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glass jar filled with creamy ube halaya purple yam jam

Ube Halaya Purple Yam Jam

A creamy, sweet, and vibrant purple yam jam from the Philippines. Made with mashed purple yam, milk, sugar, and butter, it’s perfect on its own, or as a filling for muffins, cookies, cakes, or ice cream. Easy to make and delightfully rich in flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Filipino
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups grated purple yam fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup condensed milk
  • ½ cup coconut milk or evaporated milk for creamier texture
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup sugar adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon ube extract optional, enhances color and flavor

Method
 

  1. Prepare the yam – Boil or steam the purple yam until soft. Let it cool slightly, then mash it into a smooth paste.
  2. Combine ingredients – In a non-stick pan, mix the mashed yam, condensed milk, coconut milk, and sugar. Stir well.
  3. Cook the mixture – Place the pan over low-medium heat. Stir constantly to prevent sticking or burning.
  4. Add butter and ube extract – When the mixture thickens, stir in butter and ube extract. Continue cooking and stirring.
  5. Check consistency – Cook until the jam is thick and holds its shape but still spreadable. This usually takes 30–40 minutes.
  6. Cool and store – Transfer to a container and let it cool completely. The jam will thicken further as it cools.

Notes

  • You can use frozen yams if fresh aren’t available. Thaw and drain before cooking.
  • Adjust sugar based on how sweet your purple yam is.
  • Ube extract is optional but helps enhance color and flavor.
  • Keep stirring constantly while cooking to avoid lumps or burning.