Moist & Fluffy Ube Muffins Recipe

These moist and fluffy ube muffins are a delicious Filipino-inspired treat made with ube halaya (purple yam jam) and ube extract for that iconic purple color and deep, earthy-sweet flavor. Topped with a golden coconut crumb, they’re perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist, fluffy, and bakery-style

• Bold ube flavor in every bite

• Stunning purple hue that impresses

• Easy to make with simple ingredients

• Customizable with different toppings or fillings

• No fancy equipment needed

• Can be made dairy-free or gluten-free

• Kid-friendly and adult-approved

• Great for make-ahead or freezing

• A unique addition to any muffin rotation

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Muffin Base:

• All-purpose flour

• White sugar

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Canola, avocado, or vegetable oil

• Egg

• Milk (whole, 1%, 2%, or plant-based)

• Ube halaya (homemade or store-bought)

• Ube extract

Crumb Topping (Optional):

• All-purpose flour

• White sugar

• Unsalted butter

• Unsweetened coconut flakes

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line an 8-cup muffin pan with paper liners.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together sugar and eggs until light and fluffy using a hand or stand mixer.

4. Beat in the milk, oil, and ube extract until well combined.

5. Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing.

6. Spoon about ¼ cup of batter into each muffin cup.

7. Add a generous tablespoon of ube halaya to the center of each muffin, then top with remaining batter, filling cups nearly to the top.

8. (Optional) Prepare crumb topping: In a small bowl, mix flour, sugar, and coconut flakes. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over each muffin.

9. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

10. Cool muffins in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 large muffins
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cooling Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Ube Coconut Muffins: Add shredded coconut to the batter and top.

• Ube Cream Cheese Muffins: Swap the halaya with a mixture of cream cheese and cheddar.

• Mini Muffins: Use a mini muffin pan and bake for 15–20 minutes.

• Chocolate Chip Ube Muffins: Add semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter.

• Ube Pandan Muffins: Add a splash of pandan extract for floral notes.

• Nutty Ube Muffins: Stir in chopped walnuts or almonds for crunch.

• Ube Mocha Muffins: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the batter.

• Vegan Option: Use a flax egg and plant-based milk.

• Dairy-Free Crumb: Use coconut oil in the crumb instead of butter.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerator: Store for up to 5 days, though texture may firm slightly.

• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a sealed container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

• Reheating: Warm briefly in the microwave (10–15 seconds) before serving.

FAQs

What does ube taste like?

Ube has a mildly sweet, nutty, and earthy flavor with subtle vanilla notes. It’s often compared to taro or sweet potato but has a unique taste all its own.

How do I keep moist ube muffins moist after baking?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them promptly after cooling to lock in moisture.

Can I freeze ube muffins?

Yes! Freeze fully cooled muffins in a sealed container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Can I make ube muffins without ube extract?

You can, but the extract enhances the flavor and color. Without it, the muffins will be paler and less intensely flavored.

What is ube halaya?

Ube halaya is a sweet Filipino jam made from purple yam, commonly used in desserts. It adds moisture and flavor to these muffins.

Do I need to use both ube halaya and extract?

For the best flavor and texture, yes. The halaya adds richness, and the extract boosts flavor and color.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.

Why did my muffins turn out dense?

Overmixing the batter can lead to dense muffins. Mix just until the flour is incorporated.

How do I know when the muffins are done?

Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean (without wet batter), the muffins are ready.

Can I skip the crumb topping?

Absolutely. The muffins are delicious on their own, but the crumb adds a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.

Conclusion

These moist and fluffy ube muffins are a must-try for any ube lover or anyone curious about Filipino-inspired baking. With their rich purple color, sweet yam flavor, and tender texture, they’re a beautiful and tasty addition to your breakfast or dessert table. Whether enjoyed fresh or frozen for later, these muffins are sure to become a new favorite.