Decadent Ube Oreo Cheesecake

Introduction

Craving a dessert that’s both visually stunning and incredibly delicious? Look no further than this decadent Ube Oreo Cheesecake! This unique twist on a classic combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the vibrant purple hue and subtly sweet, nutty flavor of ube (purple yam) and the familiar crunch of Oreo cookies. It’s a dessert that’s sure to impress your friends and family.

This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating your own Ube Oreo Cheesecake from scratch. Get ready to indulge in a flavor explosion!

Making the Decadent Ube Oreo Cheesecake

Ube Cheesecake Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this vibrant dessert to life:

• For the Oreo Crust:
  • 25 Oreo cookies, finely crushed (about 2 cups)
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• For the Ube Cheesecake Filling:
  • 32 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons ube extract (or ube halaya for a more intense flavor)
  • Purple food coloring (optional, for enhanced color)
• For the Ube Whipped Cream Topping (Optional):
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ube extract
  • Optional: More crushed Oreo cookies for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Oreo Crust:
   1. Combine crushed Oreo cookies and melted butter in a bowl.
   2. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
   3. Bake the crust at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Let it cool completely.
2. Make the Ube Cheesecake Filling:
   1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
   2. Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract.
   3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
   4. Stir in the ube extract and purple food coloring (if using).
   5. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled Oreo crust.
3. Bake the Cheesecake:
   1. Wrap the bottom of the springform pan tightly with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in.
   2. Place the springform pan in a larger baking pan and add hot water to the larger pan, creating a water bath that reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
   3. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 60-70 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.
   4. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking.
4. Chill and Serve:
   1. Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
   2. Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
5. Prepare the Ube Whipped Cream Topping (Optional):
   1. In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and ube extract until stiff peaks form.
   2. Spread the whipped cream over the chilled cheesecake and garnish with crushed Oreo cookies, if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Ube Oreo Cheesecake

• Use full-fat cream cheese: This ensures a rich and creamy cheesecake.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in the cheesecake.
• Water bath is crucial: The water bath provides gentle and even heat, preventing the cheesecake from drying out and cracking.
• Cooling slowly is key: Cooling the cheesecake slowly in the oven prevents drastic temperature changes that can cause cracking.
• Ube Extract vs. Ube Halaya: While ube extract offers convenience, using ube halaya (ube jam) provides a more authentic and intense ube flavor. Adjust the sugar in the recipe accordingly, as ube halaya is already sweetened.

Variations and Additions

• Ube White Chocolate: Fold in chopped white chocolate into the cheesecake filling for added sweetness and texture.
• Different Oreo Flavors: Experiment with different Oreo flavors like Golden Oreos or Mint Oreos for a unique twist.
• Ube Swirl: Create an ube swirl by reserving a portion of the cheesecake batter and mixing in extra ube extract. Then, swirl the ube-infused batter into the plain batter before baking.

Conclusion

This Ube Oreo Cheesecake is a showstopper dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious. The creamy ube filling, the crunchy Oreo crust, and the optional ube whipped cream topping create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more. Give this recipe a try and impress your loved ones with your baking skills!

Enjoy your decadent Ube Oreo Cheesecake! Don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media using #UbeOreoCheesecake #UbeDessert #CheesecakeRecipe.