Make Fluffy Ube Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Dive into the delightful world of fluffy Ube Cake, a cake that’s light, fluffy, and full of flavor. This cake combines the earthy taste of ube with the rich flavor of coconut. Filled with sweet coconut strips (macapuno) and topped with a creamy whipped cream cheese frosting, this cake is moist, tender, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy. It’s perfect for special occasions or just as a treat.
What Makes Ube Coconut Chiffon Cake Special
This cake stands out for its soft, airy texture, making it perfect for tall layer cakes. It has a delicate, moist crumb that melts in your mouth. You can make it with just ube flavor or enhance it with coconut oil and coconut water for an extra layer of coconut goodness. Either way, it has a beautiful purple color thanks to the ube extract.
If you choose the ube coconut version, the cake will be slightly denser due to the coconut fat, which is solid at room temperature. This may make the cake a bit shorter, but it will still be fluffy. For an even lighter texture, you can replace the coconut oil with a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil, and use regular water instead of coconut water. The ube extract usually provides enough coconut flavor on its own.
Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting: A Tangy Treat
The whipped cream cheese frosting is what makes this cake extra special. It has a texture similar to a light cheesecake, which pairs beautifully with the airy cake. This frosting is thicker and less fluffy than regular whipped cream, with a sweet but tangy flavor from the cream cheese. If you prefer a lighter frosting, you can use other types of whipped cream frosting instead.
Macapuno Filling: A Sweet Surprise
Adding macapuno (a type of coconut with jelly-like flesh) as a filling gives this cake a rich coconut flavor. Macapuno is a special kind of coconut that’s sweeter and chewier than regular coconut. You can find it in jars at Asian markets, and while it’s optional, it’s highly recommended for a truly unique cake.
Key Ingredients for Ube Coconut Chiffon Cake
Making the Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream Cheese: The base of the frosting, giving it a creamy texture and tangy taste. Use cream cheese with stabilizers for the best results.
- Heavy Cream: Makes the frosting light and fluffy. Use cream with a high-fat content for the best whipping results.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting without making it gritty.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and sweetness to the frosting.
What is Macapuno?
Macapuno is a type of coconut with jelly-like flesh that adds a sweet, chewy texture to the cake. This special coconut is usually available in jars at Asian markets. While it’s optional, adding macapuno can elevate the flavor and texture of the cake.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Ube Coconut Chiffon Cake
- Prepare the Cake Layers: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and place the rack in the middle. Line the bottoms of three 7-inch cake pans with parchment paper. Do not grease the sides, so the cake rises properly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a measuring cup, combine coconut water, melted coconut oil, egg yolks, and ube extract. Mix well and set aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, sift together cake flour, cornstarch, sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt. Whisk for about 30 seconds.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Make a well in the dry ingredients and slowly pour in the coconut water mixture, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Stop once everything is fully combined.
- Whip Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, whip egg whites with cream of tartar. Gradually add sugar and continue whipping until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Fold Meringue into Batter: Carefully fold the meringue into the batter in three parts, making sure there are no streaks. The batter should be smooth and evenly purple.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 23-28 minutes. Let the cakes cool slightly before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat the cream cheese on low speed until soft. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gradually fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese until smooth.
- Assemble the Cake: Layer the cooled cakes with macapuno filling and frost with the whipped cream cheese frosting. For best results, follow an assembly guide or video.
Final Thoughts
This Ube Coconut Chiffon Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting is a stunning dessert, perfect for any special occasion. The combination of fluffy ube cake, rich coconut flavor, tangy cream cheese frosting, and sweet macapuno filling creates a cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Enjoy making and sharing this wonderful cake!
