Ube Cream Cheese Brownies

These Ube Cream Cheese Brownies are a stunning fusion of Filipino ube flavor and classic cream cheese swirls. With their vibrant purple color, nutty and sweet ube taste, and creamy cheesecake-like topping, these brownies are both delicious and visually striking. Perfect for dessert lovers looking for something unique!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Beautiful & Unique: The deep purple hue makes these brownies stand out.
• Rich & Chewy Texture: A perfect balance of fudgy and creamy in every bite.
• Filipino-Inspired Flavors: Ube extract and ube jam (ube halaya) add a nutty, vanilla-like sweetness.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and easy steps for an impressive dessert.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for holidays, potlucks, or just an indulgent treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Ube Brownie Base:

• 1¼ cup flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 1 cup sugar (add an extra ½ cup for a sweeter, fudgier brownie)
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon ube extract
• ¼ cup ube jam (ube halaya)

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, mix melted butter and sugar until smooth.
2. Add the eggs and whisk until fully incorporated.
3. Stir in ube extract and ube jam, mixing until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
2. Set aside ½ cup of batter for the swirl.
3. Pour the remaining batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl

1. In a small bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the ube brownie batter.

Step 5: Create the Swirl Effect

1. Drop spoonfuls of the reserved ube batter onto the cream cheese layer.
2. Use a chopstick or toothpick to swirl the batter, creating a marbled pattern.

Step 6: Bake & Cool

1. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the center is set.
2. Let cool completely before cutting into 24 small brownies.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 small brownies
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Extra Fudgy Texture: Use 1½ cups sugar instead of 1 cup.
• Ube Cheesecake Bars: Double the cream cheese layer for a richer, cheesecake-like dessert.
• Chocolate Ube Brownies: Add ½ cup white or dark chocolate chips to the batter.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle crushed macadamia nuts or toasted coconut on top before baking.

Storage and Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keeps well for up to 5 days in the fridge.
• Freezing: Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Let thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.

FAQs

What does ube taste like?

Ube has a sweet, nutty, and slightly vanilla-like flavor, similar to a mix of pistachio and sweet potato.

Can I use fresh ube instead of ube jam?

Yes! Use ¼ cup mashed cooked ube in place of ube halaya.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready.

Can I use a different extract instead of ube?

Ube extract is key for flavor and color, but you can substitute vanilla or pandan extract for a twist.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute 1:1 gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour.

How do I make the swirl more vibrant?

Use an extra ½ teaspoon of ube extract for a stronger purple color.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Bake in two 9×13-inch pans or one larger pan (adjust baking time).

Can I skip the cream cheese swirl?

Yes, but the contrast of flavors makes it extra delicious!

What’s the best way to cut these brownies neatly?

Use a sharp knife, wiped clean between cuts, for perfect slices.

Conclusion

These Ube Cream Cheese Brownies are chewy, creamy, and packed with the nutty sweetness of ube. Whether you love Filipino desserts or just want a unique twist on brownies, this recipe is a must-try. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just treating yourself, these brownies are guaranteed to impress. Give them a try and enjoy a taste of ube magic!

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• Author: asma
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 24 small brownies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Ube Cream Cheese Brownies are a rich and vibrant twist on traditional brownies! With their intense purple color, nutty ube flavor, and sweet cream cheese swirl, these fudgy treats are perfect for ube lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike. A delicious Filipino-inspired dessert that’s both eye-catching and irresistible!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Ube Brownie Batter:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter (melted)
• 1 cup sugar (add an extra 1/2 cup for a sweeter, fudgier brownie)
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon ube extract
• 1/4 cup ube jam (ube halaya)

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

2. Make the Ube Brownie Batter:

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter and sugar, stirring well.
3. Add eggs, then mix in ube extract and ube jam until fully incorporated.
4. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until smooth.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl:

5. In a separate bowl, whisk together cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the Brownies:

6. Set aside ½ cup of the ube batter for the swirl.
7. Pour the remaining ube batter into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan.
8. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the ube batter.
9. Drop spoonfuls of the reserved ube batter randomly over the top, then use a chopstick or knife to create swirls.

5. Bake & Serve:

10. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–40 minutes, or until the brownies are set and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
11. Allow to cool before slicing into 24 small brownies.

Notes

• For fudgier brownies, use extra sugar (1½ cups total).
• For a cakier texture, stick to 1 cup of sugar.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert, Brownies
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Filipino-Inspired