Remember those recipes that just feel like a warm hug? For me, this 4 Ingredient Ube Halaya Filipino recipe is exactly that. As a mom of three, I’m always looking for simple, delicious ways to bring joy to our table, and this vibrant purple dessert does it every time.
My kids just adore the unique flavor of this easy ube halaya. Itโs a game-changer for busy parents who want authentic flavors without the fuss. This incredibly simple 4 Ingredient Ube Halaya Filipino is a testament to how much love you can pack into just a few pantry staples.
We first discovered the magic of ube on a family trip, and I knew I had to recreate that taste at home. This 4 Ingredient Ube Halaya Filipino makes it possible for everyone to enjoy this Filipino classic!
Table of Contents

4 Ingredient Ube Halaya filipino
- Total Time: 155 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This 4 Ingredient Ube Halaya Filipino recipe is a warm, comforting dessert, perfect for busy parents. It's vibrant, creamy, and brings authentic Filipino flavors to your table with minimal fuss. Made with simple pantry staples, it's incredibly easy to prepare and a joy to eat, making it a game-changer for those seeking authentic flavors without the fuss.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) Frozen grated ube
1 can (12 oz / 354ml) Evaporated milk
1 can (14 oz / 397g) Condensed milk
1/2 cup (113g) Butter, unsalted, melted
Instructions
- Thaw the frozen grated ube completely
- In a large non-stick pot or deep skillet, combine the thawed ube, evaporated milk, and condensed milk. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients
- Place the pot over medium-low heat. Add the melted butter
- Cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. This continuous stirring prevents sticking and burning
- Continue cooking and stirring for about 20-30 minutes, or until the mixture thickens significantly. It should pull away from the sides of the pot and form a cohesive mass. The texture of your ube halaya should be thick and jam-like
- Once thickened, remove from heat
- Transfer the hot ube halaya to a greased pan or serving dish. Smooth the top with a spatula
- Allow it to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set fully. This chilling step is crucial for the best texture of your 4 Ingredient Ube Halaya Filipino
Notes
For a richer ube halaya, try full-fat coconut milk instead of evaporated milk. If frozen grated ube is hard to find, ube powder rehydrated according to package directions works in a pinch. To add an extra layer of flavor, stir in a splash of ube extract. Some people love a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top for a sweet and savory contrast.
Always stir constantly to prevent sticking and burning. Use a non-stick pot for best results. Do not rush the cooking process; low and slow heat is key for a creamy, smooth homemade ube halaya. Ensure your ube is fully thawed before starting. Chilling the finished Ube Halaya properly is essential for setting its rich texture.
Store leftover ube halaya in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. While you can freeze ube halaya for up to 2 months (wrap tightly in plastic wrap then freezer-safe container), the texture might change slightly upon thawing. Thaw frozen ube halaya in the refrigerator overnight. Reheating is generally not recommended as it can alter the creamy texture. Serve chilled for the best experience.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: ube halaya, Filipino dessert, ube, 4 ingredient, easy, purple yam, sweet, creamy, authentic, homemade, gluten-free
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS 4 INGREDIENT UBE HALAYA FILIPINO RECIPE
This isn’t just any dessert; it’s the 4 Ingredient Ube Halaya Filipino recipe you’ve been dreaming of. You’ll love its rich, creamy texture and distinct, sweet ube flavor. It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for beginners, and a fantastic way to enjoy authentic Filipino flavors without a trip to an Asian market.
This simple ube halaya is also naturally vibrant, a feast for the eyes! Furthermore, it offers a unique taste experience, introducing you to the wonderful world of Filipino desserts. This homemade ube halaya truly brings joy with minimal effort. Plus, mastering this 4 Ingredient Ube Halaya Filipino recipe gives you bragging rights!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
Making this delicious 4 Ingredient Ube Halaya Filipino requires minimal fuss and minimal ingredients. You’ll be amazed at the depth of flavor these simple items create for your ube halaya. Gather these pantry staples, and you’re well on your way to enjoying this delightful dessert.

| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Frozen grated ube | 1 lb (450g) |
| Evaporated milk | 1 can (12 oz / 354ml) |
| Condensed milk | 1 can (14 oz / 397g) |
| Butter, unsalted | 1/2 cup (113g), melted |
Substitutions & Variations
While this 4 Ingredient Ube Halaya Filipino recipe shines in its simplicity, you can certainly play with it. For a richer ube halaya, try full-fat coconut milk instead of evaporated milk. If frozen grated ube is hard to find, ube powder rehydrated according to package directions works in a pinch for this homemade ube halaya.
To add an extra layer of flavor to your simple ube halaya, stir in a splash of ube extract. Some people love a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top of their Ube Halaya Filipino for a sweet and savory contrast. Experiment and make this 4 Ingredient Ube Halaya Filipino truly your own!
Just like perfecting the flavor of ube halaya often involves simple additions, creating other delightful treats can be equally straightforward. For another amazing 4-ingredient dessert that brings joy with minimal fuss, explore this Easy Buckeye Recipe: Your Perfect 4-Ingredient, No-Bake Treat.
Step-by-step instructions
Creating this delightful 4 Ingredient Ube Halaya Filipino is a breeze. Follow these steps for perfect ube halaya every time. This easy ube halaya comes together quickly!
- Thaw the frozen grated ube completely.
- In a large non-stick pot or deep skillet, combine the thawed ube, evaporated milk, and condensed milk. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Place the pot over medium-low heat. Add the melted butter.
- Cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. This continuous stirring prevents sticking and burning.
- Continue cooking and stirring for about 20-30 minutes, or until the mixture thickens significantly. It should pull away from the sides of the pot and form a cohesive mass. The texture of your ube halaya should be thick and jam-like.
- Once thickened, remove from heat.
- Transfer the hot ube halaya to a greased pan or serving dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Allow it to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set fully. This chilling step is crucial for the best texture of your 4 Ingredient Ube Halaya Filipino.
Pro tips for success
Achieving perfect 4 Ingredient Ube Halaya Filipino comes down to a few simple tricks. Always stir constantly; this prevents the ube halaya from sticking and developing an undesirable burnt taste. Use a non-stick pot for the best results, as it truly makes a difference with this sticky mixture.
Do not rush the cooking process; low and slow heat is key for a creamy, smooth homemade ube halaya. Also, ensure your ube is fully thawed before starting. Chilling the finished Ube Halaya Filipino properly is essential for setting its rich texture. These tips guarantee a fantastic 4 Ingredient Ube Halaya Filipino!

Mastering these simple tricks ensures your ube halaya turns out perfectly creamy every time, a testament to how easy deliciousness can be. If you appreciate straightforward methods for achieving impressive results, you’ll also love mastering The Easiest 4-Ingredient Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles.
Storage & reheating tips
Proper storage ensures your delicious 4 Ingredient Ube Halaya Filipino stays fresh. Store leftover ube halaya in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. While you can freeze ube halaya, the texture might change slightly upon thawing.
If freezing, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen ube halaya in the refrigerator overnight. Reheating is generally not recommended as it can alter the creamy texture of this 4 Ingredient Ube Halaya Filipino. Serve your ube halaya chilled for the best experience.
What to serve with this recipe
This versatile 4 Ingredient Ube Halaya Filipino is wonderful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with many things. Enjoy your ube halaya with warm pandesal, a popular Filipino bread roll, for a delightful snack. It also makes a fantastic topping for ice cream, especially vanilla or even ube ice cream for an extra ube kick.
A dollop of this 4 Ingredient Ube Halaya Filipino elevates a simple plain yogurt or oatmeal. Furthermore, you can use this vibrant purple ube halaya as a filling for pastries or cakes. A cup of hot coffee or tea also complements the sweetness of this easy ube halaya perfectly.

The versatility of this 4-ingredient ube halaya demonstrates how simple ingredients can create a multitude of delightful experiences, whether as a snack or a topping. For another incredibly easy and satisfying dish made with just a few staples, consider making this Amazing 4 Ingredient Potato Soup Recipe.
Faqs
What is ube?
Ube (pronounced “OO-beh”) is a purple yam native to the Philippines. It has a distinctive sweet, nutty, vanilla-like flavor and a beautiful vibrant purple hue. It’s a key ingredient in many Filipino desserts, including this amazing 4 Ingredient Ube Halaya Filipino.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, you absolutely can! Substitute the evaporated milk and condensed milk with dairy-free alternatives (like coconut evaporated milk and coconut condensed milk). Use vegan butter. This adjustment makes your 4 Ingredient Ube Halaya Filipino suitable for dairy-free diets.
How do I know when the ube halaya is done?
The ube halaya is done when it’s thick enough to pull away from the sides of the pot and forms a cohesive ball. It should have a consistency similar to thick jam or a soft dough. This texture is what you want for a perfect 4 Ingredient Ube Halaya Filipino.
Is this 4 Ingredient Ube Halaya Filipino gluten-free?
Yes, this 4 Ingredient Ube Halaya Filipino recipe is naturally gluten-free! All the listed ingredients typically do not contain gluten, making this ube halaya a safe and delicious option for those avoiding gluten.
Ube halaya is a popular Filipino dessert made primarily from ube, or purple yam, which gives it its distinctive vibrant color and sweet, earthy flavor. This beloved confection is often served during holidays and special occasions, showcasing the rich culinary traditions of the Philippines.
NUTRITION INFORMATION (PER SERVING)
(Disclaimer: Nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods for this 4 Ingredient Ube Halaya Filipino recipe.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
| Sodium | 70mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Total Sugars | 25g |
| Protein | 3g |