Ube Cheese Pie – A Filipino Dessert Fusion That’s Winning Hearts

Ube Cheese Pie – A Filipino Dessert Fusion That’s Winning Hearts

If you’ve never sunk your teeth into a warm, flaky Ube Cheese Pie, you’re missing out on one of the most unforgettable dessert mashups to ever come out of Filipino kitchens. I still remember the first time I tasted one—tucked into a bustling Jollibee in Manila, the buttery crust gave way to a creamy, vibrant purple filling that was equal parts earthy, sweet, and indulgent. And just when I thought it couldn’t get better, a salty, melted cheese core hit me like a happy surprise.

This isn’t just a pie. It’s a celebration of contrasts—crunchy yet soft, sweet yet savory—and it’s rooted in the heart of Filipino flavor traditions. In this article, I’ll walk you through everything from what makes the Ube Cheese Pie special, to how you can make one right in your kitchen without any hard-to-find ingredients or complicated tools. Whether you’re a longtime lover of ube or just discovering this purple yam for the first time, you’re in for a treat.

We’ll also dig into popular FAQs, like What is Jollibee Ube pie made of? and Is the Ube pie from Jollibee good?, while keeping things simple, accessible, and family-friendly.

Don’t miss our Filipino dessert guide for beginners if you’re looking to explore more purple yam magic!

Let’s start with where it all began.

Table of Contents

The Rise of Ube Cheese Pie in Filipino Cuisine

The cultural roots of ube and cheese in Filipino cooking

When you grow up around Filipino kitchens like I did during a short stay in Cavite, you come to know ube not just as an ingredient—but as a legacy. Known locally as ube halaya, this purple yam is boiled, mashed, and often sweetened into creamy jams that grace everything from halo-halo to ensaymada. It’s not just colorful—it’s comforting. And surprisingly? It plays incredibly well with cheese.

Now, cheese isn’t a new guest in Filipino desserts either. With influences from Spanish colonization and local ingenuity, Filipinos have long incorporated salty cheeses like kesong puti and processed cheddar into sweet pastries and breads. Just think of bibingka with cheese, or sweet pandesal rolls with a cheesy core.

So really, Ube Cheese Pie was inevitable. It’s a fusion rooted deeply in tradition—where sweetness and saltiness aren’t opposites, but soulmates.

How Ube Cheese Pie became a food trend in Jollibee and beyond

The modern explosion of the Ube Cheese Pie didn’t happen in some five-star patisserie. Nope—it took off in the bustling counters of Jollibee, the Philippines’ beloved fast food chain. They knew exactly what they were doing when they wrapped that purple mash and gooey cheese in a golden, crispy crust.

Once Jollibee launched the pie, it sold like crazy. Filipino communities abroad lined up for it. Travelers posted their first bites on Instagram. And just like that, it became more than a dessert—it became an experience.

But even outside of Jollibee, bakers across the Philippines started putting their own spin on the pie. Some used cream cheese. Others used flaky puff pastry. And a few daring ones even turned it into cheesecake bars or empanadas.

Ube Cheese Pie had become more than just a snack. It had become a modern icon of Filipino creativity in the kitchen.

What Is Ube Cheese Pie? A Flavor Profile Explored

Understanding the taste: What does Ube Pie taste like?

Let me be honest—Ube Cheese Pie is hard to describe in just one word. Is it dessert? A snack? A bite of childhood joy? Probably all three.

The first thing you notice is that buttery, golden crust. Then, the filling hits you. The ube, or purple yam, brings a mellow sweetness with nutty, earthy tones. It’s not like a fruit or a jam. It’s deeper—almost like roasted chestnut meets vanilla custard. There’s something calming and nostalgic about it.

Then comes the twist: melted cheese, right in the heart of that purple filling. It’s salty, creamy, and just sharp enough to cut through the sweetness, making every bite balanced. For some, it’s a surprise. For others, like me, it’s genius.

If you’re new to Filipino flavors, this pie is a fantastic introduction. It’s bold but not overwhelming, sweet but not sugary, and always satisfying.

