If you’re looking for a dessert that’s soft, chewy, and bursting with unique flavor, this Easy Ube Butter Mochi is the perfect recipe to try. A fusion of Hawaiian and Filipino influences, this vibrant purple treat combines the creamy richness of butter mochi with the nutty sweetness of ube (purple yam). It’s the kind of dessert that makes people stop and say, “What is that?” — then go back for seconds.
Whether you’re hosting a party, craving something different, or simply love trying new Ube Recipes, this dessert fits the bill. It’s simple to prepare, keeps well, and looks absolutely stunning on any dessert table. Like Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles or Strawberry Delight Crunch Cookies, it’s a showstopper that blends color, flavor, and texture in one bite.
Table of Contents
What Is Ube Butter Mochi?
Butter Mochi is a beloved Hawaiian dessert made with glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, and butter — resulting in a chewy, slightly sticky, and deeply satisfying texture. The addition of ube, a vibrant purple yam native to the Philippines, transforms the traditional version into a stunning and flavorful twist: Ube Butter Mochi.
Unlike traditional Japanese mochi, which is often filled or shaped by hand, butter mochi is baked like a cake. This version uses ube halaya (purple yam jam) or ube extract to give it that signature color and flavor. It’s sweet, buttery, and earthy — the perfect balance of familiar comfort and exotic flair.
Much like Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies or Pumpkin Brownies, it’s a twist on a classic that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Ube Recipe
This Easy Ube Butter Mochi recipe offers everything you could want from a dessert — simplicity, flavor, and texture that keeps you coming back for more.
- Naturally gluten-free: Made with glutinous rice flour (not wheat), perfect for those avoiding gluten.
- Vibrant and festive: The purple hue makes it ideal for birthdays, parties, or potlucks.
- Simple to make: One bowl, one pan, and no complicated techniques required.
- Soft and chewy texture: Similar to brownies, but uniquely gooey and rich.
- Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves its unexpected flavor and colorful presentation.
If you love creative Dessert Dishes, try pairing this with Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles or Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars for an eye-catching dessert spread.
Ingredients for Easy Ube Butter Mochi
Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful Mochi Recipe:
- 2 cups (260g) glutinous rice flour (mochiko)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 can (13.5 oz / 400ml) coconut milk
- 1 cup (240ml) evaporated milk
- ½ cup (115g) melted unsalted butter
- ½ cup (120ml) ube halaya (purple yam jam) or 1 tablespoon ube extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional add-ins: mashed ripe banana for a hint of sweetness, shredded coconut for texture, or white chocolate chips for a gourmet twist.
This flexible ingredient list also ties in with Ripe Banana Recipes or other Milk Recipes that make use of pantry staples in delicious ways.
Step-by-Step Ube Mochi Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together glutinous rice flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the eggs, coconut milk, evaporated milk, melted butter, ube halaya (or extract), and vanilla until fully blended.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth and lump-free. The batter will be slightly runny — that’s perfect for mochi.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden. The edges should be slightly crisp while the center remains chewy.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares. Use a lightly oiled knife for clean slices.
This baking method is as easy and satisfying as preparing Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies or Apple Crisp with Oatmeal — both simple yet crowd-pleasing desserts.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife for slicing
Keep your tools minimal — this recipe is designed to be as straightforward as possible, like many Easy Party Food ideas on Lyndy’s Kitchen.
Tips for Perfect Butter Mochi Texture
- Use glutinous rice flour, not regular rice flour: Only mochiko or sweet rice flour gives that signature chew.
- Don’t overmix: Once combined, stop stirring to avoid a gummy texture.
- Cool completely before cutting: Mochi firms up as it cools.
- Add ube extract carefully: It’s strong; too much can overpower the dessert.
- For extra flavor: Mix in 1 mashed ripe banana for a soft, fragrant twist — perfect if you love Ripe Banana Recipes.
You can also apply these baking tips when making Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl or other chewy, moist desserts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Mochi Recipes
- Using regular flour: Only glutinous rice flour works for the chewy texture.
- Overbaking: It will make the mochi hard instead of soft.
- Cutting while warm: The center will stick to the knife.
- Skipping coconut milk: It’s essential for that buttery flavor.
- Using low-fat milk: Stick with full-fat for the richest taste.
Remember — mochi is forgiving, much like simple Cooking Recipes Desserts such as Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies, where the secret lies in balance and texture.
Creative Variations and Add-Ins
Want to give your Ube Butter Mochi a personal touch? Try these fun variations:
- Banana Ube Mochi: Add one ripe mashed banana for tropical sweetness.
