My Breakfast Roots and a Love for Ube Pudding Mix

A Taste of Home: How Ube Became My Sweet Staple

Growing up in the Philippines, ube pudding wasn’t just dessert—it was part of the rhythm of family life. Ube, or purple yam, was everywhere. I remember my mom in the kitchen, patiently stirring mashed ube with coconut milk and sugar over a warm flame, the air thick with that irresistible vanilla-like sweetness. It wasn’t a special occasion without a bright purple dessert on the table, whether it was halaya, ube pandesal, or pudding.

After moving to Austin, Texas, I realized how deeply I missed those cozy, colorful bites. That’s when I started making my own ube pudding using a simple ube pudding mix I recreated with basic ingredients. No cooking, no baking—just real purple yams, a splash of coconut milk, and a blender. It’s fast, it’s filling, and it tastes like a memory wrapped in flavor.

These days, this no-fuss pudding is one of my favorite ways to introduce friends to Filipino flavors. It’s also part of my weekend brunch club rotation. You’d be surprised how a humble bowl of ube pudding makes people light up, especially when they learn it’s made in just minutes.

Print

What Makes Ube Pudding Mix So Irresistible

There’s something about the creamy, smooth texture and vibrant violet hue that makes this dish feel like a celebration. The ube pudding mix brings together naturally sweet, steamed purple yam, rich coconut milk, and just enough honey or condensed milk to create a dessert that doubles as a dreamy breakfast. It’s naturally gluten-free, full of fiber, and honestly—kind of hypnotic to look at.

If you’re new to ube, think of it as sweet potato’s more colorful cousin, but nuttier and richer in flavor. That’s what gives this pudding its signature depth and warmth. And because the recipe requires no heat (unless you count steaming the yam), it’s also incredibly beginner-friendly.

The best part? You can customize it to your mood. Want it thicker? Use less liquid. Want it sweeter? Swap in condensed milk. Need a breakfast upgrade? Top it with chopped nuts, chia seeds, or a spoonful of Greek yogurt.

Recipes like this one remind me why I created Recipes Breakfast—to share comforting, simple meals that start your day with something joyful. And if you love colorful, make-ahead morning treats, you might also enjoy the creamy layers in this Pistachio Tiramisu or the nostalgic crunch of Cereal de Pancakes.

In the next section, we’ll dive into how to actually make this ube pudding mix at home—with just a blender and a few pantry staples. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it.

How to Make Ube Pudding Mix at Home

Simple Ingredients, Authentic Flavor

Creating your own ube pudding mix doesn’t require anything fancy. In fact, you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. What’s special here is the purple yam, known as ube. It’s what gives the pudding its striking color and uniquely sweet, nutty taste.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 5 oz steamed purple yam (ube), cubed — you can steam, boil, roast, or bake it
• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
• 2 tbsp raw honey or condensed milk (depending on how sweet you want it)

That’s it. No preservatives, no artificial flavors—just real, natural ingredients. If you’re making this in summer, chilled coconut milk adds a cool, refreshing twist. For more flavor, try adding a drop of vanilla or a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

This mix is flexible. Want a dairy-free version? Stick with honey and coconut milk. If you’re going for ultra-smooth and creamy, condensed milk brings a silky finish that’s absolutely indulgent. For more nutritious breakfast ideas like this, check out our Spinach Feta Egg Bake or these Savory Bubble Waffles that are surprisingly satisfying.

Table of Contents

Tools You’ll Need (Hint: Just a Blender!)

This is my favorite part—there’s no stove, no oven, no stress. You just need:

• A blender (or food processor)
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A spatula or butter knife
• Steamer or large pot (if steaming the yam)
• Serving bowls for that final touch

Start by steaming or cooking your ube until it’s fork-tender. Add the yam, coconut milk, and sweetener into the blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. That’s your ube pudding mix, done in under 5 minutes.

Spoon it into serving bowls, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes if you want it firmer, and garnish with coconut flakes or crushed nuts for texture. I sometimes swirl in a bit of Cherry Vinegar for a tangy contrast—it sounds odd, but it works.

This pudding also pairs beautifully with brunch drinks like our Tahini Iced Coffee for a full morning spread.

What Does Ube Pudding Taste Like? Understanding Its Sweet Appeal

A Flavor Like No Other: Sweet, Nutty, and Comforting

If you’ve never tasted ube before, you’re in for a surprise. The flavor of ube pudding mix is unlike anything else—it’s sweet, but not sugary. Think of a soft blend between vanilla and pistachio with a subtle nutty depth. It’s that balance of earthiness and dessert-like richness that makes it so addictive.

