Ube Quesillo Recipe: Your Guide to a Perfect Flan

Ube quesillo is a vibrant, Filipino-inspired twist on the classic Venezuelan flan, known for its dense, silky texture and nutty, vanilla-like flavor. By using ube-flavored sweetened condensed milk and baking in a gentle water bath, you can easily create a professional-grade, stunningly purple dessert that is both visually striking and delicious.

Key Highlights

Here are the key takeaways from our ube quesillo recipe:

• Fusion Flavor: Combines the creamy tradition of a Venezuelan quesillo with the rich, earthy sweetness of ube (purple yam).

• Streamlined Ingredients: Utilizes Sweet Cow Sweetened Ube Condensed Creamer to provide color, sweetness, and authentic ube flavor in one step.

• Silky Texture: Achieved through gentle mixing, straining the custard, and using a bain-marie (water bath) to ensure even, bubble-free baking.

• Vibrant Appearance: The natural purple hue makes this flan a showstopper centerpiece, far removed from the traditional golden-beige flan.

• Make-Ahead Convenience: This dessert actually improves after chilling overnight, making it a stress-free option for parties and gatherings.

Introduction

Welcome to the world of ube quesillo, a dessert that perfectly blends Filipino flavor with a classic creamy custard. If you love flan, you are in for a treat. This recipe takes the beloved texture of a Venezuelan quesillo and infuses it with the rich, earthy sweetness of ube. The result is a stunningly purple, incredibly smooth, and delicious dessert that is surprisingly easy to make. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unique and delightful flan.

What Makes Ube Quesillo Unique?

The primary distinction of ube quesillo lies in its vibrant star ingredient: the ube purple yam. Unlike a traditional Venezuelan flan, which focuses on caramel, vanilla, and egg flavors, this version introduces a completely new taste profile. The ube flavor is nutty, sweet, and adds a depth that is both unique and unforgettable.

This addition transforms not just the taste but also the appearance. The striking purple hue makes it a showstopper on any dessert table, setting it apart from its golden-colored cousins. It’s a true fusion dessert that honors its roots while creating something new.

Key Ingredients for Ube Quesillo Recipe

To create an authentic ube quesillo, the right ingredients are non-negotiable. The foundation of this dessert relies on high-quality ube products that deliver a consistent and rich ube flavor. While you could make an ube cake with similar ingredients, the key to this flan is the specific type of milk and flavoring used.

Using an ube-flavored sweetened condensed milk from a top food distributor for retail is a game-changer, as it infuses the custard with both sweetness and that signature purple yam taste from the start. This ensures the flavor is perfectly integrated, giving you a professional result every time.

Spotlight on Ube Condensed Milk and Evaporated Milk

The magic of this recipe lies in two key dairy components: Sweet Cow Sweetened Ube Condensed Creamer and Sweet Cow Evaporated Filled Milk. These ingredients are specifically designed to work together to create the perfect ube quesillo. The ube condensed creamer is the hero, providing sweetness, creaminess, and a beautiful ube flavor all in one.

Using a pre-flavored sweetened condensed milk simplifies the process immensely. You don’t have

to worry about balancing ube jam or extract, as the flavor is already perfectly mixed in. Paired with the richness of evaporated milk, you get a custard base that is foolproof and delicious.

Here's how these two ingredients contribute to the final dessert:

Category	Ingredient	Amount / Description
Caramel Layer	Granulated sugar	100 g
	Water	30 ml
Ube Flan	Eggs	4 large (≈ 200 g without shell)
	Sweet Cow Ube Sweetened Condensed Creamer	200 g
	Sweet Cow Evaporated Filled Milk	250 ml
	Butterfly Ube Flavoring	1 tsp
	Vanilla extract	1 tsp
	Salt	Pinch

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Silky Ube Quesillo at Home

Ready to make your own silky ube quesillo? This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you get a perfect flan every time. Don’t be intimidated by its elegant appearance; the process is straightforward and beginner-friendly. From melting the caramel to baking the custard, each step is simple.

