Delightful Ube Bars Recipe - Easy Bakery-Style Filipino Snack
This Delightful Ube Bars Recipe features buttery baked bars flavored with ube, dipped in a homemade purple yam syrup, and coated with desiccated coconut. The bars have a firm yet tender bite, making them a delicious Filipino merienda that's easy to prepare and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- ½ cup white sugar 115 grams
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour 400 grams
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter 125 grams, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil only when using butter; omit if using lard or shortening
- 1 teaspoon ube flavor purple yam flavor
For the Ube Syrup
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ube flavor
- ½ teaspoon violet food coloring optional
For the Coating
- 1 cup unsweetened desiccated coconut
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the evaporated milk, softened butter, cooking oil (if using butter), and ube flavor.
- Mix until a smooth dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
Prepare the Pan
- Grease or line an 8.5 x 8.5-inch baking pan.
- Transfer the dough into the pan and press it evenly using a spatula or your hands.
- Smooth the surface.
Bake
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the surface is set and the edges become lightly golden.
- Remove from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack.
Make the Ube Syrup
- In a saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, ube flavor, and optional violet food coloring.
- Cook over medium heat while stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches a gentle boil.
- Transfer to a bowl and let it cool.
Slice and Coat
- Slice the cooled baked dough into bars.
- Dip each bar briefly into the cooled ube syrup.
- Immediately coat with desiccated coconut until completely covered.
Serve
- Arrange on a serving plate and enjoy with coffee, tea, or your favorite cold beverage.