“Did you ever find yourself captivated by a color so vibrant that it draws you in?” That’s how I felt the first time I discovered ube, the beautiful purple yam that’s become a sensation in desserts. Today, I’m thrilled to share my Creamy Ube Cheesecake Bars recipe with you, a delightful fusion of flavors that bridges American and Asian culinary traditions. These bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust paired with an ultra-creamy cheesecake filling that’s swirled with the unique earthy sweetness of ube. Not only are they incredibly easy to whip up, but they’re also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties or special occasions. Whether you’re looking to impress your friends or simply treat yourself, these bars are the ultimate dessert to brighten your day. Curious about how to make these colorful treats? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why Ube Cheesecake Bars Are a Must-Try?
Uniqueness: These Ube Cheesecake Bars are not just another dessert; they offer a stunning twist with the earthy sweetness of ube, setting them apart from classic cheesecake.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, even novice bakers can create these creamy delights without a hitch.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether for a party or a casual family gathering, these bars become the star of the dessert table, captivating guests of all ages.
Endless Variations: Feel free to get creative! Swap in flavored extracts like coconut or try adding fruit purees for an unexpected twist.
Perfect for Meal Prep: These bars can be made ahead of time, storing well in the fridge, making them an ideal choice for busy weekends or holiday feasts.
To elevate your dessert game even further, check out my recipe for the Oreo Cheesecake Cookie or make something fruity with these Cereal Bars Deliciously.
Ube Cheesecake Bars Ingredients
For the Crust
- Graham Cracker Crumbs – A delightful base for the crust; you can use digestive biscuits as a substitution for similar texture.
- Unsalted Butter – Provides richness; feel free to substitute coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness to both the crust and filling; adjust according to your taste preferences.
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors in both crust and filling.
For the Filling
- Cream Cheese – Creates the creamy structure of the cheesecake; ensure it’s at room temperature for the best results.
- Sour Cream – Imparts tanginess while keeping the filling moist; Greek yogurt works as a lighter alternative.
- Vanilla Extract – A flavor enhancer bringing warmth to the filling.
- Eggs – Binds the filling together; make sure they’re at room temperature to avoid curdling.
- Ube Jam – Adds that gorgeous ube flavor and color; you can either make your own or find it at Asian markets.
- Hot Water – Used for achieving a smooth consistency with the ube jam.
- Ube Extract – Intensifies the ube flavor, essential for that depth in the dessert.
Optional Serving Suggestions
- Whipped Cream – Lightens up the bars for an elegant touch.
- Fresh Fruit – Adds a burst of color and freshness on the side.
These Ube Cheesecake Bars are not only a fantastic treat but also a delightful way to introduce the unique flavor of ube into your desserts!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Ube Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, prepare your 8×8 baking pan by lining it with aluminum foil, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. This will ensure your creamy Ube Cheesecake Bars are easy to slice and serve once they’re done baking.
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers into fine crumbs. In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbs with melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is evenly moistened, then firmly press this mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant.
Step 3: Lower the Oven Temperature
Once the crust is out of the oven, lower the temperature to 325°F (163°C) as you move on to preparing the filling. This reduced temperature will help your Ube Cheesecake Bars cook evenly without cracking later on.
Step 4: Beat the Cream Cheese
In a stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for creating the luscious texture of your Ube Cheesecake Bars. Scrape the bowl to ensure no lumps remain.
Step 5: Combine the Remaining Ingredients
Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt to the cream cheese mixture, mixing until fully incorporated. Next, add the eggs one by one, mixing gently after each addition to avoid overbeating. This will help maintain the creamy filling’s smoothness, essential for the delightful taste of the Ube Cheesecake Bars.
Step 6: Prepare the Ube Mixture
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ube jam and hot water until smooth. Incorporate the ube extract into this mixture for an intensified flavor. Fold in ⅔ cup of the cheesecake batter from the previous step, blending until just combined and beautifully swirled.
Step 7: Assemble the Bars
Pour the white cheesecake batter evenly over the baked graham cracker crust. Then, drop spoonfuls of the ube batter on top. Using a knife or a toothpick, gently swirl the two batters together to create a marbled effect that showcases the vibrant color of the ube.
Step 8: Bake the Cheesecake Bars
Place the assembled Ube Cheesecake Bars in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. The edges should be set, while the center will still have a slight jiggle. Turning off the oven at this stage allows the bars to cool gradually, which helps prevent cracking.
Step 9: Cool and Chill
After baking, leave the bars in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 20 minutes to cool. Then transfer them to room temperature, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This chilling period is key to achieving the rich, creamy texture characteristic of Ube Cheesecake Bars.
Step 10: Cut and Serve
Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the foil overhang, and place on a cutting board. Cut into 16 rectangular bars, wiping the knife between each cut for clean edges. Serve chilled, and relish the delightful blend of flavors in your creamy Ube Cheesecake Bars.
What to Serve with Ube Cheesecake Bars?
Treat your taste buds to a delightful feast by pairing the creamy sweetness of these bars with an array of complementary flavors.
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Whipped Cream: This light and airy topping elevates the rich texture of the bars, adding a delightful contrast with each bite.
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Fresh Berries: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries brings a refreshing tartness that beautifully balances the sweet creaminess, perfect for summer gatherings.
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Coconut Macaroons: The chewiness of these sweet coconut treats complements the buttery crust and adds a touch of tropical flair to your dessert spread.
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Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee or espresso enhances the earthy tones of the ube, making for a cozy after-dinner touch.
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Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of rich chocolate sauce over the bars adds depth and an indulgent sweetness that takes dessert to the next level.