The key to that signature smooth texture is in the technique. We'll cover how to gently mix the custard, the importance of straining it, and how to use a water bath for even, gentle baking. Follow these steps, and you'll have a dessert that celebrates the wonderful flavor of ube purple yam.

1. Make the Caramel

Heat sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Do not stir. Let it melt and turn deep amber. Carefully pour into a heatproof loaf pan and tilt to coat the base. Set aside.

2. Make the Ube Custard

Gently whisk eggs until just combined. Add ube condensed creamer and evaporated milk. Mix slowly. Stir in ube flavoring, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Strain once for a silky texture.

3. Assemble

Slowly pour the custard over the caramel. Cover loosely with foil.

4. Bake

Preheat oven to 160°C / 325°F. Place the loaf pan in a larger baking dish. Add hot water until halfway up the pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the center is just set with a slight jiggle.

5. Cool & Chill

Cool at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Storing, Serving, and Presentation Tips

Once your beautiful ube quesillo is baked and chilled, you’ll want to know the best way to store and serve it. Proper storage ensures your dessert stays fresh and delicious for days. When it comes to serving, you can keep it simple or get creative to make it the star of your dessert table, just like a professionally made ube cake.

Whether you're making it for a party or just as a special treat, these tips will help you present your ube quesillo beautifully. Proper handling and thoughtful presentation can elevate this simple dessert into a gourmet experience, showcasing the high-quality ube products you used.

How to Store Ube Quesillo for Freshness

To keep your ube quesillo tasting its best, proper storage is key. After it has completely cooled and chilled, the flan should be kept in the refrigerator. Cover the serving dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the flan to an airtight container. This prevents it from drying out and absorbing any other odors from the fridge. When stored correctly, your ube quesillo will stay fresh for up to five days.

Many people ask, "Can ube quesillo be made ahead and frozen?" Unfortunately, freezing is not recommended. The delicate, creamy texture of the custard does not hold up well to freezing and thawing. The ice crystals that form can cause the flan to become watery and grainy, ruining its silky consistency.

For best results, planfood importers in USA recommend planning to make your ube quesillo a day or two before you intend to serve it. Chilling it overnight not only helps it set properly but also allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in an even more delicious dessert.

Serving Suggestions for Parties and Everyday Desserts

For a complete dessert experience, consider these serving ideas:

• Pair a slice with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream.

• Serve it alongside other Filipino desserts to create a dessert platter.

• Enjoy it with a refreshing beverage like a cold guava juice drink.

• Cut it into small squares for easy-to-eat bites at a party.

Conclusion

Making a delightful Ube Quesillo offers a wonderful way to enjoy a traditional dessert with a modern twist. The creamy texture combined with the unique flavor of ube creates an unforgettable experience that is sure to impress your family and friends. By carefully following the steps from creating the perfect caramel layer to assembling the silky custard, you can achieve great results every time. Remember to store your Ube Quesillo properly to maintain its freshness, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your presentation. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between quesillo and flan?

Quesillo is similar to flan but typically has a slightly denser, creamier texture due to the use of whole eggs rather than just yolks, resulting in a richer mouthfeel.

Does ube quesillo taste very sweet?

Ube quesillo has a balanced sweetness. The earthy, vanilla-like notes of ube help soften the sweetness, preventing it from becoming overpowering.

Why is a water bath important when baking quesillo?

A water bath regulates heat during baking, preventing curdling and air bubbles while ensuring a smooth, evenly cooked custard.

Can ube quesillo be made ahead of time?

Yes. In fact, chilling overnight enhances both texture and flavor, making it ideal for preparation one day in advance.

What occasions is ube quesillo best suited for?

Its vibrant color and refined texture make it perfect for holidays, dinner parties, cultural celebrations, and modern dessert spreads.

What ube ingredients can be used for desserts beyond ube quesillo?