The creamy, cheesy contrast: Why cheese works so well with ube

You might think, “Cheese? In a dessert?” But in the Philippines, we do it all the time. And trust me, it’s a beautiful thing.

The richness of ube can sometimes get dense—especially when made into thick halaya. But that’s where the cheese comes in. It adds just enough salt to break up the sweetness and introduces a creamy texture that almost melts into the ube like butter on warm toast.

Now, not all cheeses are created equal in this pie. Jollibee uses a processed cheese that melts easily and has a gentle, familiar taste. But some homemade versions go fancy with cream cheese or even mozzarella for stretch and flavor depth.

I once tried one at a local bakery in Quezon City that used queso de bola. It was crumbly, sharp, and unforgettable.

This contrast—sweet and savory, creamy and chunky—is what sets Ube Cheese Pie apart from your typical dessert. It’s what keeps people coming back for more.

Breaking Down the Ingredients

What is Jollibee Ube Pie made of? Main components and alternatives

So, what’s actually inside that crispy, golden pocket of joy from Jollibee? Let’s break it down.

At its core, the Ube Cheese Pie has three major parts:

1. The crust – flaky, slightly oily, and deep-fried until golden. It’s similar to a pie crust or turnover shell, often made with flour, butter (or margarine), sugar, and water.
2. The ube filling – this vibrant purple center is made from purple yam (ube), sugar, evaporated milk or condensed milk, and a bit of butter. The texture can vary from silky smooth to a thick, chunky paste.
3. The cheese – processed cheddar-style cheese is the go-to in most fast-food versions, melted into the ube for a gooey center.

What’s interesting is how simple the ingredients actually are. You don’t need any preservatives, artificial colors, or hard-to-pronounce additives to recreate the magic at home.

Of course, depending on where you live, purple yam might be tricky to find. In that case, some cooks swap it with ube powder or even purple sweet potatoes as an alternative. While it’s not exactly the same, it still brings that deep color and mild sweetness that makes this dessert so iconic.

Now let’s get real about ingredients.

Many traditional pie recipes call for lard, gelatin, or even alcohol-based flavorings. But for a family-friendly, halal-friendly Ube Cheese Pie, there are seamless swaps that don’t affect the flavor at all.

• Butter over lard: Instead of pork-based lard, go for unsalted butter or plant-based margarine for your crust. They still deliver flakiness without the pork.
• Natural vanilla extract (alcohol-free): Always check labels, but you can use alcohol-free vanilla or even scrape real vanilla beans for extra aroma.
• Cheese without animal rennet: Some cheeses contain pork-derived rennet. To stay safe, choose brands that use microbial or vegetable rennet. Even better—go for natural cream cheese or cottage cheese alternatives made with plant enzymes.

I make my crusts and fillings this way all the time, and no one ever notices the difference. The pie tastes just as rich, indulgent, and satisfying—just without the extras we don’t need.

How to Make Ube Cheese Pie at Home

Step-by-step recipe with prep and cook times

If you’re craving something sweet, cheesy, and deeply nostalgic, there’s nothing quite like making your own Ube Cheese Pie at home. Every time I fry a batch, it reminds me of my first taste in a tiny kitchen in Quezon City—flaky crusts on the counter, bowls of bright purple yam paste, and that irresistible scent of butter and sugar dancing in the air.

Here’s how to bring that joy to your own table.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
• 1 tbsp sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 6–8 tbsp ice-cold water

For the ube filling:

• 1 cup boiled and mashed ube (or ube halaya)
• ½ cup condensed milk
• ¼ cup evaporated milk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (alcohol-free)

For the cheese filling:

• ½ cup cream cheese (softened) or cheddar-style cheese (grated)
• 1 tbsp sugar (optional)

For frying:

• Neutral oil (vegetable or canola)

Instructions

1. Make the crust dough
In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the texture is crumbly. Slowly add ice-cold water until a dough forms. Wrap it and chill for at least 30 minutes—this step is crucial for a perfectly crisp Ube Cheese Pie shell.