When combined with creamy coconut milk, the result is a velvety pudding that feels like a warm hug—chill it, and it becomes a refreshing, tropical treat. The honey or condensed milk enhances the yam’s natural sweetness without overpowering it. You end up with a flavor profile that’s luxurious but approachable. It’s the kind of dessert that feels indulgent but is actually nourishing.

I’ve served this to brunch guests who had never heard of ube, and they were floored by the color and taste. It often reminds people of a lighter sweet potato pie, but with a distinctly tropical vibe. If you like recipes with vibrant, bold flavors, try the Chaos Cake on the site—it has the same daring spirit.

The Role of Texture in Ube Pudding’s Magic

Texture plays a huge role in why this dish works. When blended well, the ube pudding mix becomes incredibly smooth—like a cross between mousse and custard. There’s no gelatin or starch thickener, so the softness comes entirely from the yam and coconut milk combination.

This makes it suitable for a wide range of diets. It’s naturally vegan (if using honey) and gluten-free. You can chill it longer for a firmer, almost fudge-like consistency, or enjoy it right away as a silky spoonable treat.

Plus, that bold purple color? It’s not just pretty—it’s completely natural. Purple yams are rich in antioxidants, giving you a dessert that’s both Instagram-worthy and packed with nutrients.

Ube pudding also layers beautifully if you want to make a parfait. Spoon it between granola or cookie crumbs for a twist on no-bake dessert cups. You’ll find similar make-ahead joy in recipes like the Cloud Bread Breakfast Sandwich—light, customizable, and packed with personality.

Is Ube the Same as Purple Yam? Where to Find and Use It in the U.S.

Understanding Ube vs. Purple Yam: Are They the Same?

Let’s clear up one of the biggest questions right away—yes, ube is a type of purple yam, but not all purple yams are the same. Ube (pronounced “oo-beh”) is native to the Philippines and has a distinct sweet-vanilla flavor, vibrant violet flesh, and smooth texture when cooked. It’s different from Okinawan sweet potatoes or purple sweet potatoes found in many U.S. stores, which can be drier and less sweet.

What sets ube pudding mix apart is this naturally creamy, rich base. You want real ube, not just any purple root vegetable, to get that signature flavor. If you’re lucky enough to find frozen grated ube or steamed whole ube at an Asian or Filipino market, grab it—it’s gold for making authentic pudding, halaya, or baked treats.

To keep things easy, you can also find ube extract online or in Asian groceries. It adds color and an extra flavor punch when fresh ube is limited. But if you do spot the real thing—whether fresh, frozen, or cooked—stock up! I keep some in my freezer for spontaneous weekend pudding sessions.

Looking for more breakfast options with unexpected ingredients? The Pesto Egg Bites and Scrambled Pancakes are fun twists that follow the same no-fuss philosophy.

Where to Buy Ube in the U.S. (and What to Do With It)

Finding ube is easier than ever. Look in:

• Filipino/Asian grocery stores (frozen section for grated ube or ube halaya)
• International markets (look for the word “ube” on labels)
• Online stores (you can find vacuum-sealed cooked ube or ube jam)
• Some Whole Foods or specialty co-ops (fresh purple yam varieties, though not always ube)

Once you’ve got it, use it in smoothies, pancakes, baked goods, and of course—this creamy pudding. You can even turn this recipe into frozen pops for summer by blending and freezing the pudding in molds.

Ube’s popularity is growing in American food culture, from donuts to lattes, so now’s the perfect time to try it at home. If you’re curious about sweet-meets-savory flavors, check out how we mix things up in our Savory Bubble Waffles.

Whether you’re making it for breakfast, dessert, or a colorful snack, ube pudding mix gives you a taste of the Philippines in every bite—no passport required.

Conclusion: A Bright Bowl of Comfort in Every Spoon

There’s a reason why ube pudding mix holds such a special place in Filipino homes—it’s comforting, simple, and full of nostalgic joy. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a first-timer discovering ube’s magic, this no-cook recipe is the easiest way to bring that vibrant flavor into your kitchen.

Blending just three ingredients—ube, coconut milk, and a touch of sweetness—you can whip up a creamy, colorful treat in under 10 minutes. Serve it chilled, top it how you like, and enjoy the taste of something both new and deeply rooted in tradition.

From my Austin kitchen to yours, happy pudding-making. And if you loved this, don’t miss our other joyful breakfasts like Pistachio Tiramisu or Cereal de Pancakes. There’s a lot more deliciousness waiting for you.

for more recipes follow me in facebook in pinterest.

FAQs About Ube Pudding Mix