Ube (Purple Yam) Candies

Delicious Filipino-inspired candies made with purple sweet potatoes, sweetened condensed milk, and a hint of lime zest. These chewy, sweet treats are rolled in sugar for a delightful finish.

24 servings
1 hr 11 min

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces purple- or orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium)
  • 7 ounces sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ cup nonfat instant dry milk
  • ½ teaspoon finely grated lime zest
  • teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 piece potato ricer or food mill

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Roast sweet potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet until tender, 40-50 minutes. Let cool. Halve lengthwise and scoop flesh from skins; discard skins. Press flesh through ricer into a bowl (you should have 1 packed cup).

    50 min

  2. 2.

    Cook sweet potato and condensed milk in a medium nonstick saucepan or skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until thickened and jammy, 6-8 minutes. Stir in powdered milk, lime zest, salt, and 2 Tbsp. sugar. Cook, stirring often, until slightly shiny, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl; cover with plastic wrap, pressing directly onto surface. Let cool.

    11 min

  3. 3.

    Turn out ube mixture onto a work surface and roll into 1/2"-thick logs. Sprinkle sugar over surface; roll logs in sugar until generously coated. Cut into 1 1/2" pieces.

    10 min

  4. 4.

    Candies can be made 2 weeks ahead. Wrap tightly and chill.