A beloved Filipino sweet spread made from purple yam slow-cooked with coconut milk, condensed milk, and butter until thick and glossy. Served as a snack, dessert, or topping, this vibrant violet jam has a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Total Time60 mins
Servings6
Yield6 servings
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (estimated)
- 385 kcalCalories
- 18 gFat
- 12 gSaturated Fat
- 52 gCarbs
- 4 gFiber
- 38 gSugar
- 5 gProtein
- 160 mgSodium
- 480 mgPotassium
- 170 mgCalcium
- 1.8 mgIron
- 9 mgVitamin C
- 140 mcgVitamin A
Ingredients
For the yam base
- 1 kg fresh purple yam (ube), peeled and finely grated
- 1 cup coconut milk (200 ml)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the sweet cream
- 1 can condensed milk (300 ml)
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk (120 ml)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional finishing
- 1/4 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons toasted desiccated coconut
Directions
- Place the grated purple yam and coconut milk in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat, stirring often for 10-12 minutes until the yam softens and the mixture turns vivid violet.
- Pour in the condensed milk, evaporated milk, and sugar, then stir continuously to dissolve the sugar and combine everything evenly.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and keep stirring in slow, sweeping motions for about 20 minutes, scraping the bottom and sides to prevent scorching.
- Add the butter and vanilla extract once the mixture begins to thicken and pull away from the sides of the pan; continue stirring for another 5-7 minutes until a soft, jam-like mound forms when a spoonful is dropped.
- Test the doneness by drawing a line across the back of a wooden spoon coated with the mixture; if the line holds clearly without filling in, the jam is ready.
- Transfer the hot jam into a greased serving dish or individual ramekins, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese and toasted coconut over the surface if using, pressing gently so they adhere as the jam cools.
- Let the dish cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving cold or at room temperature.
Cook’s Notes
- Wear kitchen gloves when handling fresh ube because its sticky sap can stain hands and clothing a deep violet color.
- Stir constantly once dairy is added; the sugars caramelize fast and can scorch within seconds if left unattended.
- If fresh ube is unavailable, substitute 1 kg of thawed frozen grated purple yam for an equally vibrant result.
- Adjust the sugar depending on the natural sweetness of the yam and whether condensed milk is used in full or reduced.
- Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week; stir before serving as it sets firmly when chilled.










