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Easiest Ube (Purple Yam) Mochi Brownie Recipe

It’s here! My LONG AWAITED Ube Mochi Brownie Recipe is finally up on the blog and I’m so excited to share it with you all! My Matcha Mochi Brownie Recipe has been such a hit and I thank all of you for tagging and sending me photos of your creations. 😊

This recipe is easily adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand. I had ube extract, real steamed ube (purple yam), AND ube powder at home so I used all three, but you can easily just use one or two of the three ube ingredients to make this.

What is Ube?
  • Ube is a type of yam that is native to the Philippines
  • It is known for its vibrant purple color and sweet, subtle nutty flavor
  • Ube is commonly used in Filipino desserts, such as cakes, pastries, and ice cream
  • The word “ube” comes from the Tagalog language, referring specifically to purple yam
  • This versatile ingredient has gained popularity worldwide for its unique taste and stunning appearance
  • Ube is rich in nutrients and antioxidants, making it not only delicious but also nutritious
  • Traditionally, ube is grown in tropical regions, thriving in warm climates with well-drained soil
  • Its cultivation and consumption have deep cultural roots in Filipino cuisine, dating back centuries
What are the health benefits of Ube (Purple Yam)?
  • On average, one cup of cooked mashed ube contains approximately 140-150 calories
  • Ube is naturally low in calories and fat, making it a guilt-free option for those looking to maintain a healthy weight
  • Ube is rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins C and E, potassium, and fiber
  • The purple color of ube comes from anthocyanins, which are antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals
  • Anthocyanins have anti-inflammatory properties and may contribute to heart health by reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease
  • The fiber content in ube promotes digestive health by aiding in digestion and preventing constipation
  • Consuming ube may help regulate blood sugar levels due to its moderate glycemic index, making it a suitable choice for individuals with diabetes when consumed in moderation
What are Mochi Brownies?

Mochi brownies are a cross between mochi aka glutinous rice balls and, brownies (the traditional fudgey kind). Some people call them mochi brownies, some people call them brochi (brownie mochis), but they’re the same thing. Instead of a fudge-y chocolatey center, it’s more chewy, bouncy, and light. Which means it’s perfect for people who don’t have a major sweet tooth or don’t like their sweets too rich.

Mochi brownies can be made into whatever shape you want. I’ve made them in mini muffin pans, regular muffin pans, loaf pans, and square pans. This recipe is super versatile so play with it however you wish! When you make them in mini muffin pans, you’ll just more ‘crust’ which is nice for certain occasions.

This is the ube extact and ube powder I use. I believe I got the ube (Purple Sweet Potato) powder from a dollar store in Japan (called Seria). You can also find them on Amazon too.
This is the brand of glutinous rice flour I use. It’s from Thailand and they’re sold at almost every major Asian supermarket!
Ingredient’s You’ll Need:
  • Butter: if you use salted butter, then omit the pinch of salt in the recipe
  • Ube Extract:Ube extract is a concentrated form of the vibrant purple yam, commonly used in baking to infuse desserts with its distinct sweet, nutty flavour and stunning purple hue
  • Steamed Ube: Adds moisture, richness, and a unique flavour profile, enhancing the overall texture and gives the brownie extra oomph
  • Ube Purple Yam Powder: It’s a convenient and versatile ingredient made from dried and powdered purple yam, adding vibrant colour and distinct ube flavour to this recipe. Works best sifted on top of the mochi brownie.
  • Glutinous Rice Flour (Aka Mochiko): I use Thai glutinous rice flour. It does not contain gluten and it provides the perfect amount of chew for this type of brownie
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a little oomph to the recipe (you can omit this if you want a more vibrant purple colour!)
  • Eggs: Important so don’t skip this
  • Baking Soda: lifts the brownies and makes them fluffy (don’t omit this ingredient or else your brownies will be flat!)
  • Vegetable Oil: any type of oil will do but neutral oils will work best
  • Sugar: I use white sugar but you can use any kind of sugar you like
  • Salt: just a touch will bring out the sweetness
Substitutions:

If you don’t have ube extract or ube powder, just omit it and add in 3/4 cup of mashed steamed ube (purple yam).

If you want the brownie to be less sweet, reduce sugar to 3/4 cup instead of 1 cup

If you want the brownie to be more vibrant purple, do not use vanilla extract in this recipe (and make sure not to substitute white sugar with brown sugar!)

If you are not using FRESH steamed mashed ube for this recipe, you can increase the ube extract from 0.5 tsp to 1 tsp for a richer purple colour

How does it taste??

Sink your teeth into a piece of these heavenly Ube Mochi Brownies and let the subtle yam flavours dance on your palate. The combination of sweet ube and chewy mochi is simply irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a decadent dessert after dinner, these brownies are sure to put a smile on your face! 💜

How to store them

If you somehow manage to have leftovers (trust me, it’s rare), store your Ube Mochi Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can also freeze them – just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let them thaw at room temperature or give them a quick zap in the microwave for that freshly baked taste. Overall, it’s best enjoyed on the day of or at most the next day.

Want more Mochi Brownie recipes?
Want more easy recipes like this? Here are some of my go-to recipes that I’m sure you’ll love!

Easiest Ube (Purple Yam) Mochi Brownie Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate sweet treat with homemade Ube Mochi Brownies! Combining the luscious flavors of ube with the chewy texture of mochi, these brownies are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American, Canadian, Japanese

Equipment

  • 1 9 x 9 square pan
  • 1 stove pot
  • 1 large bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 1.25 cup water
  • 1 tsp ube extract
  • 1/2 cup steamed ube (purple yam), mashed
  • 3.5 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or any kind of neutral oil
  • 2.25 cup glutinous rice flour aka mochiko or sweet rice flour
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt or a pinch
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract omit if you want a brighter purple colour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp ube powder

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F/175°C
  • Combine water, butter, oil, and ube extract, mashed steamed ube in a pot over medium heat. Make sure to whisk the mixture until there are no lumps and everything has melted together.
  • Take it off the heat.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients (2.25 cups of glutinous rice flour, 1.25 cups of sugar, a pinch of salt, and .5 tsp of baking soda).
  • Pour the ube liquid mixture into the dry ingredients. This is optional but you can pour the liquid through a sieve and run a spatula on the top to remove as many lumps from the steamed ube as you can. Stir to combine.
  • Add the eggs, vanilla extract and mix until well combined. Make sure to combine evenly and that there are no lumps.
  • Pour the mochi brownie batter into an oil sprayed or parchment lined pan. Remove any air bubbles by knocking the pan a few times on the counter.
  • Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes (or until toothpick comes out clean).
  • Remove from the oven and let cool (10 minutes) before cutting into even squares.
  • Cut into 16 squares and sift ube powder on top after for an even brighter purple hue!

Notes

Note: Once it's baked, it'll be quite soft but once it continues to sit in room temperature, the texture of the brownie will continue to harden and be more chewy.
If you want it MORE chewy, use 1 cup of water instead of 1.25 cups of water in this recipe.
Keyword mochi brownies, mochi recipe, purple yam, ube, ube mochi, ube mochi brownies
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