About These Ube Brownies
These ube brownies are perfectly chewy and fudgy, with a vibrant purple color and delicious flavor thanks to ube halaya jam and extract! And just like your favorite chocolate brownie recipes, these ube brownies have a paper thin sugar top that crinkles when sliced.
For more ube recipes, check out Hummingbird High‘s full collection of ube recipes including one of the most popular recipes on the blog—ube crinkle cookies!
Why You Should Make The Recipe
Here are all the reasons to make these chewy and fudgy ube brownies:
The recipe uses ube, a Filipino ingredient and flavor that is currently “trending” and becoming more popular everywhere.
The New York Times recently released its predictions for what we will eat in 2023, and included ube!
If you’re unfamilar with ube, check out this blog post in which I deep-dive into this popular Filipino ingredient often used in Asian desserts. I answer frequently asked questions like “What does ube taste like?” and “Where do I buy ube?” As a Filipino, I’ve been eating ube all my life and am excited to see it become more commonplace!
The recipe comes together by hand quickly—no stand mixer required!
You don’t need a stand mixer or any other specialty baking equipment to make these brownies! They come together by hand, with just a few bowls, a whisk, and a spatula.
The ube brownies store well.
Because they’re so fudgy, these ube brownies stay fresh and moist for days. In fact, I like them best the day after they’re made. Why? Overnight, the ube flavors really develop and stand out. This is important because ube can be a pretty subtle flavor. Overnight, you can really taste ube’s subtle pistachio and vanilla flavors in these bars!
Ingredients and Substitutions
Now that I’ve convinced you to make these ube brownies, here’s everything you need to make the recipe:
Shopping List For Ube Brownies Recipe
- unsalted butter
- white chocolate
- ube halaya jam
- large eggs
- ube extract
- granulated sugar
- light brown sugar
- all-purpose flour
- kosher salt
And let’s talk about some key ingredients and potential substitutions:
Common Ingredient Substitutions For The Recipe
Here are common substitutions for the ingredients in the recipe:
- Unsalted Butter. You can substitute the unsalted butter with salted butter without any noticeable difference in taste.
- White Chocolate. Check out this blog post to learn about the best brands and types of chocolate for baking projects!
- Ube Halaya Jam and Extract. Check out my post on where to buy ube halaya jam and extract. I’ve also included instructions on how to make ube halaya jam at home if you can’t find it/want to make it from scratch!
- Light Brown Sugar. Although you can use dark brown sugar in the recipe without any changes in flavor, light brown sugar allows the purple ube color to be more vibrant.
- All-Purpose Flour. Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1-1 Gluten Free All Purpose Flour (I like the ones by Bob’s Red Mill and King Arthur Baking Company) to make the brownies gluten-free!
- Kosher Salt. You can replace the kosher salt in the recipe with half its amount in table salt.
How To Make Ube Brownies
Here are the basic steps to make these delicious ube brownies from scratch:
- Prep the ingredients for the ube brownies. (Prep Time: 10 minutes)
When chopping the white chocolate, make sure to follow the recipe instructions to chop it into smaller ¼- to ½-inch pieces. Any larger than that, and you’ll have a hard time melting the white chocolate. Check out the reference photos below to see what your chopped chocolate should look like! - Melt the butter and white chocolate. (Work Time: 5 to 10 minutes)
White chocolate tends to scorch easily and seize if the pieces are too large and/or the heat source is set too high. If you’re inexperienced with working with white chocolate, err on the side of caution. Cook the chocolate and butter over medium-low heat instead of medium. Although it will take longer to melt the ingredients, the gentler heat will help prevent any potential issues. - Mix the ingredients to make the ube brownie batter. (Work Time: 5 minutes)
- Bake the brownies. (Bake Time: 30 minutes)
Reference Photos
The recipe instructs you to chop your chocolate into smaller ¼- to ½-inch pieces:
The brownie batter will be a thick, vibrant purple after you’ve mixed together all the ingredients. It will be a little thicker than cake batter, with a texture more similar to cookie dough:
Recipe Troubleshooting and FAQ
FAQ: Troubleshooting Common Mistakes and Cooking Errors
Help! My brownie batter came out lumpy. What did I do wrong?
This recipe instructs you to pour melted white chocolate and butter into a mixture of eggs and sugar. If the melted chocolate and butter is too hot, it can potentially scramble the eggs, causing a lumpy batter and bad brownies!
To prevent this from happening, melt the white chocolate and butter first. Set it aside on a wire rack to cool slightly while you prep the rest of the ingredients. This will give the melted chocolate and butter enough time to cool slightly. If you want to be extra safe, pour the melted chocolate and butter into a separate bowl than the pan or bowl it was melted in, too. Doing so will help the mixture cool faster!
The ideal temperature of the melted chocolate and butter will be similar to that of a warm bath. Dip your finger in it—it should feel warm and comfortable like a hot bath. It should not burn or scald you!
