If you have been craving a delightful Filipino-inspired dessert that dazzles both the eyes and taste buds, you are in for a treat with this Ube Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. This vibrant purple cake, infused with the natural sweetness of ube (purple yam) and wrapped around luscious cream cheese frosting, is an absolute showstopper. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of fluffy cake texture, a subtle earthy sweetness, and the tangy richness of the cream cheese, making it the ideal dessert to share with friends and family or to enjoy as a special indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Ube Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each component works together flawlessly to deliver the perfect balance of color, flavor, and texture—from the delicate cake crumb to the silky frosting.
- Cake flour: Provides a light and tender crumb essential for rolling the cake smoothly.
- Baking powder: Gives the cake just enough lift to be airy but not overly spongy.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- Egg yolks: Add richness and contribute to the cake’s moist texture.
- Maple syrup: Infuses a subtle natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Ube extract: This is the star ingredient, lending the cake its distinctive purple hue and unique flavor.
- Water: Keeps the batter moist and smooth for easy folding.
- Granulated sugar: Used both in the batter and meringue to balance sweetness and structure.
- Canola or vegetable oil: Ensures a soft, tender crumb without heaviness.
- Egg whites: Whipped into meringue for that light, fluffy texture in the cake.
- Cream of tartar: Stabilizes the meringue, ensuring it holds stiff peaks for a delicate crumb.
- Cream cheese: Creates the rich, tangy frosting that perfectly complements the ube flavor.
- Heavy cream: Whipped into the cream cheese frosting to add lightness and fluffiness.
How to Make Ube Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure the cake releases easily. Sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl—this step is essential for an even texture. Next, whisk the egg yolks with maple syrup, ube extract, water, sugar, and oil until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes smooth. This wet mixture forms the flavorful base, while the ube extract gives that signature vibrant purple color.
Step 2: Make the Meringue
In a separate clean bowl, whip the egg whites with cream of tartar until they become foamy. Slowly add the sugar one tablespoon at a time, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form. This meringue is what brings incredible lightness to the cake, balancing the rich batter beautifully.
Step 3: Combine and Bake the Cake
Gently fold half of the meringue into the yolk mixture to lighten it up and then gradually fold in the sifted dry ingredients. Carefully fold in the remaining meringue until everything is fully combined, making sure not to deflate the batter. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove air bubbles. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cake springs back when touched—a sign it’s perfectly baked.
Step 4: Roll the Cake While Warm
Once out of the oven, immediately invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel sprinkled with powdered sugar. Gently peel off the parchment paper, and roll the cake along with the towel while it’s still warm. This technique helps the cake develop a perfect roll shape without cracking. Allow it to cool completely in this rolled form.
Step 5: Prepare the Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat the cold cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and salt, mixing until fully combined. Slowly pour in the cold heavy cream and whip the mixture until you achieve stiff peaks. This luscious frosting complements the ube perfectly, adding a tangy contrast and a smooth, airy texture.
Step 6: Assemble the Ube Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Unroll the cooled cake carefully and spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting over the surface. Roll the cake tightly but gently without the towel this time. Optionally, frost the exterior with the remaining frosting for an extra creamy finish. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least two hours before slicing to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. For a little extra flair, dust with powdered sugar or sprinkle some ube crumbs on top.
How to Serve Ube Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or crumbled freeze-dried ube on top can bring an elegant touch to your cake. You might also consider edible flowers for a burst of color or a few dollops of leftover frosting piped onto the cake slices.
Side Dishes
This Ube Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea. Fresh tropical fruits like mango or pineapple can also balance the richness, making for a well-rounded dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the cake into bite-sized pieces for a party platter or serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of coconut sauce for a delightful twist. You can even layer thin slices of this roll cake in a trifle bowl with whipped cream and berries for a stunning layered dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Ube Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe covered in the refrigerator. An airtight container is best to maintain its moisture and prevent the cake from absorbing other fridge odors. It should stay fresh for up to three days.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake if you want to save it for later. Wrap the roll cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight to preserve the texture of the cake and frosting.
Reheating
Because this is a delicate, frosted dessert, reheating is not recommended. Instead, allow it to come to room temperature before serving if taken out of the fridge to enjoy the full flavor and softness of the cake.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ube instead of ube extract?