2. Prepare the ube filling
Over low heat, mix mashed ube, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and butter in a saucepan. Stir constantly for 10–15 minutes until thick. Add vanilla extract, then let the vibrant purple filling cool. This mixture gives the Ube Cheese Pie its signature sweetness and earthy depth.

3. Assemble the pies
Roll out your dough and cut into rectangles. Spoon some ube filling on one half, top with cream cheese or cheddar, then fold and seal the edges with a fork. This is the heart of your homemade Ube Cheese Pie—balance is key.

4. Fry until golden
Heat oil in a frying pan. Once hot, cook each pie for about 2 minutes per side, or until beautifully golden. Drain on a paper towel to keep them crispy and light.

🕒 Prep Time: 45 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 15 minutes
🍽️ Yield: 8 mini Ube Cheese Pies

Tips for a flaky crust and gooey cheese-ube filling

Want your Ube Cheese Pie to rival Jollibee’s? Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Keep your butter and water cold. That’s your secret to flaky success.
• Chill the filling before use. Cold cheese and ube reduce the chance of leaking.
• Don’t overfill. Too much of a good thing can ruin your seal—and your oil.
• Seal carefully. Use a fork and a touch of water on the edges.

The first time I made a batch, I overstuffed them. Let’s just say I spent more time cleaning purple oil splatter than eating. Lesson learned!

Looking for inspiration? Try our Nama Chocolate recipe—another melt-in-your-mouth treat that pairs perfectly with tea or coffee.

Variations of Ube Cheese Pie You’ll Love

Mini pies, puff pastries, and vegan twists

Now, don’t get me wrong—there’s nothing like the classic Ube Cheese Pie. But after experimenting in my small kitchen in Marrakech (where Filipino ingredients are like treasure hunts), I discovered there’s a world of ways to make this treat your own.

Mini hand pies:
Try making bite-sized versions using muffin tins. They’re great for parties and perfect for kids’ lunchboxes. Use the same dough recipe, just cut smaller rounds, and bake instead of fry for a lighter version.

Puff pastry version:
Short on time? Grab a pack of store-bought puff pastry. Fill with ube and cheese, fold, and bake at 375°F until golden. It gives a lighter, flakier texture and still delivers that gooey center. It’s almost like a purple Pop-Tart—but better.

Vegan twist:
Swap the butter for coconut oil, use plant-based condensed milk (coconut or oat-based), and choose vegan cream cheese. The natural sweetness of ube pairs beautifully with coconut, and no one will miss the dairy.

Air-fried version:
Don’t want to deep-fry? Air-frying gives a golden crunch with less oil. Set your air fryer to 375°F, brush pies with a little oil, and cook for 8–10 minutes. Flip halfway for even browning.

Creative toppings and mix-ins for personalized pies

If you’re feeling bold in the kitchen, these add-ins will turn your pies into personalized masterpieces:

• Toasted coconut flakes: Sprinkle inside the filling or on top for extra texture.
• Chopped nuts: Cashews or macadamias add a nice crunch to that creamy center.
• Ube + macapuno: A classic Filipino combo. Just add a spoonful of sweetened macapuno (coconut sport) on top of the ube before sealing.
• Brown sugar streusel topping: For a bakery-style finish, sprinkle a quick mix of brown sugar, flour, and butter before baking.

I once made a version with ube, cheese, and banana slices—it was wild and weirdly delicious.

Where to Find the Best Ube Cheese Pie

Jollibee’s offering: How much is Ube Cheese Pie in Jollibee?

Let’s be honest—if you’re craving an Ube Cheese Pie right now and don’t feel like cooking, Jollibee is your best bet. This fast food giant popularized the treat and made it globally recognizable, especially across Filipino communities in the U.S., Canada, the Middle East, and more.

So how much is it?

In most U.S. locations, a single Ube Cheese Pie from Jollibee costs around $2.49 to $2.99, depending on the branch and current promos. You can often buy them in sets of 3 for a discount, which I highly recommend—because trust me, one is never enough.