Help! My brownies don’t have the shiny paper crinkle top like yours do. What did I do wrong?
It’s likely that you either:
a) used too much flour
b) used too little sugar
c) baked the brownies for too long and/or used the wrong type of pan to make them
First, let’s talk about measuring ingredients. A lot of people don’t have the right technique when using measuring cups. It’s easy to use too much flour when using volume measures. Don’t use the measuring cup to scoop the flour in the bag and pack it down into the cup. Instead, set the measuring cup on the counter and then spoon the dry ingredients into it. Once it’s formed a small mound, don’t pack it down. Use a butter knife or bench scraper to level it off.
While this technique works best for ingredients like flour, you’ll need to do the exact opposite for measuring brown sugar. Spoon the brown sugar into the measuring cup or tablespoon. Once it’s formed a small mound, pack it down, then add more brown sugar until it is level with the top of the measuring cup.
Next, if you used the techniques above OR used weight measures (which I always recommend, since you won’t need to fuss with the techniques I just outlined) and are STILL experiencing issues, it’s likely that the brownies were overbaked. Check out the FAQ above on why you should always use a metal pan when baking brownies, as well as the baker’s notes below on how to test brownies for doneness.
Help! My brownies came out tough. What did I do wrong?
It’s likely that you either a) overmixed the batter or b) baked the brownies for too long and/or used the wrong type of pan to make them.
When mixing the dry ingredients into the rest of the batter, simply mix just until the flour disappears! If you mix beyond that, your brownies will come out dense and tough. I will legit cry for you.
If you’re convinced you didn’t overmix the batter, it’s likely that you overbaked them. First, make sure to use a metal pan when baking brownies. Glass pans tend to overbake brownies!
Finally, when testing for doneness, stick a skewer in the dead center of the brownies. Pull it out—it should still have a few crumbs attached. If it’s wet with batter, the brownies still need more time. If the skewer is completely dry, uh-oh! You’ve overbaked the brownies.
FAQ: How To Store Ube Brownies
How To Store Ube Brownies
The ube brownies can be stored in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Can you freeze ube brownies?
Yes! You can freeze the baked ube brownies.
To freeze the ube brownies, individually wrap any leftover bars in two layers of plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil. The aluminum foil will prevent the bars from absorbing any other flavors or odors in the freezer. Freeze for up to 3 months.
When ready to serve, transfer to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. You can eat the brownies straight from the fridge, or rewarmed in the microwave.
Best Recipe Tips
Ingredient Tips
- The recipe states that you need 4 ounces (113 grams) of chopped white chocolate to make the brownie batter. If you don’t have a digital kitchen scale, that’s equivalent to ⅔ cup of chopped chocolate. Each piece of chocolate should be roughly the same size and shape of a regular-sized chocolate chip.
- When chopping the white chocolate, make sure to follow the recipe instructions to chop it into smaller ¼- to ½-inch pieces. Any larger than that, and you’ll have a hard time melting the white chocolate. White chocolate tends to scorch easily and seize if the pieces are too large and/or the heat source is set too high. If you’re inexperienced with working with white chocolate, err on the side of caution and cook the chocolate and butter over medium-low heat instead of medium. Although it will take longer to melt the ingredients, the gentler heat will help prevent any potential issues.
Technique Tip
- The white chocolate and butter needs to be melted and cooled slightly before using in the recipe. I recommend melting these ingredients first, then setting it aside while you prep the rest of the ingredients and make the brownie batter. Doing so will give the butter enough time to cool slightly! Check out the FAQ section above for even more tips on how to cool the mixture quickly.
Baking Tip
- It’s better to pull the ube brownies out of the oven early than leave them in too long—if you over bake the brownies, they’ll be tough. They might appear underbaked, but I promise that when they’ve cooled, they will be perfect.
More Ube Recipes
More Unique Brownie Recipes
- My Best Fudgy Brownies Recipe
- Milk Chocolate Brownies
- Small Batch Almond Flour Brownies
- Ruby Chocolate Blondies
- White Chocolate Brownies
Ube Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick or 4 ounces or 113 grams) unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 ounces (113 grams) white chocolate, finely chopped into ¼- and ½-inch pieces
- ½ cup (4 ounces or 113 grams) ube halaya jam
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons ube extract
- 1 cup (7 ounces or 198 grams) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup tightly packed (1.75 ounces or 50 grams) light brown sugar
- 1 ½ cups (6.75 ounces or 191 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Prep the oven and baking pan. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray an 8-inch square pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on each of the pan's sides. Spray the parchment paper, too.
- Melt the butter and white chocolate for the batter. Place the butter and white chocolate in the top pan of a double boiler or in a heatproof bowl set over a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan filled with a few inches of simmering water (be sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water).Cook over medium heat, using a heatproof rubber spatula to stir the mixture and scrape the sides of the bowl occasionally, until the chocolate and butter have melted and combined, about 5 minutes. Remove the pan or bowl from heat and set on a wire rack to let the chocolate mixture cool slightly while you prep the other ingredients.
