Steamed Ube Custard Cake Recipe (Filipino-Style Leche Flan Cake)

Looking for a show-stopping Filipino dessert that combines creamy flan with fluffy ube sponge cake? This Steamed Ube Custard Cake is a deliciously layered treat that’s perfect for special occasions or whenever you’re craving something extra indulgent. It’s steamed—not baked—so no oven is required!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No oven needed! Just a steamer and simple tools.
- Double-layered delight with smooth, caramel-like custard and a soft, airy ube chiffon cake.
- Authentic Filipino flavor with the vibrant purple hue and earthy sweetness of ube.
Ingredients
For the Custard Layer:
- 6 egg yolks
- 1 can (14 oz) condensed milk
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Ube Sponge Cake:
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup fresh milk or evaporated milk
- 1 tsp ube flavoring (or ube powder mixed with milk)
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 6 egg whites
- 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (150 g) brown sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Custard
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Strain the custard mixture to remove bubbles for a silky texture.
- Grease and line a 9-inch round pan, then pour the custard mixture into it.
- Steam on low heat for 20–25 minutes just until partially set. (It will fully set after adding the cake batter.)
Step 2: Make the Ube Sponge Cake
- In a small bowl, combine milk, ube flavoring, and melted butter.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat egg yolks and brown sugar until pale and thick.
- Slowly add the ube mixture to the yolk mixture, then gently fold in the dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until frothy. Gradually add granulated sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the meringue into the ube batter in three parts—be careful not to deflate it.
Step 3: Steam & Assemble
- Pour the ube batter gently over the partially steamed custard layer.
- Cover the pan with foil or a cloth-lined lid to prevent water from dripping onto the cake.
- Steam on medium-low heat for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the cake springs back when touched.
Cool, Invert, and Serve
Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, invert it carefully onto a serving plate. The flan layer will now be beautifully on top!
Tips for Success
- Don’t rush the steaming process—low and slow ensures a silky custard and fluffy sponge.
- Make sure the pan is tightly covered to avoid water drips.
- You can make this a day ahead—it sets even better overnight!
Nutrition Estimate (Per Slice)
Calories: ~280
Servings: 10–12 slices
More Filipino Desserts to Try:
- [Leche Flan with Caramel Syrup]
- [Ube Halaya (Purple Yam Jam)]
- [Cassava Cake with Custard Topping]
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