Purple Ube Panna Cotta Recipe: A Creamy Filipino-Italian Dessert Delight

Delicious Homemade Ube Panna Cotta Recipe

This stunning ube panna cotta recipe combines the silky smooth texture of traditional Italian panna cotta with the vibrant purple hue and unique flavor of ube, a beloved Filipino purple yam. The result is a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make yet guaranteed to impress your guests!

Why You’ll Love This Purple Yam Panna Cotta

There’s something magical about the way this dessert transforms simple ingredients into an elegant treat. The ube’s natural purple color creates a visually striking dessert, while its subtle, nutty sweetness perfectly complements the rich, creamy base. This fusion dessert brings together the best of Filipino and Italian culinary traditions!

What is Ube and Why It Makes Perfect Panna Cotta

Ube (pronounced “oo-beh”) is a purple yam native to the Philippines. Unlike purple sweet potatoes, ube has a distinctive nutty, vanilla-like flavor that has made it a star ingredient in many Filipino desserts. When incorporated into panna cotta, the ube adds not only its gorgeous color but also a depth of flavor that elevates this simple Italian dessert to new heights.

Health Benefits of Ube

• Rich in antioxidants (thanks to its purple color)
• Good source of vitamins and minerals
• Contains dietary fiber
• Lower glycemic index than many dessert ingredients

Ingredients for Ube Panna Cotta

• 1 medium-sized ube (purple yam), peeled and cut into chunks (about 1 cup when mashed)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 packets (14g) unflavored gelatin
• ¼ cup cold water (for blooming the gelatin)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Optional: Whipped coconut cream and toasted coconut flakes for garnish

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Steamer basket and pot
• Blender or food processor
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine-mesh strainer
• 6 ramekins or dessert cups (about 6oz each)

How to Make Ube Panna Cotta

1. Prepare the Ube

   Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add ube chunks, cover, and steam until fork-tender, about 20 minutes. Allow to cool for 10 minutes until easily handled.

2. Make Ube Puree

   Transfer the steamed ube to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth and free of lumps. Alternatively, you can thoroughly mash it by hand using a potato masher. You should have about 1 cup of ube puree.

3. Bloom the Gelatin

   In a small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over ¼ cup of cold water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it absorbs the water and becomes spongy (this is called “blooming”).

4. Heat the Cream Mixture

   In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling.

5. Add Ube and Gelatin

   Whisk in the ube puree until well incorporated. Remove from heat and add the bloomed gelatin and vanilla extract, stirring until the gelatin completely dissolves.

6. Strain and Pour

   For an extra smooth texture, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring cup with a pour spout. Then divide evenly among 6 ramekins or dessert glasses.

7. Chill

   Cover each container with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight until firmly set.

8. Serve

   Before serving, you can garnish with whipped coconut cream and toasted coconut flakes if desired. For an elegant presentation, run a thin knife around the edge of each ramekin and invert onto a dessert plate.

Pro Tips for Perfect Ube Panna Cotta

• Fresh vs. Frozen Ube: If fresh ube is unavailable, you can use frozen ube (thaw before steaming) or ube halaya (Filipino purple yam jam) as a substitute.
• Gelatin Test: To ensure your gelatin is properly bloomed, it should resemble thick applesauce with no dry powder remaining.
• Temperature Matters: Make sure your cream mixture is hot but not boiling when you add the gelatin, as excessive heat can diminish the gelatin’s setting power.
• Smooth Texture: Always strain your mixture before pouring into molds to remove any lumps for the silkiest texture.
• Unmolding Technique: To easily remove panna cotta from molds, dip the bottom of each ramekin in hot water for about 10 seconds before inverting.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

This ube panna cotta can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator. The dessert actually benefits from setting overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. If you’ve made the panna cotta in serving glasses, simply cover each with plastic wrap. If you plan to unmold them, it’s best to keep them in their molds until ready to serve.

Nutritional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ube extract or powder instead of fresh ube?

Yes! If fresh or frozen ube is unavailable, you can substitute with 2-3 tablespoons of ube extract or 2-3 tablespoons of ube powder mixed with water to form a paste. Adjust the amount to your color and flavor preference.

Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely! Replace the heavy cream and milk with full-fat coconut milk and use agar-agar instead of gelatin. Use 1 tablespoon of agar-agar powder for every 4 cups of liquid.

Why did my panna cotta not set properly?

This could happen if the gelatin wasn’t properly bloomed, the mixture was too hot when the gelatin was added, or if the ratio of liquid to gelatin was incorrect. Make sure to follow the measurements precisely.

Can I add other flavors to complement the ube?

Yes! Coconut, almond, or white chocolate flavors pair beautifully with ube. You can add a teaspoon of coconut extract or replace part of the heavy cream with coconut cream.

Perfect Pairings for Ube Panna Cotta

This dessert stands beautifully on its own, but for a complete experience, consider these pairings:

• Beverages: Coconut coffee, jasmine tea, or a sweet dessert wine
• Toppings: Macapuno (coconut sport), fresh berries, or crushed pistachios
• Accompaniments: Langka (jackfruit) compote or a small butter cookie

Try This Beautiful Ube Panna Cotta Recipe Today!

With its striking purple color and delicate, creamy texture, this ube panna cotta recipe is sure to become one of your favorite desserts for special occasions and dinner parties. The unique combination of Italian technique with Filipino flavors creates a truly memorable treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Give this fusion dessert a try and discover the magic of ube in a whole new way!

Recipe adapted from AllRecipes