Fresh ube is delicious but requires cooking, mashing, and sometimes additional preparation to use in this recipe. The ube extract is a convenient way to get consistent color and flavor quickly without the prep work.
What if I don’t have cream of tartar for the meringue?
You can substitute with a few drops of lemon juice or white vinegar to stabilize the egg whites, but cream of tartar tends to yield the best and most reliable results for stiff peaks.
Can I make the cake vegan?
This recipe relies heavily on eggs and dairy for structure and texture, so it would require significant modifications. However, for a vegan version, consider experimenting with egg replacers and plant-based creams though it may affect taste and rise.
How long does the cream cheese frosting stay good?
The whipped cream cheese frosting is best enjoyed within three days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep its fluffy and fresh quality.
Can I add other flavors to the frosting?
Absolutely! A teaspoon of vanilla extract or a hint of citrus zest can brighten the cream cheese frosting. Just add it while whipping the cream and cheese together for a personalized touch.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully special about the Ube Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that makes it worth adding to your baking repertoire. Its vibrant color, unique flavor, and the perfect balance between fluffy cake and creamy frosting make it a crowd-pleaser every single time. Give this recipe a try, and you might just find yourself reaching for seconds (or thirds) while basking in the compliments from your happy guests!
Print
Ube Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Filipino
Description
This delightful Ube Roll Cake is a soft, fluffy, and visually stunning dessert made with delicate cake flour and vibrant ube extract. The light, airy sponge is perfectly complemented by a whipped cream cheese frosting that adds a creamy tang, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Rolled with care, it offers a lovely swirl of purple in every slice, celebrated in Filipino-inspired baking but cherished worldwide.
Ingredients
For the Cake Batter:
- 1 cup (120g) cake flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 6 large egg yolks (room temperature)
- 2 tsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp ube extract
- 2 tbsp water (room temperature)
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- â…“ cup (80ml) canola oil or vegetable oil
For the Meringue:
- 6 large egg whites (room temperature)
- â…“ cup (67g) granulated sugar
- ½ tsp cream of tartar
For the Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 block (8 oz or 225g) cream cheese, cold and cut into chunks
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- â…› tsp salt
- 1½ cups (360ml) heavy cream, cold
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan by greasing it well and lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt to aerate and combine them evenly. Set this mixture aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks, maple syrup, ube extract, water, granulated sugar, and oil together until the batter becomes thick and well blended. This forms the flavorful base of your cake batter.
- Prepare the Meringue: Using a clean mixing bowl, whip the egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add the sugar, about one tablespoon at a time, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form. This meringue will lighten your batter.
- Combine Batter and Meringue: Gently fold half of the meringue into the yolk mixture to lighten it, then gradually fold in the sifted dry ingredients and the remaining meringue, carefully incorporating everything without deflating the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the combined batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove any air bubbles. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched, indicating it is done.
- Roll the Cake: While still warm, invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted generously with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper, then gently roll the cake along with the towel. This technique helps the cake maintain its shape and prevents cracking. Let it cool completely while rolled.
- Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the cold cream cheese until smooth and creamy to ensure a silky frosting texture.
- Add Sugar and Salt: Incorporate the granulated sugar and salt into the cream cheese, mixing until fully combined and sweetened perfectly.
- Whip the Heavy Cream: Gradually add the cold heavy cream to the cream cheese mixture and whip until stiff peaks form, creating a rich, airy frosting.
- Fill the Cake: Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the whipped cream cheese frosting evenly across the surface, ensuring every bite has creamy deliciousness.
- Roll the Cake Again: Re-roll the cake tightly without the towel. Optionally, frost the outside of the cake with any remaining frosting for a polished look.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the rolled cake for at least 2 hours to allow it to firm up and the flavors to meld. Dust with powdered sugar or garnish with ube crumbs before slicing and serving for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Room temperature eggs yield better volume and texture in the batter and meringue.
- Use a clean, grease-free bowl to whip egg whites and cream of tartar for perfect stiff peaks.
- Rolling the cake while warm prevents cracks and ensures a smooth spiral.
- Chilling the cake before slicing makes it easier to cut clean slices.
- Substitute canola oil with vegetable oil or light olive oil if preferred.
- Store leftovers wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
