How to Make Ube Sweetened Condensed Milk – A Perfect Pairing for Coffee & Desserts

The Ube Sweetened Condensed Milk trend is taking over the culinary world, offering a rich, creamy, and slightly nutty flavor with a stunning purple hue. Whether you’re looking to enhance your Vietnamese iced coffee, espresso-based drinks, or desserts, this delicious fusion of sweetened condensed milk and ube adds a unique twist to your favorite recipes.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to make Ube Sweetened Condensed Milk, how to use it in different applications, and why pairing it with high-quality coffee, like Bazan’s Fine Robusta, makes for an unbeatable combination. With insights from SCA (Specialty Coffee Association), CQI (Coffee Quality Institute), World Coffee Research, and Barista Hustle, we’ll break down the best methods to incorporate ube sweetened condensed milk recipes into your coffee and beyond.

What Is Ube Sweetened Condensed Milk?

The Perfect Fusion of Creaminess and Flavor

Ube, a purple yam native to the Philippines, is naturally sweet and nutty with hints of vanilla, coconut, and pistachio. It pairs exceptionally well with sweetened condensed milk, creating a rich, velvety texture that elevates coffee, lattes, desserts, and even cocktails.

Why Use Ube Sweetened Condensed Milk?

• Enhances Coffee Flavor – The sweet, nutty profile complements bold espressos and creamy lattes.

• Versatile in Recipes – Can be used in Vietnamese coffee, ube lattes, baked goods, ice cream, and even cocktails.

• Visually Stunning – Its vibrant purple hue makes every drink and dessert Instagram-worthy.

• Easy to Make – Requires only a few ingredients and can be stored for multiple uses.

How to Make Ube Sweetened Condensed Milk – Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk

• ½ cup cooked ube (purple yam), mashed

• ¼ cup coconut milk or whole milk (for a creamier consistency)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (enhances sweetness and depth)

• 1-2 tbsp sugar or honey (optional) – Adjust based on desired sweetness

• 1-2 drops ube extract (optional) – For a deeper color and stronger flavor

Equipment

• Blender or whisk – To blend until smooth

• Saucepan – For heating and thickening

• Fine mesh strainer – To ensure a silky consistency

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook and Mash the Ube

1. If using fresh ube, peel, cube, and steam for about 20 minutes until soft.

2. Mash until smooth or blend with a small amount of coconut milk for an extra creamy texture.

Step 2: Blend the Ingredients

1. In a saucepan over low heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, mashed ube, coconut milk, and vanilla extract.

2. Stir continuously to prevent burning, keeping the heat low.

3. If you want a more vibrant purple color, add 1-2 drops of ube extract.

Step 3: Simmer and Thicken

1. Let the mixture heat gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.

2. The texture should become smooth, rich, and slightly thick.

3. If needed, strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove any lumps.

Step 4: Store and Use

1. Allow to cool before transferring to a sealed jar.

2. Store in the fridge for up to 7 days.

3. Use in coffee, desserts, and more!

Ways to Use Ube Sweetened Condensed Milk

1. Ube Vietnamese Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá Ube)

• Ingredients:

• 1 shot of Bazan Fine Robusta Espresso

• 2 tbsp Ube Sweetened Condensed Milk

• Ice

• 150ml cold milk or coconut milk

• How to Make:

• Brew a strong shot of espresso using Bazan’s Fine Robusta for a bold, caramel-like base.

• Stir in ube condensed milk until dissolved.

• Pour over ice and top with milk.

2. Ube Latte

• Swap out regular sweetened condensed milk in your latte or cappuccino for a nutty, creamy, and slightly floral twist.

3. Ube Sweetened Condensed Milk Drizzle

• Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or pastries for a gourmet touch.

4. Ube Espresso Martini

• Use it as a sweetener and flavor booster in coffee-based cocktails.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Ube Sweetened Condensed Milk

1. Can I Use Canned Ube Instead of Fresh?

Yes! Canned ube (purple yam) is a convenient and effective substitute for fresh ube in making ube sweetened condensed milk. However, when using canned ube, be sure to check the ingredient list some brands include added sugar, artificial flavors, or preservatives, which may affect the overall sweetness and taste of your final product.

If you prefer using fresh ube, follow these steps for the best results:

1. Wash and peel the ube to remove dirt and tough outer skin.

2. Steam or boil it until fork-tender (about 30–40 minutes). Steaming helps retain more of its natural sweetness and color.

3. Mash or blend the cooked ube into a smooth purée before mixing it with sweetened condensed milk. If necessary, strain or blend it with a bit of liquid (like coconut milk) for an ultra-smooth consistency.

