Pastillas de Ube are soft and chewy Filipino milk candies loaded with purple yam flavor. They're a delicious sweet treat perfect for anytime cravings or gift-giving.
Every time a family or friend goes to the Philippines for a vacation, I always ask my mother to send back some of our native delicacies, such as yema, pastillas, and polvoron, for me. Have you ever tried Lucia's pastillas? The bomb! I can eat a box of these milk candies in one sitting.
Unfortunately, as I usually eat a box of these milk candies in one sitting, my precious supply doesn't last long enough to replenish on time. It's not like I have a family or friend who goes to the Philippines every week.
Fortunately, I've learned how to make pastillas at home, and I can now satisfy cravings year-long. These soft, chewy treats are so easy to whip up; I have different flavors, like pastillas de leche or no-cook caramel, on hand any given day.
What you'll need
- Purple yam- the recipe uses frozen grated ube, which is available at most Asian grocery stores. Thaw completely before using. If substituting fresh ube, boil or steam until tender and mash until very smooth. Look for creamy tubers, not stringy, as these fibers and veins can affect the texture of the candies.
- Condensed milk- adds sweetness and creaminess.
- Powdered milk- helps thicken the mixture. For the best flavor, use full-cream powdered milk such as Nido. Skim or nonfat powdered milk will work but won't taste as rich.
- Lime zest- adds a concentrated tangy citrus flavor. Use a microplane, box, or cheese grater to zest the fruit.
- Sugar- coats the shaped pastillas, adding texture and sweetness.
Helpful tips
- Whisk the ube and condensed milk mixture regularly to prevent lumps and from scorching at the bottom. Make sure the consistency is a smooth thick paste before adding the powdered milk for the best texture.
- Use a non-stick pan and wooden spoon to make stirring easier.
- If the cooked mixture is too soft or sticky to roll, refrigerate for a few minutes until firm to touch.
- You can add a few drops of ube extract to boost color and flavor.
Serving suggestions
Shape the ube pastillas ube mixture into bite-size logs or rounds and roll in sugar. Wrap in colorful cellophane or Japanese paper (papel de hapon).
Storage instructions
- Unwrapped- store the pastillas mixture in an airtight container and press a sheet of plastic wrap on the surface of the mixture to prevent a film from forming. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Shape the pastillas and roll in sugar when ready to serve.
- Wrapped- store the wrapped pastillas in a resealable bag or airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
More snack recipes
Ingredients
- 1 package (16 ounces) frozen grated ube, thawed
- 1 can (14 ounces) condensed milk
- 1 cup full-cream powdered milk (Nido)
- zest of 1 lime
- ยฝ cup sugar
Equipment
- cellophane or Japanese paper cut into 3 x 3-inch squares
Instructions
- In a nonstick skillet over medium low heat, combine grated ube and condensed milk. Cook, stirring regularly, for about 8 to 10 minutes or until thickened.
- Add powdered milk and lime zest, stirring to combine. Continue to cook until mixture can be pulled away from the pan in one soft ball.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Using a teaspoon, divide mixture and shape each portion into logs of about 1-inch long. Roll pastillas in sugar until fully coated.
- Wrap each piece in Japanese paper or cellophane.
Nutrition Information
โThis website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.โ
Janice says
This didnโt come out good, Iโll try to modify it. The frozen ube I had was lumpy and I wanted silky, maybe Iโll run it in my food processor?
Diana says
Lalaine, all your sweet recipes sound delicious, and I intent to try a few. But not too many because to be honest, I'm too fat! ๐ฏ๐
Sweet lady, please help me...
I found a jar of Ube Spread/Jam and although it was kind of grainy, not knowing this product, I did enjoy the taste.
I tried to find recipes to use it through Google, but honestly they're more of a hindrance than a help.
In Porirua, New Zealand, I can only get the Jam. No flavouring, colouring or frozen root.
I do not shop online. Don't trust it.
Can I use the jam to make a cake?
Could you please send me a recipe? ๐ Thanks Lalaine. I do enjoy reading your recipes. ๐๐๐
Di-nanna, Grandma to 3 lovely Grandson's, but sadly no Grand daughters, and none to come. Both mamma's have shut up shop and locked the doors.๐ญ
I'll have to give somebody elses treats. ๐๐ฆ
Van says
hi, bakit I followed your recipe pero nagtubig ung pastillas ko.
Marie Badua says
Love all your recipes. Thank you!
Anne says
Hi. Can I use lemon instead of lime?
Chrisnalyn De La Saluta says
Hi! Can I put a pinch of preservative if ever I distribute it to stores. If yes what preservative should I use in what amount and how long it can be stored. THANK YOU!
papamo says
lol
Zenaida Schnell says
It looks good and quite easy to make. I will give it a try. Thanks
Lalaine says
Enjoy!
Elizabeth says
Hi! Good day! Can I replace the grated frozen ube with ube jam? Thank you very much!
Melanie Lerch says
Hello! My store doesn't sell powdered milk. I do have evaporated milk though. Can i substitute evaporated or regukar milk for powdered?
Imelda says
Any suggestion on how to make the ube pastillas stay dry in the wrapper. Thanks
shirley says
how long the pastillas will last before it will be destroy? and it is safe to use food coloring and essence like ube essence?
Lalaine says
The pastillas should be good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Just make sure they're stored in an airtight container so they'll keep their soft texture as long as possible. Yes, you can add food flavorings and coloring as you like ๐
aileen says
Hi. Can I replace grated ube with powdered ube? If yes, how much powdered ube should I use? Thanks a lot! ๐
Lalaine says
Hello Aileen
Just reconstitute the powdered ube according to package directions and then use the amount specified in the recipe, 16 ounces ๐
Pat P says
How many grams is it per pastillas? Thanks!
Lalaine says
I am sorry I wouldn't know, I didn't weigh them.
Jeff says
I tried making this. Great recipe! Just the right sweetness. Although mine started getting wet after coating in sugar. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Lalaine says
I have that problem, too, especially when it's a hot day. Let me do a research on that and will let you know ๐