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Green Tea Ice Cream: The subtle bitterness and coolness of matcha or green tea ice cream offers a delightful contrast, creating a fusion of flavors that will surprise and delight.
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Mango Sorbet: This vibrant and fruity addition brings a refreshing element, with the sweetness of mango perfectly enhancing the ube’s unique flavor profile.
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Almond Cookies: The crunchiness of almond cookies provides a pleasing texture contrast while their nutty flavor pairs harmoniously with the creamy bars.
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Sparkling Water with Lime: This zesty drink refreshes the palate and emphasizes the vibrant flavors of the dessert, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Ube Cheesecake Bars Variations
Feel free to explore these variations and make the recipe your own! Each twist adds a delightful new flavor or texture that will captivate your senses.
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Flavorful Extracts: Try substituting vanilla with coconut or almond extract for a unique twist on flavor. The fragrant notes can elevate your dessert to new heights.
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Fruit Purees: Incorporate luscious fruit purees such as mango or passion fruit into the filling for an added burst of tropical flavor. This not only adds color but also introduces a refreshing taste profile.
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Ube Powder: If you prefer, replace ube jam with ube powder for a different texture and a more intense ube flavor. Just mix it with a bit of hot water to maintain the creamy consistency.
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Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped nuts like macadamia or pistachios for added crunch in the filling. Their delicious crunch will contrast beautifully with the smooth cheesecake.
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Chocolate Swirl: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cheesecake and swirl it into the batter. Rich chocolate complements the sweet earthiness of ube perfectly!
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Dairy-Free Twist: Use coconut cream in place of cream cheese for a dairy-free version that still delivers on creaminess. Coconut also ties into the tropical theme delightfully.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of ginger to the batter for a spicy undertone that brings warmth to every bite. This unexpected twist will charm your taste buds!
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Mini Bars: For bite-sized treats, pour the batter into mini muffin tins instead of an 8×8 pan. They make for perfect party snacks and are great for sharing.
If you love exploring unique flavors, don’t forget to check out my recipes for Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake or indulge in these delightful Ube Scones Ube!
Storage Tips for Ube Cheesecake Bars
Fridge: Store your Ube Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. This keeps them fresh and delicious for days!
Freezer: For longer-term storage, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil; they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy.
Reheating: If you prefer them slightly warmed, heat individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy them with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!
Make-Ahead: These Ube Cheesecake Bars can be prepared 1-2 days in advance, making them perfect for special occasions or a busy week ahead.
Make Ahead Options
These Creamy Ube Cheesecake Bars are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the graham cracker crust and the cheesecake filling up to 24 hours in advance. To do this, simply bake the crust and allow it to cool completely, then store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. For the cheesecake filling, mix all the ingredients, cover, and refrigerate overnight to enhance the flavors. When you’re ready to serve, layer the filling over the crust and bake as directed. This method not only saves you time but ensures your Ube Cheesecake Bars are just as delicious, providing a rich and creamy dessert that’s sure to impress your guests!
Expert Tips for Ube Cheesecake Bars
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Always ensure that your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth filling.
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Prevent Cracks: To avoid cracks in your cheesecake, turn off the oven while the center is still slightly jiggly—this gradual cooling is key.
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Clean Cuts: For neat, beautiful slices, wipe your knife after each cut. This helps maintain the presentation of your Ube Cheesecake Bars.
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Flavor Depth: Use both ube jam and ube extract for the best depth of flavor. They complement each other beautifully in this recipe.
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Substitution Awareness: If you’re substituting ingredients like Greek yogurt for sour cream, remember that it may alter the final texture slightly, but won’t compromise taste.
Ube Cheesecake Bars Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe ube for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting ube, look for firm tubers with a vibrant purple color and minimal blemishes. Avoid any with dark spots or soft areas, as these may indicate overripeness. For the best flavor, choose ones that are fresh and feel heavy for their size, indicating they’re full of moisture.
How should I store leftover Ube Cheesecake Bars?
To keep your Ube Cheesecake Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing, to prevent moisture buildup which could affect the texture.
Can I freeze Ube Cheesecake Bars?
Very! To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, ensuring no air gets in. This method will keep them good for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving. This allows the creamy texture to return beautifully.
What should I do if my Ube Cheesecake Bars crack during baking?
No worries! Cracking can occur if they bake too long or if the temperature is too high. To prevent this, bake until the edges are set but leave the center slightly jiggly before turning off the oven to cool gradually. If they do crack, a quick fix is to chill the bars and serve them topped with whipped cream—no one will notice the cracks!
Are there any dietary considerations I should take into account for my guests?
Definitely! If you’re serving these Ube Cheesecake Bars at a gathering, consider allergies: they contain dairy and eggs, so label them accordingly. For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with cashew cream or any dairy-free cream cheese, and use a plant-based yogurt instead of sour cream. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens!
Decadent Ube Cheesecake Bars Beckon Your Sweet Tooth
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 baking pan with aluminum foil.
- Pulse graham crackers in a food processor, then mix with butter, sugar, and salt. Press into the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes.
- Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).
- Beat softened cream cheese and sugar in a stand mixer until smooth.
- Add sour cream, vanilla, and salt. Mix, then add eggs one at a time until just blended.
- In a separate bowl, whisk ube jam with hot water and ube extract. Fold in ⅔ cup cheesecake batter until combined.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust, drop spoonfuls of ube mixture on top, and swirl gently.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, until edges are set but center jiggles slightly.
- Cool in the oven with the door ajar for 20 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Lift bars from the pan and cut into 16 bars. Serve chilled.
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