If you’re a fan of soft, chewy, and slightly crispy mochi cake, you’re going to love this Easy Ube Mochi Cake Recipe! Using Trader Joe’s Mochi Cake Mix, we’re adding a delicious Filipino-inspired ube twist with ube halaya (and ube extract) and creamy coconut milk. The result? A beautifully purple, lightly sweet, and irresistibly chewy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Ube Mochi Cake Recipe
Quick & Easy – Uses Trader Joe’s Mochi Cake Mix as a shortcut!
Chewy & Buttery – Crispy edges with a soft, chewy center.
Ube + Coconut Flavor – A delicious Filipino mochi cake fusion!
Perfect for Sharing – Great for potlucks, parties, or as an everyday treat.
Related Recipes: Try my Crab Rangoon Balls or Kimchi Cauliflower Fried Rice for another unique and flavorful twist!
What is Ube?
Ube (pronounced ooh-beh) is a purple yam commonly used in Filipino desserts. It has a subtly sweet, nutty, and vanilla-like flavor, making it perfect for cakes, ice cream, and pastries. In this recipe, we enhance the mochi cake with ube halaya (ube jam) or ube extract for a rich flavor and vibrant purple color!
Pro Tip: Can’t find ube halaya? Use ube extract
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this ube mochi cake, you only need a few ingredients:
- 1 box Trader Joe’s Mochi Cake Mix (a delicious gluten-free base!)
- 2 eggs
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk (for a rich, creamy texture)
- 1/2 cup melted butter (or substitute with coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup ube halaya (ube jam)
- 1/2 tsp ube extract (for authentic ube flavor)
- (Optional) 1-2 tbsp sugar (if you prefer a sweeter cake)
- (Optional) 1/4 tsp purple food coloring (to enhance the color)
Related Recipe: If you love ube, try my High-Protein Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Pancakes for another fun dessert idea!
How to Make Ube Mochi Cake
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan (or use a muffin tin for mochi muffins).
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
Eggs
Coconut milk
Melted butter
Ube halaya
Ube extract
If not using ube extract, use food coloring, add it now to enhance the purple hue.
Step 3: Add the Mochi Cake Mix
Slowly stir in the Trader Joe’s Mochi Cake Mix, mixing until smooth and lump-free.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your greased baking pan. Bake for 40-50 minutes (or 25-30 minutes for muffins) until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool & Serve
Let the cake cool completely before slicing—this allows the mochi cake to set and become perfectly chewy!
Topping Ideas for Extra Flavor
Take your ube mochi cake to the next level with these toppings:
-Powdered Sugar – Lightly dust for a delicate sweetness.
-Coconut Glaze – Mix powdered sugar + coconut milk for a drizzle.
-Toasted Coconut – Adds crunch and enhances the coconut flavor.
-Sweetened Condensed Milk – A rich and creamy topping.
Related Post: Need a savory meal to go with this? Try my Spicy Butter Garlic Shrimp for a high-protein option!
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days and microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving to restore the chewy texture.
- To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a ziplock bag in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut oil instead of butter and full-fat coconut milk for a completely dairy-free version.
2. Can I freeze ube mochi cake?
Absolutely! Wrap slices tightly and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.
3. Where can I buy ube halaya or ube extract?
You can find ube halaya (ube jam) and ube extract at most Asian grocery stores or online.
Related Recipe: Looking for more easy desserts? Try my Almond High Protein Bars made with cottage cheese and Kodiak mix!
Try This Easy Ube Mochi Cake Recipe Today!
This ube mochi cake recipe is the perfect balance of chewy, buttery, and lightly sweet flavors. Whether you’re an ube lover or trying it for the first time, this Trader Joe’s Mochi Cake hack is a must-try!
✔ Gluten-free ✔ Easy to make ✔ Deliciously chewy
Love this recipe? Don’t forget to pin, share, and follow @melshealthybowl for more easy high-protein and pescatarian-friendly recipes!
Tag me on Instagram if you try it—I’d love to see your creations!

Chewy Ube Mochi Cake Recipe – Easy Filipino-Inspired Dessert
Ingredients
- 1 box TJ's mochi cake mix
- 2 eggs
- 1 can coconut milk (13.5 oz)
- 1/2 cup melted butter (or coconut oil)
- 1/2 cup ube halaya (ube jam)
- 1/2 tsp ube extract
optional: 1-2 tbsp sugar if prefer a sweeter cake)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:Eggs, Coconut milk, Melted butter, Ube halaya, Ube extract
- Slowly stir in the Trader Joe’s Mochi Cake Mix, mixing until smooth and lump-free.
- Pour the batter into your greased baking pan. Bake for 40-50 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing—this allows the mochi cake to set and become perfectly chewy!
Notes
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days and microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving to restore the chewy texture.
- To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a ziplock bag in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Need for easy recipes? Check these out:
- The Best Air-Fried Tortellini Caesar Salad with Smoked Salmon
- The Best Crispy Rice with Creamy Tuna (Easy Holiday Appetizer)
- The Best Miso Garlic Butter Shrimp Udon Bowl
- Easy Crispy Meatless Breakfast Bake (High Protein)
- Easy Salmon Pepper Lunch (10-Minute High-Protein Meal)
Follow me on Instagram for daily meal inspiration:
Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.