- Coconut Crunch Mochi: Mix shredded coconut into the batter for texture.
- Marbled Butter Mochi: Swirl a bit of plain batter for a two-toned effect.
- Ube Chocolate Mochi: Stir in chocolate chips for a decadent flavor.
- Pandan Fusion: Mix half ube extract and half pandan for a colorful duo treat.
If you enjoy creative tweaks like this, check out Pumpkin Twists — another playful dessert remix.
How to Serve This Ube Mochi Dessert Dish
Presentation matters, especially when serving Sweet Delights like this one.
- Cut into neat squares and dust lightly with powdered sugar.
- Serve on a white platter to make the purple pop.
- Garnish with shredded coconut or banana slices.
- Pair with a warm drink like Lavender Lemonade or a cup of hot tea.
It’s also fantastic as part of a dessert buffet with Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles and Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate: Keeps well for 5–7 days. To reheat, microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore its chewy texture.
Freeze: Wrap pieces individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
This make-ahead approach also works beautifully with other Dessert Dishes like Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars.
Pairing Ideas: Drinks and Easy Party Food Combos
Because of its rich yet balanced flavor, Ube Butter Mochi pairs beautifully with:
- Fresh fruit platters or melon skewers
- Tropical smoothies or milk teas
- Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew for a contrasting seasonal twist
- Savory finger foods like Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers
It’s the perfect Easy Party Food addition — beautiful, mess-free, and always a crowd favorite.
Sweet Delights: Related Ube Recipes and Desserts
If this chewy treat wins you over, explore more sweet creations like:
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies – soft, spiced, and creamy.
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles – rich bite-sized perfection.
- Pumpkin Brownies – for chocolate lovers.
- Apple Crisp with Oatmeal – a cozy, crumbly fall favorite.
Each of these Sweet Delights is easy, delicious, and visually stunning.
FAQs: Milk Recipes and Ube Butter Mochi Questions
Can I use fresh ube instead of extract or jam?
Yes, boil and mash it into a puree before mixing with the batter.
What kind of milk works best?
Full-fat coconut and evaporated milk yield the creamiest results.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, substitute coconut oil for butter and coconut milk for evaporated milk.
Can I make this ahead for parties?
Absolutely! It holds beautifully at room temperature for several hours.
How do I keep it chewy?
Don’t refrigerate too long — mochi is best enjoyed within a few days for ideal texture.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Ube Butter Mochi is a delightful fusion of texture, color, and flavor — a chewy treat that brings a taste of Hawaii and the Philippines to your table. Its vibrant hue, buttery richness, and unique chew make it an unforgettable dessert for any occasion.
If you’re exploring Ube Recipes or want to try more Cooking Recipes Desserts, this is a fantastic starting point. It’s easy, beautiful, and absolutely delicious.
For even more dessert inspiration, try Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies or Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl — both perfect companions to your mochi moments.
PrintEasy Ube Butter Mochi: A Sweet Hawaiian Dessert with a Filipino Twist
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 squares 1x
Description
Easy Ube Butter Mochi is a soft, chewy, and beautifully purple dessert that combines Hawaiian butter mochi with the rich, nutty flavor of Filipino ube. Made with coconut milk, glutinous rice flour, and ube halaya, it’s a stunning treat that’s both gluten-free and irresistible. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or whenever you crave something sweet, colorful, and tropical.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 can (400ml) coconut milk
- 1 can (400ml) evaporated milk
- 1 stick (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups (400g) sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) ube halaya (purple yam jam)
- 1 teaspoon ube extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 box (16 oz / 454g) mochiko (glutinous rice flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, melted butter, coconut milk, evaporated milk, sugar, ube halaya, and ube extract until smooth.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually whisk in mochiko, baking powder, and salt until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- Pour and bake: Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and slice: Let the mochi cool completely before cutting into squares. Wipe the knife between slices for clean edges.
Notes
- Use glutinous rice flour (mochiko), not regular rice flour, for the chewy texture.
- Whisk thoroughly to avoid lumps.
- Allow mochi to cool completely before slicing to prevent stickiness.
- Use full-fat coconut milk for richer flavor.
- Add ube extract sparingly to maintain balance in taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Filipino, Hawaiian
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Easy Ube Butter Mochi, Ube Mochi Recipe, Filipino Desserts, Hawaiian Butter Mochi, Ube Recipes, Gluten Free Desserts, Coconut Milk Mochi, Sweet Chewy Dessert, Asian Desserts


