Ube Mochi Bites

Ube Mochi Bites are a delightful fusion of Filipino and Hawaiian flavors. Made with glutinous rice flour and ube halaya, these chewy treats are packed with the nutty, slightly sweet taste of purple yam and the richness of coconut milk.

Perfectly portioned into bite-sized squares, this dessert is as eye-catching as it is delicious. The vibrant purple hue makes it a standout addition to any dessert table, while its soft, chewy texture is sure to satisfy. Serve it at parties, enjoy it with a cup of coffee, or gift it to friends – it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1 can (400ml) coconut milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
• 1 teaspoon ube extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix until evenly blended.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, coconut milk, melted butter, ube halaya, and ube extract until smooth.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the mochi to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bite-sized squares.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes

Kcal: 140 kcal per piece (estimated, depending on serving size)
Servings: 16 pieces

Origin and Cultural Significance

Ube Mochi Bites bring together two beloved culinary traditions: the Filipino love for ube (purple yam) and the Hawaiian penchant for butter mochi. Ube, a vibrant purple yam, is a staple ingredient in Filipino desserts, known for its mildly sweet and nutty flavor. It’s commonly used in cakes, ice cream, and traditional delicacies like halaya. Butter mochi, on the other hand, is a popular Hawaiian dessert made with glutinous rice flour and coconut milk, resulting in a uniquely chewy and rich treat. Combining these elements creates a dessert that is not only delicious but also a fusion of rich cultural histories.

Tips for Best Results

1. Use Fresh Ube Halaya: For the best flavor, use high-quality or homemade ube halaya (ube jam). Store-bought varieties work well, but the flavor and texture of freshly made jam can elevate the dish.
2. Mix Ingredients Thoroughly: When combining wet and dry ingredients, ensure the batter is smooth and free of lumps to achieve a uniform texture in your mochi.
3. Do Not Overbake: The key to perfect mochi is its chewy texture. Overbaking can make it too firm. Keep a close eye during the final minutes of baking, and test with a toothpick for doneness.
4. Grease the Pan Well: To prevent the mochi from sticking, ensure your baking dish is generously greased or lined with parchment paper.
5. Let It Cool Completely: Allow the mochi to cool completely before cutting. This helps set the texture and ensures clean, even slices.

Variations and Customizations

• Add Toppings: Sprinkle shredded coconut, sesame seeds, or powdered sugar on top before baking for added flavor and texture.
• Infuse with Flavors: For a unique twist, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla or pandan extract to the batter.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute butter with coconut oil or plant-based butter, and use an egg replacer for a completely vegan version.

Serving Suggestions

Ube Mochi Bites are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:

1. Snack or Dessert: Serve as a sweet treat after meals or as an afternoon snack with tea or coffee.
2. Gift Option: Pack them in decorative boxes for gifting during holidays or special occasions.
3. Party Favorite: Add them to a dessert spread at gatherings for a vibrant, unique option that’s sure to be a hit.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store the mochi in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: If you live in a warm climate or want to extend the shelf life, refrigerate the mochi for up to 5 days. Before serving, bring it to room temperature or lightly warm it in the microwave for a few seconds to restore its chewiness.
• Freezing: Mochi can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Value

While Ube Mochi Bites are a treat, they offer some nutritional benefits from the ube and coconut milk. Ube is rich in antioxidants and provides vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin E. Coconut milk adds healthy fats and enhances the creamy texture of the mochi.

The Unique Texture and Flavor of Ube Mochi Bites

Ube Mochi Bites stand out because of their irresistibly chewy texture and the vibrant, earthy-sweet flavor of ube. The glutinous rice flour gives them their signature soft and sticky consistency, which is balanced by the buttery richness and subtle sweetness from the coconut milk and sugar. The ube extract and ube halaya (purple yam jam) not only provide a natural, stunning purple hue but also contribute a mild nuttiness that makes these treats unique.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make: With minimal preparation and a straightforward process, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
2. Visually Stunning: The bright purple color of these mochi squares makes them a showstopper at any event.
3. Customizable: This recipe is versatile, allowing you to experiment with flavors, toppings, and presentation styles to suit your preferences.
4. Perfect for Sharing: These bite-sized treats are easy to portion and make an excellent addition to potlucks, parties, or family gatherings.

Cultural Fusion in Every Bite

This recipe celebrates the fusion of Filipino and Hawaiian culinary traditions. Ube, a beloved ingredient in Filipino cooking, pairs harmoniously with the Hawaiian classic butter mochi. It’s a beautiful representation of how food can bring cultures together, creating a dessert that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

In Filipino culture, ube is often used to create festive desserts like ube cake, ube ice cream, and halo-halo. In Hawaii, butter mochi is a staple dessert at family celebrations and luaus. The blend of these elements results in a dessert that pays homage to both traditions while offering something new and exciting.

Ingredient Highlights

• Glutinous Rice Flour: The foundation of this recipe, it provides the chewy, sticky texture that makes mochi irresistible.
• Ube Halaya: This creamy purple yam jam adds depth of flavor and an authentic Filipino touch.
• Coconut Milk: Enhances the richness of the dessert, giving it a tropical flair.
• Ube Extract: Intensifies the flavor and creates that vibrant purple color that makes these mochi squares visually appealing.

Creative Additions and Variations

• Chocolate Marble Ube Mochi: Swirl melted chocolate into the batter for a fun twist on the classic recipe.
• Taro Twist: Substitute half of the ube halaya with taro paste for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Crunchy Toppings: Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut, crushed nuts, or sesame seeds before baking for added texture.
• Sweetened Fillings: Create a filled version by adding a small dollop of sweetened red bean paste or dulce de leche in the center of each square.

Health Benefits of Ube

While Ube Mochi Bites are undoubtedly a treat, ube itself is rich in nutrients like:

• Antioxidants: Ube is packed with anthocyanins, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Vitamin C: Supports a healthy immune system and boosts collagen production.
• Dietary Fiber: Promotes digestive health and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels.

Pairing Suggestions

• Beverages: Pair these sweet and chewy bites with traditional Filipino beverages like salabat (ginger tea) or a cold glass of calamansi juice. They also go well with hot coffee or matcha lattes for a more modern twist.
• Dessert Spreads: Serve alongside other tropical-inspired desserts such as mango sticky rice, pandan cake, or coconut tarts for a vibrant dessert table.

A Crowd-Favorite Dessert

Whether you’re introducing ube to friends or creating a nostalgic treat for those familiar with its flavor, Ube Mochi Bites are a guaranteed hit. The simple preparation and delightful taste make them an excellent recipe to add to your repertoire, and they are sure to become a favorite for years to come.

Conclusion

Ube Mochi Bites are the perfect combination of vibrant color, delightful flavor, and chewy texture, making them a standout treat for any occasion. This easy-to-follow recipe not only highlights the beloved flavors of ube and coconut but also showcases the versatility and creativity of combining traditional ingredients in new and exciting ways. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, sharing them as gifts, or simply enjoying them with a warm cup of tea, these mochi bites are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

Their eye-catching appearance and rich cultural background make them more than just a dessert—they’re a conversation starter and a way to celebrate the fusion of Filipino and Hawaiian culinary traditions. Try this recipe, and let the soft, chewy, and sweet flavors of Ube Mochi Bites transport you to a world of tropical indulgence!