Sweet, creamy, purple perfection in every bite. 💜
There’s just something magical about ube. It’s got that cozy vanilla-nutty flavor and a color so pretty it makes dessert feel extra special.
These Ube Cheesecake Bars are one of my go-to treats when I want something easy, impressive, and totally crave-worthy.
They’ve got a buttery graham crust, a silky cheesecake layer, and all that ube flavor we love.
They come together in one pan, chill beautifully, and taste like a dream. You’ll love how easy they are to make—and how fast they disappear!
🍴 What You’ll Need
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake layer:
- 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- ⅔ cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
- Optional: 2–3 drops ube extract for color and flavor boost
🧡 Why I Love This Recipe
I first made these bars for a potluck with friends, and everyone went wild over them. The color gets people’s attention, but the taste keeps them coming back for more. They’re:
- Easy to slice and serve—perfect for parties or sharing
- Made with simple pantry staples (plus that dreamy ube)
- Creamy and rich without being too heavy
- Just as good the next day (and the one after that)
👨🍳 Tools You’ll Need
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper
🔄 Substitutions and Variations
- Crust: Swap graham crackers for crushed Oreos or digestive biscuits.
- Ube halaya: Use mashed cooked purple yam with sweetened condensed milk in a pinch.
- No ube extract? Skip it—it’ll still be delicious, just a bit less vibrant.
⏳ Make Ahead Tips
You can make these a day in advance! Just cover and chill overnight. They’re even better the next day once they’ve had time to set.
👩🍳 How to Make Ube Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prep the crust
Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press firmly into a parchment-lined 8×8 pan.
Step 2: Bake the crust
Bake the crust at 325°F (163°C) for 10 minutes. Let cool.
Step 3: Make the cheesecake filling
Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla, sour cream, ube halaya, and extract (if using).
Step 4: Pour and smooth
Pour the ube cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 5: Bake the cheesecake
Bake at 325°F for 35–40 minutes until the center is just set. Jiggle it gently—it should wobble slightly.
Step 6: Chill and slice
Cool to room temp, then chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. Slice into bars and serve!
🧠 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Cream cheese softening: Soft cream cheese mixes more smoothly with sugar, creating a silky base.
- Sour cream: Adds richness and keeps the cheesecake tender.
- Ube halaya: Brings in moisture and that unique flavor without overpowering the texture.
- Baking low & slow: Helps the cheesecake cook evenly without cracking.
🗓 Meal Plan Ideas
- Dessert after Filipino BBQ chicken or lumpia
- Bring to a potluck or picnic
- Treat-yourself weekend bake
😬 Common Mistakes
- Not softening cream cheese: Lumpy batter = not cute.
- Overbaking: It should still jiggle a little when done!
- Skipping chill time: Let it set or it won’t slice clean.
🍽 What to Serve With
- Fresh fruit (mango is amazing with ube)
- Iced coffee or milk tea
- A dollop of whipped cream
🍰 Leftovers & Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them—just wrap each bar in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.
❓ FAQ
Can I use ube powder instead of ube halaya?
Yes! Rehydrate it with a bit of water and sweetened condensed milk until it reaches a jam-like texture.
Can I double this recipe?
Totally! Just use a 9×13 pan and watch the baking time—it might need 5–10 more minutes.
Do I have to use parchment paper?
Highly recommend it! It makes lifting and slicing so much easier.
💜 Wrap-Up
I hope you fall in love with these Ube Cheesecake Bars as much as I have. They’re beautiful, bold, and packed with flavor. If you give them a try, leave a comment below—I’d love to hear how it went or help if you have any questions. Happy baking! 💜