The Jollibee version is:

• Deep-fried to golden perfection
• Features a processed cheddar-style cheese
• Uses a jam-like ube filling that’s smooth and super sweet

It’s not gourmet—but it is addictive. The crust is shatteringly crisp, and the heat from the fryer makes the cheese and ube just melt together in the best way.

Other bakeries and local spots serving standout versions

Now, Jollibee might have made it famous—but they’re not the only game in town. If you’re lucky enough to live near a Filipino bakery, you might just find homemade Ube Cheese Pies that go above and beyond.

Here are a few places worth checking out:

Bakery Name	Location	Special Notes
Red Ribbon	USA (nationwide)	Often sells ube-based pastries but pies are seasonal
Goldilocks	California, Nevada, Philippines	Try their baked ube goods if pies aren’t available
Hood Famous Bakeshop	Seattle, WA	Known for ube cheesecakes—call ahead for pies
Kora Bakery	NYC (pop-up/delivery)	Offers gourmet Filipino fusion pies on rotation

Local Facebook groups and Instagram hashtags like #ubecheesepie or #filipinobakery can help you discover hidden gems in your city. Some home bakers even offer delivery!

Is the Ube Pie from Jollibee Good? Honest Reviews

A taste test experience by Sifaw: Texture, sweetness, and nostalgia

The first time I tried Jollibee’s Ube Cheese Pie, I was in Las Vegas, where the sun was relentless and the line outside Jollibee was even longer. I waited—sweating, hungry, skeptical. I’d heard the hype, but could a fast food dessert really deliver?

I took a bite.

The crust shattered like a chip—flaky, golden, with just a hint of sugar. The filling? A smooth, creamy ube jam, sweet and thick, followed by a surprising pocket of gooey cheese. It wasn’t artisan, but it was nostalgic—like a Filipino childhood in one bite.

That balance of sweet and salty hit hard. The heat from the fryer made the cheese slightly runny, which blended perfectly with the ube. And though it was rich, it didn’t feel heavy. I finished one, then grabbed another. (Zero regrets.)

What stood out most wasn’t just the taste—it was the feeling. The kind that takes you back, even if you didn’t grow up in the Philippines. That’s what makes it special.

Public reviews and why people love (or don’t love) it

Not everyone’s experience is the same—and that’s the beauty of food. So I scoured social media, blogs, and review sites to find out what other folks had to say.

What people love:

• “The perfect combo of salty and sweet.”
• “Crispy crust with a lava-like filling—SO good with coffee!”
• “Tastes like home.”

What people don’t love:

• “Too sweet for me.”
• “Wish it had more ube and less cheese.”
• “Crust gets soggy if you don’t eat it fresh.”

Let’s break that down.

Yes, the pie is on the sweeter side—especially if you’re used to subtler desserts. And the cheese? It’s processed and mild, which might not be for everyone. But the texture, convenience, and nostalgic flavor? That’s where Jollibee shines.

For me, it’s the kind of snack I crave not every day, but on days when I want comfort and a little indulgence.

Health and Nutrition Insights

Caloric breakdown and potential allergens

Let’s be honest—Ube Cheese Pie isn’t designed to be a “clean eating” item. It’s a comfort treat, and like all good desserts, it delivers both flavor and indulgence. But how much are you really biting into?

Here’s a general breakdown of a typical fried Ube Cheese Pie, modeled after Jollibee’s version:

Component	Estimated Amount
Calories	280–320 per pie
Total Fat	16–18g
Carbohydrates	34–38g
Sugars	14–18g
Protein	4–6g
Sodium	180–220mg

These values can shift depending on whether you bake or fry, the kind of cheese you use, and the thickness of the crust. Processed cheese typically adds more sodium, and deep-frying boosts fat content.

