I remember the first time I baked purple yam butter mochi — the kitchen smelled like coconut and warm sugar, and the bright violet squares disappeared faster than I could plate them. This hybrid dessert lands between chewy mochi and a buttery coconut cake: dense, slightly springy, and beautifully hued by ube (purple yam). It’s perfect for potlucks, a festive brunch, or anytime you want a colorful, comforting treat that’s surprisingly easy to pull together. If you like simple dessert wins, you’ll also enjoy how this one keeps well and travels cleanly to gatherings like my one-bowl peanut butter cup dump cake.

Why you’ll love this dish

This purple yam butter mochi brings together a handful of wins: it’s quick to mix in one bowl, naturally gluten-free when using pure glutinous rice flour, and the vivid ube color makes it a show-stealer for celebrations. The texture is chewy yet tender — the butter and coconut milk add richness while the glutinous rice flour gives that classic mochi bounce. It’s also forgiving: no delicate folding or tempering required, so it’s great for home bakers and for making ahead.

“Soft, chewy, and impossibly purple — this ube butter mochi was the first thing gone from my dessert table.”

Step-by-step overview

Preheat the oven and grease a baking dish.
Combine mashed ube with glutinous rice flour and the wet ingredients until smooth.
Pour the batter into the pan, smooth the top, and bake for 45–50 minutes.
Cool fully, then slice into squares. Finish with shredded coconut or a frosting if you like.
This overview gives you the flow: no complicated stages — just mix, bake, cool, and slice.

What you’ll need

1 cup ube (purple yam), mashed (or ube halaya)
1 cup glutinous rice flour (also called mochiko)
1 cup coconut milk (full-fat for richest flavor)
1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste if using sweetened ube halaya)
1/4 cup butter, melted (see substitutions below)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: shredded coconut for topping

Notes and substitutions:

Ube: Use cooked, mashed purple yam or canned ube halaya. If using concentrated ube extract or powder, reduce the mashed yam and add liquid to match the batter’s consistency.
Butter swap: For dairy-free, substitute melted coconut oil.
Coconut milk: Full-fat yields a creamier mochi; light coconut milk works but will be less rich.
If you prefer a frosted finish, try pairing a square with an American buttercream frosting for a sweeter, cakier take.

Directions to follow

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch (or similar) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed ube, glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, melted butter, baking powder, salt, and vanilla. Stir until the batter is smooth and uniform in color.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula so it bakes evenly.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Avoid underbaking — the internal chew relies on finishing through.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan. Cooling firms the mochi so you can slice neat squares.
Optional: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the top or spread a thin layer of American buttercream after cooling for a sweeter finish. Serve at room temperature.

Best ways to enjoy it

Serve squares on a simple platter dusted with toasted shredded coconut for texture.
Pair a warm square with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for contrast.
Offer hot tea, black coffee, or a slightly sweetened iced milk tea to balance the chew and richness.
For parties, cut into bite-sized cubes and serve with toothpicks — easy to eat and visually appealing.

Storage and reheating tips

Room temp: Keep covered for up to 24–48 hours.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving or warm gently.
Freezer: Wrap slices tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm briefly in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes.
Reheating: Microwave individual squares for 10–15 seconds to soften, or warm in a preheated oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes. Always cool a hot pan on a rack for safety before slicing.

Pro chef tips

Even batter: Whisk until the batter is smooth but don’t overwork; glutinous rice flour can become gluey if aggressively overmixed.
Test for doneness: Use a toothpick and check for a few moist crumbs — the center should not be liquid.
Pan choice matters: A glass dish will bake slightly slower than metal — adjust time and test earlier.
Adjust sweetness: If using sweetened ube halaya, reduce sugar to avoid an overly sweet finish.
Greasing: Use a thin layer of butter and a parchment strip for easy removal and cleaner edges.

Creative twists

Mini mochi cups: Pour batter into a greased mini muffin tin for bite-sized treats; reduce bake time to ~20–25 minutes.
Chocolate swirl: Fold in dark chocolate chips or swirl melted chocolate on top pre-bake for a marbled look.
Vegan version: Replace butter with melted coconut oil and use a plant-based milk if desired.
Ube extract shortcut: If you can’t find fresh ube, use ube halaya plus a little extra coconut milk to reach the right consistency, or use ube extract and adjust sugar.
Seasonal spin: Try a layered concept—spread a thin layer of apple butter in the pan before adding batter for an unexpected fruit contrast, inspired by seasonal pies like apple butter pie.

Helpful answers

Q: Can I use ube powder or ube extract instead of mashed purple yam?
A: Yes. If using ube powder or extract, follow the product’s hydration guidelines and adjust the liquid in the recipe so the batter matches the consistency of a thick cake batter. If you use extract, you may need less sugar since some extracts concentrate flavor without added sweetness.

Q: Is glutinous rice flour the same as “regular” rice flour and is it gluten-free?
A: Glutinous rice flour (mochiko) is different from regular rice flour and gives mochi its chewy texture. It’s naturally gluten-free because it’s made from rice, but always check packaging for cross-contamination warnings if you have celiac disease.

Q: How can I tell when the mochi is done without overbaking?
A: The top should be set and slightly springy. Insert a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. If the center jiggles significantly, give it more time and check again in 5–7 minutes.

Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Absolutely. Make it the day before and store covered in the fridge. Bring to room temperature or warm briefly before serving. If you plan to freeze, slice and wrap individual portions for easy thaw-and-serve.

Conclusion

Purple yam butter mochi is an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that balances chewy texture with rich coconut and buttery notes — great for holidays, potlucks, or a colorful weeknight bake. For more ube butter mochi inspiration and variations, the recipe roundup at The Best Ube Butter Mochi – Mochi Mommy showcases different textures and toppings. If you’re after a gluten-free ube mochi approach or want to compare techniques, this Easy Ube Mochi Recipe (GLUTEN FREE) – Keeping It Relle is a helpful companion. Happy baking — and don’t forget to save a square for yourself.