Ube quesillo shares many core ingredients with other popular desserts like ube cake, making it a versatile starting point for home bakers exploring different ube products. Beyond ube condensed milk or ube sweet condensed milk, recipes may also use ube powder, ube flavor, ube flavoring, ube flavouring, or ube food colouring to enhance both taste and color. All of these ingredients are derived from or inspired by the ube purple yam, prized for its nutty, vanilla-like profile and vibrant hue.

These ube-based ingredients are widely used across modern and traditional asian food recipes, especially in Filipino-inspired desserts. Whether you are experimenting at home or recreating café-style treats, understanding how each ube component works helps you achieve consistent flavor, color, and texture across a wide range of asian dishes.

How does ube fit into Asian food culture and modern Asian desserts?

Ube has become a standout ingredient in contemporary asian food, bridging traditional heritage and modern presentation. Today, it is embraced by many asian food brands and featured by leading asian food company portfolios as part of growing asian food imports in global markets. From classic pastries to fusion desserts like ube quesillo, ube continues to inspire creativity across Southeast Asian and Asian-American cuisine.

This growing popularity has also influenced beverage pairings and dessert spreads, where ube desserts are often served alongside refreshing drinks such as guava juice or a chilled guava juice drink. Together, these flavors showcase how traditional Asian ingredients can feel both nostalgic and modern at the same time.

Where can businesses source quality ube ingredients and Asian food products?

For businesses and retailers, sourcing high-quality ube ingredients typically involves working with a trusted food wholesaler specializing in foodstuff distribution and curated Asian selections. Established distributors play a key role in connecting producers to markets by managing asian food imports and ensuring consistent supply of items like ube condensed milk, ube powder, and other dessert essentials.

By partnering with experienced distributors, restaurants, bakeries, and retailers gain access to reliable Asian ingredient networks while supporting the broader ecosystem of asian food brands. This supply chain is essential in making authentic ube desserts and other Asian-inspired recipes more accessible to both professionals and home cooks.

Who supplies ube ingredients and Asian dessert products in the U.S.?

Ube ingredients used in desserts like ube quesillo are typically supplied by an asian food distributor or network of asian food distributors operating as an asian food distributor in USA. Many of these companies also act as an asian food importer or asian food importer USA, bringing products directly from Southeast Asia through established asian foods importer and asian foods distributor channels. In regions like California, businesses often rely on an asian food distributor California or an asian food distributor Los Angeles to access ube condensed milk, flavoring, and other specialty items quickly.

For retailers and foodservice operators searching for an asian food distributor near me, these distributors often function as a full food distributor for retail, handling logistics, compliance, and storage. Working with a reliable food distributor USA or food distributor in USA ensures consistent supply and quality, especially for specialty desserts that rely on imported ingredients.

How do Indonesian ube products reach the U.S. market?

Many ube-based ingredients originate from Southeast Asia and are brought into the country by an indonesian food distributor USA or an indonesian food importer working within a broader indonesia food distributor network. These companies specialize as an importer of asian food or importer asian food, managing international sourcing, customs clearance, and food safety standards to ensure products arrive market-ready.

In many cases, a single company acts as both food importer USA and food importer and distributor, streamlining the supply chain for bakeries, wholesalers, and retailers. This system allows specialty ingredients like ube condensed milk and flavorings to move efficiently from producers to U.S. kitchens without compromising quality.

What should businesses look for when choosing an Asian food distributor?

When selecting a partner, businesses should consider working with top asian food distributor in USA or top asian food distributor USA listings that demonstrate strong logistics, regulatory compliance, and diverse product catalogs. Established asian food distributors USA often collaborate with food importers in USA, south asian food importers, and indonesia food importers to ensure steady access to authentic ingredients.

For brands and retailers focused on global flavors, partnering with experienced ethnic food importers USA helps maintain consistency across product lines while supporting reliable long-term growth. These distributors play a crucial role in making specialized Asian ingredients, like those used in ube quesillo, accessible to both professional and home cooks across the country.