- Whisk the ube jam, egg, and extract, then whisk in the sugars and chocolate mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together the ube jam, egg, and extract until combined. Whisk the sugars in one at a time, then slowly pour in the chocolate mixture, whisking continuously while doing so until completely combined.
- Mix in the dry ingredients. Once the chocolate mixture is combined, use the rubber spatula to scrape down the whisk and the bottom and sides of the bowl. Sprinkle the flour and salt over the batter all at once and use a rubber spatula to mix by hand until just combined.
- Assemble the brownies. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and use an offset spatula to spread it evenly across the pan and smooth the top.
- Bake the brownies. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the brownies comes out with a few crumbs attached. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
- Serve and store. Run a butter knife or the offset spatula along the edges of the pan and use the overhanging parchment as handles to lift the brownies out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Slice into 2-inch squares and serve.The brownies can be stored in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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NO TIME TO BAKE?!
Over the past several years of running Hummingbird High, I kept a crucial aspect of my life hidden from my readers: I had a full-time, extremely demanding job in the tech world. In my debut cookbook, Weeknight Baking, I finally reveal the secrets to baking delicious desserts on a tight schedule.
Emz says
I’m pregnant and I’ve been craving for something Filipino. I followed your recipe and it turned out pretty well! It’s soft, a bit gooey and I love the crunchiness on the outside. It’s so delicious. Thank you!
Tricia says
Hi! These look gorgeous and I am looking forward to making this! Can I check how much of the ube halaya jam recipe (that you linked in this post) the brownies use? would like to be able to decide if i should make half the portion of the halaya recipe or the whole. thank you so much!
Michelle Lopez says
This recipe uses 1/2 cup jam, whereas the jam recipe I linked to makes around 3 cups!
Jennifer Hillman says
Can I use semi sweet or bitter sweet chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Michelle Lopez says
Hm, no. Semi and bittersweet chocolate have different percentages of fat versus white chocolate. It will dramatically affect the ube brownies!
Lila says
I have a dairy sensitivity and I was wondering can you use vegan white chocolate in place of the regular white chocolate? I only just learned I can’t have dairy anymore so it’s been a little challenging finding recipes of my favorite baked goods and sweets.
Michelle Lopez says
I haven’t tried it personally, but it’s worth a shot! There’s some good vegan white chocolate out there.
Maegan says
Hello!
Just wondering what size pan to use and how to adjust the baking time if I’d like to make a double batch?
Thank you
Michelle Lopez says
Use a 9 x 13 inch pan. Baking Time should stay relatively the same, but expect to add an additional 3 to 5 mins to it.
Cristina says
Hi, is there any way to reduce the sugar? I saw a comment where you said omitting the white chocolate may affect the way the brownies come out.
Thank you!
Michelle Lopez says
Reducing the sugar in the recipe will lead to brownies that will be less flavorful and chewy, and instead more bland and tough. But if you want to try it, I recommend following the guidelines in this article: https://food52.com/blog/15911-what-experts-know-about-reducing-sugar-in-baking-recipes
Brittany! says
Miss Michelle! These are fabulous! I’ve never made blondies or cooked with ube before and they were so fun and exciting to make. The color is so vibrant and the tips you recommended had this recipe coming out perfectly! Chewy, fudgy, and full of UBE flavor just as the title implies!
My only precaution to bakers using a metal, 9×13 pan is to check halfway through baking because mine were done in 15 mins! Which is NOT upsetting at all but I’m sooo glad I didn’t check it any later than that since the recipe says bake for 30mins. So be mindful of that when baking. I’m so excited to see everyone’s reactions at the bbq tomorrow.
Thanks for sharing,
Brittany!
Brittany says
Update: These were a huge hit at the BBQ. Everybody adored them and couldn’t wait to try those “purple brownies”. I just took my second batch of the week out of the oven as we speak. I only had vegan butter on hand this time around and they still came out absolutely perfect. Forever loooove this recipe.
Sarah Akbari says
Oh my GOSH, these are incredible! The ube halaya gives them a chewy, fudgy texture and the crinkly top is perfection. Plus, the slightly nutty, vanilla-y flavor of ube is soooo good and the purple color is lovely. Obsessed!! Highly recommend eating warm with a scoop of ice cream…or paired with coffee/tea.
Tina says
Hi! Am I able to double the recipe and bake it in a 13×9 inch pan? How many minutes would that be baked for? Will it be too wet in the middle?
Thank you!
Michelle Lopez says
Yes, doubling the recipe and baking in a 9 x 13 pan works! Bake Time should stay the same, I would check 5 minutes earlier than what the recipe states and go from there.