Ube Bars (Filipino Coconut-Coated Butter Cake)
Chef RV Manabat adapted by JojoM
A nostalgic Filipino bakery favorite, these Ube Bars are soft buttery cakes dipped in sweet ube syrup and rolled in toasted desiccated coconut. Inspired by classic street-style pastries from Tagaytay, this affordable recipe by Chef RV Manabat is comforting and easy to recreate at home.
Ube Bars (Filipino Coconut-Coated Butter Cake)
Chef RV Manabat adapted by JojoMA nostalgic Filipino bakery favorite, these Ube Bars are soft buttery cakes dipped in sweet ube syrup and rolled in toasted desiccated coconut. Inspired by classic street-style pastries from Tagaytay, this affordable recipe by Chef RV Manabat is comforting and easy to recreate at home.
Chef's Tips
Substitute butter with margarine and milk with water for a more economical version.
Toast coconut only until aromatic—avoid overbrowning.
Do not soak the bars too long in the syrup to prevent sogginess.
Tools Used
Mixing Bowl
Oven
Frying Pan
Tongs
We use affiliate links, which may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Ingredients
Cake Base
Ube Syrup & Coating
Instructions
Prepare and Bake the Cake Base
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13x9” rectangular pan or two square pans.
- 2
In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, sugar, flour, and baking powder.
- 3
Add milk gradually and mix until dough is smooth and pliable.
- 4
Transfer dough into the pan and flatten evenly using hands or a spatula.
- 5
Bake for 30–40 minutes until the top is almost firm. Cool completely before slicing.
Make the Ube Syrup
- 1
In a frying pan, mix condensed milk, a bit of water, and ube flavoring.
- 2
Simmer lightly just until aromatic to remove any artificial aftertaste.
- 3
Set aside to cool slightly.
Assemble the Ube Bars
- 1
Cut the cooled cake into rectangular bars.
- 2
Dip each bar quickly into the warm ube syrup.
- 3
Immediately roll in toasted desiccated coconut.
- 4
Let set and serve. Store in an airtight container.
Comments & Reviews
Carla G.
7/10/2025
Tried this with margarine and it still turned out delicious! Brought back childhood memories.
Leo R.
7/10/2025
Very easy to make and surprisingly moist even without real ube. Love it!
Tin C.
7/10/2025
Reminds me of the ones from Tagaytay. Toasting the coconut made such a difference.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 bar
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
