Ube Purple Sweet Potato Pie Towers Recipe – Easy Filipino Dessert

The vibrant purple hue of ube purple sweet potato pie towers is enough to stop anyone scrolling on Pinterest. But these aren’t just pretty to look at—they’re a Filipino dessert delight that will have your taste buds dancing. If you’ve never tried ube before, it’s time to change that. Imagine sweet, creamy, and slightly nutty flavors packed into a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked.

I first made these pie towers for a family gathering, curious to see how my relatives would react. Spoiler: there wasn’t a crumb left by the end of the night! Ube, a staple ingredient in Filipino cuisine, has an irresistible sweetness and rich flavor that pairs beautifully with buttery pie crust. And the best part? You don’t have to be a pastry chef to pull off this recipe—it’s surprisingly simple and totally worth the effort.

Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert for the holidays or just something unique to brighten up your table, ube purple sweet potato pie towers deliver on all fronts. Plus, they’re perfect for individual servings, making them ideal for parties or casual get-togethers. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Visually Stunning: The eye-catching purple hue makes these pie towers a standout on any dessert table.
• Easy to Make: Don’t let the fancy look fool you—this recipe is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require advanced pastry skills.
• Unique Flavor: The sweet, nutty taste of ube is unlike anything else, and it’s guaranteed to impress your guests.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a midweek treat, these pie towers fit the bill.
• Individual Servings: No slicing required! These single-serve pies are great for parties and make plating a breeze.
• A Filipino Favorite: Ube is a cherished ingredient in Filipino desserts, and this recipe is a fun, creative way to enjoy it.
• Customizable: You can play around with toppings, crust styles, or even mini pie fillings to suit your taste.

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between a family-friendly dessert and a Pinterest-worthy creation. Seriously, who wouldn’t love a tower of purple pie perfection?

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need to create your ube purple sweet potato pie towers:

• Ube Purple Sweet Potato: About 2 cups, cooked and mashed (you can find fresh or frozen ube at Asian grocery stores).
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: 1/2 cup (adds creaminess and sweetness).
• Coconut Milk: 1/2 cup (for that tropical, rich flavor).
• Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted (unsalted is preferred).
• Eggs: 2 large, room temperature (helps bind the mixture).
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (adds depth to the flavor).
• Pie Crust: Store-bought or homemade, rolled out and cut into discs to fit individual molds.
• Optional Toppings: Whipped cream, toasted coconut flakes, or crushed graham crackers.
• Pinch of Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

Tip: If you can’t find ube, you can substitute with purple yam or even a mix of purple and regular sweet potatoes for a similar flavor and texture.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need a professional bakery setup to make these pie towers. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Blender or Food Processor: To create a smooth ube filling.
• Mixing Bowls: For combining your ingredients.
• Spoon or Spatula: For scooping and smoothing the filling.
• Mini Tart Molds: These create the perfect individual servings. Muffin tins can work too!
• Baking Sheet: To hold your molds or tart pans.
• Rolling Pin: For rolling out the pie dough.
• Pastry Cutter: Optional, but helpful for cutting dough into perfect circles.

Don’t have mini tart molds? No problem! Use a muffin tin lined with parchment paper for easy removal. And if you’re using store-bought pie crust, there’s no need for a rolling pin.

Preparation Method

1. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your tart molds or muffin tin.
2. Prepare the ube filling: In a blender or food processor, combine the cooked and mashed ube, sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Roll out the pie crust: If using homemade pie dough, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a pastry cutter or a cup to cut out circles slightly larger than your molds or muffin cups.
4. Fit the crusts: Gently press the pie crust circles into the molds or muffin cups, ensuring the edges are evenly covered. Trim any overhang if necessary.
5. Fill the crusts: Spoon the ube filling into each prepared crust, filling them about 3/4 full to allow room for expansion while baking.
6. Bake: Place the tart molds or muffin tin on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes. The filling should set and the crust should turn golden brown. To check, insert a toothpick—it should come out clean.
7. Cool: Let the pies cool in their molds for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set fully and prevents cracking.
8. Decorate: Once cooled, add whipped cream, toasted coconut flakes, or crushed graham crackers for a finishing touch.

Pro Tip: If your filling looks too thick, add a splash of coconut milk to loosen it. And if your crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with strips of foil partway through baking.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Don’t overfill: Leave some space in the crusts to prevent spillage during baking.
• Smooth the filling: Blend the ube mixture thoroughly to avoid lumps and achieve a silky texture.
• Chill the dough: If making your own crust, let it chill for at least 30 minutes before rolling out. This prevents shrinkage during baking.
• Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on the pies after 20 minutes to avoid overbaking the crust.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble and bake just before serving for optimal freshness.

These tips will help you create flawless pie towers every time, even if it’s your first attempt!

Variations & Adaptations

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pie crust or swap in almond flour crust for a nutty twist.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free condensed milk and coconut cream.
• Seasonal Touch: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, autumn-inspired flavor.
• Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of pandan extract for an even more tropical flair.
• Traditional Twist: Serve with a drizzle of latik, a sweet coconut caramel that’s a Filipino classic.

When I want to mix things up, I sometimes layer the ube filling with a dollop of macapuno (sweet coconut strings) for extra texture and flavor. Feel free to get creative!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Ube purple sweet potato pie towers are best enjoyed slightly chilled or at room temperature. Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for an elegant touch. Pair them with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or even a creamy coconut milk latte for the ultimate dessert experience.

To store, place leftover pies in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in individual wrappers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a low oven (300°F / 150°C) for about 10 minutes.

Pro Tip: The flavors of ube intensify with time, so these pies taste even better a day after baking!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition per serving (approximately):

• Calories: 250
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 10g

Ube is rich in antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, which give it its signature purple color. It’s also a good source of fiber, vitamins C and B6, and potassium. Plus, the coconut milk adds healthy fats that support brain and heart health.

Keep in mind that the pie crust adds carbs, so if you’re watching your intake, consider a low-carb crust option.

Conclusion

If you’re ready to wow your friends and family with a show-stopping dessert, these ube purple sweet potato pie towers are your answer. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and undeniably gorgeous. Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

FAQs

Can I use regular sweet potatoes instead of ube?

Yes, you can substitute purple sweet potatoes or even regular orange sweet potatoes. While the color won’t be as vibrant, the flavor will still be delicious.

Where can I find ube?

Fresh ube is often available at Asian grocery stores. You can also find frozen ube or ube powder online or in specialty stores.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and crust a day ahead, then assemble and bake the pies when you’re ready to serve.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftover pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap them individually and freeze.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, simply use a vegan pie crust, replace butter with coconut oil, and substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water.

Print