From an allergen standpoint, the average Ube Cheese Pie contains:

• Dairy – from the butter, cheese, and condensed milk
• Wheat – present in the flour-based crust
• Eggs – sometimes included in crust or filling recipes
• Soy – possible in margarine or non-dairy flavorings

If food allergies or dietary restrictions are a concern, your safest bet is to make a homemade Ube Cheese Pie. That way, you control every single ingredient, from the type of cheese to the choice of sweetener.

Making a healthier version: Low sugar, dairy-free options

Now here’s the good news: with just a few tweaks, you can turn your Ube Cheese Pie into a slightly lighter, better-for-you version—without sacrificing that delicious creamy purple bite.

Healthier crust options:

• Use whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients
• Swap out butter for coconut oil or vegan margarine
• Bake instead of fry for lower fat and fewer calories

Lighter ube filling:

• Replace condensed milk with steamed purple sweet potatoes
• Use coconut sugar or mashed banana for sweetness
• Add chia seeds for a nutritional boost and thicker texture

Cheese swaps:

• Choose low-fat cream cheese or cottage cheese
• Go with plant-based cheese for dairy-sensitive eaters

I personally tried a version using oat milk, vegan cream cheese, and just a hint of coconut sugar. It turned out soft, flavorful, and surprisingly satisfying—especially on a weeknight when I wanted something sweet without tipping into guilt.

This updated take on Ube Cheese Pie proves that you don’t need to sacrifice taste to make smarter food choices. You just need the right ingredients and a bit of balance.

Ube Cheese Pie in Pop Culture and Beyond

Why it’s more than just a pie: Foodie obsession on TikTok and Instagram

The first time I posted a photo of my homemade Ube Cheese Pie, it blew up more than I expected. Purple food just has that effect. Whether it’s the color, the cheesy stretch, or the flaky crust, this pie is 100% made for social media.

On platforms like TikTok, creators slice open hot pies to reveal that steamy, gooey center—always in slow motion, of course. The hashtag #ubecheesepie racks up views in the millions, with ASMR crunches and close-up cheese pulls that’ll make anyone hit replay.

But it’s not just about the visuals.

People connect with ube as more than just an ingredient. For many Filipinos and Southeast Asians, it represents home, family, and food memories. Sharing these pies online is a way to share their culture. It’s food as identity—and people are loving it.

I once got a comment on a video that said, “I cried when I saw this. Reminded me of my lola’s kitchen.” That’s what food should do.

How this dessert symbolizes Filipino pride abroad

Filipino food has long flown under the radar, but that’s changing—and Ube Cheese Pie is leading the charge. As more Filipinos move abroad, they bring their flavors with them. And non-Filipinos? They’re getting hooked.

In cities like Los Angeles, Toronto, and Dubai, bakeries now sell ube croissants, ube pancakes, and yes—ube cheese pies—to crowds who can’t get enough. It’s no longer a niche item—it’s a cross-cultural sensation.

I’ve met people from Brazil, Morocco, and even Sweden who now keep ube extract in their pantry. That’s how far this little purple yam has traveled.

Ube is no longer just a dessert flavor. It’s a cultural ambassador. And the Ube Cheese Pie? It’s the perfect bite-sized introduction.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ube Cheese Pie

Conclusion: Why Ube Cheese Pie Deserves a Spot in Your Kitchen

From the first bite, Ube Cheese Pie tells a story—of comfort, culture, creativity, and connection. It’s more than just a dessert. For me, it’s a reminder of the beautiful way food brings people together, even when we’re worlds apart.

Whether you’re trying it for the first time at Jollibee, baking it from scratch in your home kitchen, or scrolling through ube-pie reels at midnight, this treat offers something magical. That unexpected mix of creamy, earthy, sweet, and salty? It’s unforgettable.

So go ahead—make a batch, share it with friends, and let this vibrant little pie bring a taste of Filipino joy into your life.

Looking for Ube Cheese Pie inspiration or reviews from real foodies? Join the convo on our Facebook page where readers share their favorite ube pie spots across the U.S. and beyond and check out our latest ube experiments and Filipino fusion recipes on Pinterest, where the purple food trend is alive and thriving.

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