Dessert

Easy Ube Cupcakes with Coconut Cream Icing Recipe

Name: Easy Ube Cupcakes with Coconut Cream Icing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 1/4 cup butter, softened; 12 oz jar ube jam; 2 eggs; 1/2 to 1 tsp Wilton’s gel violet icing coloring; 1 1/2 tsp ube extract; 1 box white cake mix; 1/2 to 3/4 cup coconut cream (use only the thick semi-solid part); 3/4 cup confectioner’s sugar, sifted (optional); 1 1/2 tsp unflavored gelatin; 3 tablespoons hot water

ByHarry Bern December 13, 2025December 13, 2025

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Introduction

These easy ube cupcakes are a vibrant and delightful treat featuring the unique flavor of ube, a purple yam popular in Filipino desserts. Topped with a creamy coconut cream frosting, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tropical richness. Ideal for gatherings or a fun baking project, these cupcakes impress with both color and taste.

This image shows a group of seven chocolate cupcakes placed on a metal cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Six of the cupcakes have a dark brown, slightly cracked top, and are wrapped in white paper liners. One cupcake stands out in the foreground with a smooth, thick, and creamy white frosting layer evenly spread on top, also in a white paper liner. The texture of the frosting is glossy and soft, covering the entire top of the cupcake without dripping. The rest of the cupcakes have a crumbly surface with no frosting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter (softened)
12 oz jar ube jam
2 eggs
1/2 to 1 tsp Wilton’s gel violet icing coloring
1 1/2 teaspoons ube extract
1 box white cake mix

For coconut cream and sugar frosting:

1/2 to 3/4 cup coconut cream (use only the thick semi-solid part)
3/4 cup confectioner’s sugar (sifted, optional)

To make frosting thick and stable:

1 1/2 tsp unflavored gelatin
3 tablespoons hot water

Instructions

Step 1: Set cupcake liners in a baking tin and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Cream the softened butter until it becomes light and fluffy.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix ube jam, violet gel icing coloring, and ube extract until well combined.
Step 4: Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, mixing gently after each addition. Avoid overwhipping.
Step 5: Add the white cake mix to the butter and egg mixture.
Step 6: Fold in the ube mixture until no traces of cake mix remain and the batter is smooth.
Step 7: Adjust the violet color by adding more gel coloring if desired.
Step 8: Spoon the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling about 24 cups.
Step 9: Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 10: Remove cupcakes from the oven and cool the baking tin on a wire rack before frosting.
Step 11: To prepare the frosting, dissolve gelatin in hot water and mix with coconut cream and confectioner’s sugar until smooth and thickened. Chill if necessary for stability.
Step 12: Once cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the coconut cream icing.

Tips & Variations

Use only the thick, semi-solid part of the coconut cream for the best frosting texture and flavor.
If you prefer a more intense ube flavor, add an additional teaspoon of ube extract.
To make the cupcakes extra moist, consider adding a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to the batter.
For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with a plant-based margarine and ensure the cake mix is vegan-friendly.
Decorate with toasted coconut flakes or purple sprinkles for added texture and color.

Storage

Store the frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow cupcakes to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. The unfrosted cupcakes can be stored at room temperature in a sealed container for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired.

How to Serve

A single cupcake is shown close up, sitting on a metal cooling rack over a white marbled texture. The cupcake has one layer of dark purple cake with a moist texture and small air holes. It is wrapped in a white paper liner that has ridged edges. On top, there is one thick layer of white frosting piped in a smooth swirl with soft peaks, centered neatly on the cake. The lighting highlights the texture of the cake and the creamy frosting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What is ube jam and where can I find it?

Ube jam is a sweet purple yam preserve commonly used in Filipino desserts. It is available in Asian grocery stores or online specialty food shops.

Can I use a homemade ube puree instead of jarred ube jam?

Yes, homemade ube puree can be used as a substitute. Ensure it is sweetened to your taste, as ube jam is typically sweetened and contributes to the cupcake’s flavor.