudgy brownies, the toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs attached. For more cake-like brownies, bake until the toothpick comes out clean.
Can I freeze ube brownies?
Yes! Unfrosted brownies can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before servin