Delicious and Easy-to-Make Ube Pastillas Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups powdered milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
  • 1/2 cup condensed milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon ube flavoring
  • Extra powdered sugar for dusting

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered milk and granulated sugar.
  2. Add the ube halaya, condensed milk, and ube flavoring. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
  3. Melt the butter in a separate pan over medium heat then pour the melted butter into the mixture.
  4. Stir the mixture until it forms a thick paste. If the mixture is too sticky, add a bit more powdered milk.
  5. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes before shaping it. While waiting, dust a clean flat surface with powdered sugar.
  6. Once the mixture is cool enough to handle, take a small amount and roll it into a cylindrical shape.
  7. Roll the shaped pastillas in powdered sugar then wrap them individually in cellophane or paper.
  8. Repeat the shaping process until all the mixture is used up. Serve the ube pastillas as a dessert or snack.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use different flavored jams or spreads instead of ube halaya, such as mango, strawberry, or pandan.
  • Replace the powdered milk with almond flour or coconut flour for a dairy-free option.
  • Add crushed nuts or chocolate chips to the mixture for added texture and flavor.
  • Experiment with different flavorings, such as vanilla extract or pandan essence, instead of ube flavoring.
  • Coat the shaped pastillas in finely grated coconut instead of powdered sugar.
  • Make a chocolate version by adding cocoa powder to the mixture.
  • Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness of the pastillas.

Recipe overview

Experience a delightful fusion of two classic Filipino treats with this Ube Pastillas recipe. These soft, milky candies, known as pastillas, deliver the exquisite taste and vibrant color of Ube, or purple yam, a popular ingredient in Filipino desserts. This simple, no-bake recipe combines powdered milk, sugar, Ube Halaya (purple yam jam), and condensed milk to create a luscious, vibrant candy that's perfect for snacking or gifting. Rolled in powdered sugar and individually wrapped, these Ube Pastillas offer a sweet surprise that will surely bring a smile to anyone's face. So, ready your ingredients, and let's start creating these deliciously charming and easy-to-make sweets!

Common questions

  1. Can I use fresh ube instead of ube halaya?
  2. No, for this recipe, it is recommended to use ube halaya (purple yam jam) as it provides the desired flavor and consistency.
  3. Can I substitute the powdered milk with fresh milk?
  4. No, powdered milk is essential for this recipe as it helps achieve the desired texture and consistency of the pastillas.
  5. Can I use margarine instead of unsalted butter?
  6. It is best to use unsalted butter for this recipe as margarine can alter the taste and texture of the pastillas.
  7. Can I omit the ube flavoring?
  8. While the ube flavoring enhances the taste and aroma of the pastillas, you can omit it if you don't have it on hand. However, the ube flavor may be less pronounced.
  9. How should I store the pastillas?
  10. Store the ube pastillas in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to 1 week.
  11. Can I freeze the pastillas?
  12. Yes, you can freeze the pastillas for longer storage. Make sure to wrap them tightly and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw them in the refrigerator before consuming.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Pastillas, a well-loved Filipino delicacy, traces its roots back to the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. The original version is made with carabao (water buffalo) milk, a staple in many Filipino homes, with the creamy milk slowly cooked and mixed with sugar until it forms a soft candy. The incorporation of ube, a purple yam native to the Philippines, into the traditional pastillas recipe is a testament to the Filipino's creative use of the local ingredients. Ube is a popular ingredient in Filipino desserts due to its vibrant color and unique flavor. The fusion of these two iconic components has given birth to the delightful Ube Pastillas, making it a vibrant purple twist on a beloved classic. Enjoy the sweetness of pastillas intertwined with the unique taste of ube.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.