Ube Swiss Roll – Soft, Dreamy & Naturally Purple Filipino Dessert

If there’s one dessert that can turn heads at any gathering, it’s the Ube Swiss Roll — a vibrant purple sponge cake filled with silky cream and a touch of tropical sweetness. I still remember the first time I tasted ube (Filipino purple yam) while visiting the Philippines: its nutty, vanilla-like flavor instantly captured my heart.

Since then, I’ve used this beloved ingredient to create a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious — the Ube Swiss Roll, a modern take on a Filipino ube dessert that merges traditional flavors with classic European technique. This cake isn’t just visually striking; it’s soft, fragrant, and melts in your mouth with every bite.

Whether you’re planning a festive party or looking for something creative to bake this weekend, this purple yam roll cake is guaranteed to impress. Its naturally purple hue makes it perfect for holidays, birthdays, or even cozy family dinners.

Before we dive in, don’t forget to check out our full collection of Cake Roll Recipes – 10 Delicious & Creative Swiss Roll Ideas to Try for more inspiration. If you love colorful and unique cakes, you’ll also enjoy our Matcha Swiss Roll Cake for a green tea twist, or the coffee-infused Tiramisu Cake Roll for something creamy and elegant.

💜 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Naturally Vibrant: That deep violet color comes from real ube — no artificial coloring needed.
• 🎂 Soft & Fluffy Texture: The sponge is airy yet moist, perfect for rolling without cracks.
• 🥥 Tropical Flavor Fusion: A gentle blend of ube and coconut cream gives a rich, creamy sweetness.
• ❄️ Make-Ahead Friendly: Great for celebrations — just chill, slice, and serve.
• 🇵🇭 Filipino Meets European: A beautiful dessert that celebrates culture and creativity in every slice.

Have you ever baked with ube before? Once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen — just like it did in mine!

If you enjoy coconut-based sweets, don’t miss our Coconut Snow Roll for another tropical holiday treat.

🍠 Ingredients Needed

To make this ube sponge roll, you’ll need a few key ingredients that bring both texture and flavor:

For the Sponge Cake

• Eggs – The base for a light, fluffy texture.
• Sugar – Adds sweetness and structure.
• Cake Flour – Ensures a soft, delicate crumb.
• Ube Extract or Ube Halaya (Purple Yam Jam) – The star ingredient! Gives color and that distinct ube flavor.
• Baking Powder – Keeps the sponge airy.
• Milk or Coconut Milk – Adds moisture and subtle richness.
• Vanilla Extract – Balances the earthy ube taste.

For the Filling

• Heavy Cream or Whipping Cream – Whipped until soft peaks form.
• Cream Cheese or Butter – Optional for structure and richness.
• Ube Halaya – For added flavor and color.
• Powdered Sugar – To sweeten the filling just enough.
• Coconut Flakes (optional) – For a bit of tropical texture.

🛒 Where to find ube ingredients: Try Asian grocers like HMart, or order online from Trader Joe’s or Amazon.

If you love citrus-flavored desserts, check out our Lemon Cream Roll — it’s bright and refreshing, the perfect contrast to this rich purple delight.

🍰 How to Make Ube Swiss Roll (Step-by-Step)

Step 1 – Prepare the Sponge

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
Whip eggs and sugar together until pale and fluffy. Add in ube extract or ube halaya, followed by milk and vanilla. Gently fold in sifted flour and baking powder until combined.

Step 2 – Bake the Sponge

Spread the batter evenly and bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the surface springs back when touched. Avoid overbaking — you want a soft, flexible sponge.

Step 3 – Roll the Cake

While still warm, invert the sponge onto a towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment, roll it up gently, and let it cool completely.

Step 4 – Make the Filling

Whip cream, sugar, and ube halaya until fluffy and smooth. Adjust sweetness to taste.

Step 5 – Assemble the Roll

Unroll the sponge, spread an even layer of filling, then re-roll tightly. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Chef James Tip:
Brush the sponge with a bit of coconut milk before spreading the filling — it adds moisture and enhances that tropical flavor.

For more roll-making inspiration, browse our full guide:
👉 Cake Roll Recipes – 10 Delicious & Creative Swiss Roll Ideas to Try

🌿 Recipe Tips & Variations

• Ube Macapuno Roll: Add strips of macapuno (sweet coconut) inside for authentic Filipino flavor.
• Ube Cheesecake Roll: Blend cream cheese into the filling for a richer bite.
• Gluten-Free Ube Roll: Use almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for a lighter texture.
• Extra Moist Option: Add a tablespoon of condensed milk to your filling.

Chef James Suggestion:
“Serve this chilled — it tastes just like ube ice cream cake!”

If you love vibrant desserts, take a look at our Red Velvet Cake Roll — it’s another color-packed showstopper for holidays.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

This purple yam roll cake keeps beautifully when stored properly:

• Fridge: Store covered up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the unfilled sponge up to 1 month.
• To Serve: Let the cake rest 15 minutes at room temp before slicing.

Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the sponge — let it thaw gently for best texture.

For cream-based desserts, always follow USDA Food Safety Guidelines to keep fillings fresh and safe to eat.

And don’t forget, ube swiss roll is part of our Cake Roll Recipes collection — perfect for every celebration, from spring brunches to holiday tables.

PFAQs (People Also Ask Style)

🍵 What to Serve With This Recipe

The beauty of the Ube Swiss Roll is how well it pairs with light, creamy, or citrusy flavors. Here are some of my favorite pairings:

• 🍓 For color and freshness, serve alongside our Strawberry Shortcake Roll — the contrast of pink and purple is stunning.
• 🍫 Chocolate fans will love pairing it with our rich Chocolate Cake Roll for a luxurious dessert platter.
• ☕ Sip it with jasmine tea, coconut latte, or even iced matcha for balance.
• 🍋 Want something tangier? Add a slice of our Lemon Cream Roll for a bright twist.

And if you’re building a festive dessert table, explore our Cake Roll Recipes – 10 Delicious & Creative Swiss Roll Ideas to Try — perfect for any holiday celebration.

🍰 More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed the soft texture and gorgeous hue of this purple yam roll cake, don’t miss these other Tiramisucake.com favorites:

• Tiramisu Cake Roll – creamy, coffee-infused, and pure comfort.
• Pumpkin Spice Roll – cozy and perfect for autumn gatherings.
• Red Velvet Cake Roll – romantic, bold, and perfect for Valentine’s Day.
• Coconut Snow Roll – a snowy white cousin to this purple masterpiece.

You’ll find them all (and more) in our master guide:
👉 Cake Roll Recipes – 10 Delicious & Creative Swiss Roll Ideas to Try

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Conclusion

There’s something truly magical about baking with color. The Ube Swiss Roll is more than a dessert — it’s a story of culture, creativity, and connection. Its vivid purple hue, delicate sponge, and creamy coconut filling come together like a celebration on a plate.

ube swiss rollreminds me that baking can be both an art and a bridge between traditions. Whether you serve it during the holidays or at a simple afternoon tea, this roll will bring smiles — every time.

If you’re ready to explore more colorful, flavor-packed cakes, dive into our Cake Roll Recipes – 10 Delicious & Creative Swiss Roll Ideas to Try for endless inspiration.

And don’t forget to check out USDA Food Safety for cream handling tips, or discover more Filipino dessert culture at Serious Eats.

Chef James’s Final Note:
“Every color tells a story — and in this case, it’s purple, sweet, and full of love.” 💜