Dessert

Ube Cream Cheese Brownie Recipe

ByRita Bennet November 26, 2025November 26, 2025

Introduction

Ube Cream Cheese Brownies combine the vibrant purple flavor of ube with a rich, tangy cream cheese swirl for a delightful twist on a classic treat. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for anyone who loves a balance of sweet and creamy textures.

Two square pieces of dessert sit on a white plate with a white marbled texture background. Each piece has two layers: the bottom layer is thick, rich, and deep purple with a soft, moist texture. The top layer is thinner, creamy, and pale beige, with swirls of the purple layer mixed in, giving it a marbled look. The pieces are slightly stacked, with one resting on the other at an angle, showing off the contrast between the dense purple bottom and the lighter marbled top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1¼ cup flour
½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt
½ cup butter, melted

1 cup sugar (add an additional ½ cup if you prefer it sweeter)
2 eggs

1 tbsp ube extract
¼ cup ube jam (ube halaya)

Cream cheese swirl:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup sugar
1 egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
Step 2: In a separate, larger bowl, mix the melted butter and sugar until fully combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 3: Stir in the ube extract and ube jam into the wet mixture.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 5: Set aside approximately ½ cup of this batter for the swirl. Pour the remaining batter evenly into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking pan.

Step 6: For the cream cheese swirl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 7: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter in the pan.
Step 8: Drop the reserved ½ cup of batter sporadically on top of the cream cheese layer. Use a chopstick or skewer to swirl the batter and cream cheese together for a marbled effect.

Step 9: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the brownies are set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.

Tips & Variations

For a sweeter brownie, increase sugar in the batter by ½ cup as suggested.
Use a rubber spatula to gently fold ingredients to keep the batter light and tender.

Try adding chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor in the batter.
Substitute ube extract with natural ube powder or fresh grated purple yam if available.

Storage

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer them warm. These brownies also freeze well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

How to Serve

Two square pieces of dessert are stacked on a white plate with soft edges, placed on a white marbled surface. Each piece has two layers: the bottom layer is thick and dark purple with a moist, dense texture, while the top layer is thin and creamy beige with purple swirls blending into it. The contrast between the dark purple and light beige colors creates a marbled effect on the top, showing a smooth finish with some texture visible within the swirls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these brownies without ube jam?

Yes, you can use extra ube extract or substitute with a similar purple yam or sweet potato jam if you can’t find ube jam. The flavor might be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

The brownies are done when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with only a few moist crumbs. The cream cheese swirl should be lightly set but not runny.