Dessert

Ube Coconut Cake Recipe

ByLila Prescott March 12, 2026March 12, 2026

Introduction

Discover the delightful combination of vibrant ube and creamy coconut in this Ube Coconut Cake. This colorful dessert is moist, flavorful, and topped with a luscious coconut frosting, perfect for any celebration or treat.

A slice of three-layer purple cake with two thick white cream layers in between sits on a white plate with a slightly worn edge. The purple cake layers have a moist and soft texture, while the white cream layers look smooth and fluffy. The top of the cake is covered with a thick layer of white cream sprinkled with toasted shredded coconut, some of which has fallen onto the plate. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a blurred background showing another piece of the same cake and a golden fork. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup ube puree (canned or homemade)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk

1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs

2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup unsalted butter (softened, for frosting)
4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)

1/4 cup coconut milk (for frosting)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
1/2 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, whisk together ube puree, coconut milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Step 3: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: For the frosting, beat softened butter in a large bowl until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and coconut milk, mixing until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 5: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of coconut frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and cover the entire cake with remaining frosting.
Step 6: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the top for garnish. Slice and enjoy your beautiful and tasty Ube Coconut Cake!

Tips & Variations

Use fresh ube if available for a more vibrant color and natural flavor.
Replace vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a richer coconut taste.
For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and ensure coconut milk is unsweetened.

Toast shredded coconut before garnishing to add a nutty crunch.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep it fresh. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. You can freeze the cake layers (well wrapped) for up to 2 months and thaw before frosting.

How to Serve

A slice of three-layer purple cake with creamy white frosting between each thick layer sits on a white plate. The purple layers have a soft, moist texture, while the white frosting looks smooth and fluffy. The top is covered with a thick layer of white frosting sprinkled with light brown toasted coconut flakes. Some toasted coconut flakes are scattered around the base of the slice on the plate. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a blurred background showing more cake pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh ube instead of canned puree?

Yes, fresh ube can be boiled and mashed to make your own puree. It will provide a fresher flavor and more vibrant color, but ensure it is cooked and softened before using.

Is it necessary to use coconut milk in both the cake and frosting?

While coconut milk enhances the flavor and moistness in both the cake and frosting, you can substitute dairy milk or another plant-based milk if preferred, but it may slightly change the flavor profile.