Both fresh and canned ube work well, but fresh ube allows for better control over texture and sweetness.

2. How Long Does Ube Sweetened Condensed Milk Last?

Homemade ube sweetened condensed milk should be stored in a sealed, airtight jar or container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 7 days when properly stored.

Here are some important storage tips:

• Stir before using: When chilled, the mixture may thicken or slightly separate. A quick stir will restore its creamy consistency.

• Keep it sealed: Exposure to air can cause the mixture to dry out or develop a slightly crusty layer on top.

• Avoid freezing: While technically possible, freezing may alter the texture, making it grainy when thawed.

If your ube condensed milk starts to smell sour, develops mold, or changes in texture dramatically, it's best to discard it.

3. Can I Make It Vegan?

Absolutely! You can easily make a vegan and dairy-free version of ube sweetened condensed milk by replacing traditional sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk.

Here’s how to do it:

• Use coconut condensed milk (widely available in stores) instead of dairy-based sweetened condensed milk.

• If you can’t find coconut condensed milk, make your own by simmering full-fat coconut milk with sugar until it thickens.

• Combine the coconut condensed milk with mashed or blended ube for a creamy, plant-based alternative.

This vegan version retains the same rich, silky texture and pairs beautifully with coffee, desserts, and other treats.

4. How Do I Adjust the Sweetness?

Ube sweetened condensed milk can be adjusted to suit different taste preferences.

• For a less sweet version: Reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk and replace it with more coconut milk or regular milk to balance the sweetness while maintaining a creamy texture.

• For a sweeter version: Add extra sweeteners such as sugar, honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup. You can also mix in a bit of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.

• For a richer, more intense ube flavor: Increase the ratio of ube purée to condensed milk for a deeper, earthier taste with slightly less sweetness.

Always adjust the sweetness gradually, tasting as you go, to achieve the perfect balance.

5. Does Ube Work Well with Coffee?

Yes! Ube and coffee are a perfect match due to their complementary flavors. Ube has natural nutty, vanilla-like, and slightly caramelized notes that enhance the deep, roasted flavors of coffee.

Ways to enjoy ube sweetened condensed milk with coffee:

• Ube Latte: Add a spoonful of ube condensed milk to espresso and stir well before topping with steamed milk.

• Iced Ube Coffee: Mix ube condensed milk with cold brew or iced coffee for a creamy, colorful drink.

• Ube Cappuccino: Use it as a sweetener in a foamy cappuccino for a unique twist.

• Ube Affogato: Pour a shot of hot espresso over vanilla ice cream drizzled with ube condensed milk for a delicious dessert.

For the best experience, use a strong, dark-roast coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness and richness of the ube.

Take Your Coffee Experience to the Next Level with Bazan Coffee

You’re here because you love coffee not just any coffee, but bold, rich, and expertly crafted espresso that enhances every sip. Whether you're making an Ube Vietnamese Iced Coffee, an indulgent latte, or a creative dessert, the foundation of an exceptional coffee experience starts with the right beans.

The New Revolution: Fine Robusta from Vietnam

For decades, Robusta has been seen as the underdog of the coffee world, but Vietnam’s Fine Robusta is changing that perception. With high-altitude cultivation, advanced fermentation techniques, and meticulous processing, Fine Robusta is now recognized for its sweetness, complexity, and refined body.

No one does it better than Fine Robusta – Krong Năng. Grown in Krong Năng, Đắk Lắk, this Fine Robusta undergoes a 72-hour natural anaerobic fermentation process, reducing bitterness and enhancing caramel, honey, and tropical fruit flavors. The result? A bold, smooth espresso with rich crema, perfect for ube coffee drinks and desserts.

Not Just Robusta - The Best of Both Worlds

If you prefer a smooth, well-balanced espresso with fruity and caramel undertones, Special Vietnam Blend offers ripe fruit, pineapple, caramel, and a light floral aroma, making it versatile and perfect for coffee cocktails.

For those who love a refined, layered espresso, Specialty Arabica – Cầu Đất is the ultimate choice. Grown at 1,550m in Cầu Đất, Đà Lạt, this Arabica features bell pepper, spices, and caramel notes, delivering a clean, sophisticated coffee experience.

Which Coffee Fits Your Style?

• For a bold espresso with oat milk or Ube Vietnamese Iced Coffee → Fine Robusta – Krong Năng

• For a smooth, well-balanced coffee with fruity notes → Special Vietnam Blend

• For a refined espresso with bell pepper, spices, and caramel complexity → Specialty Arabica – Cầu Đất

Your perfect ube coffee starts with the best espresso. Shop Bazan Coffee Now and craft something unforgettable.