Ube Cranberry Mochi Muffins

Featured in: Sweet Tooth Fix

Enjoy a delightful fusion of Filipino and American flavors with these soft, chewy purple muffins. Sweet ube and tart cranberries create a vivid color and unique taste, while mochiko rice flour delivers a gluten-free texture. Simple steps include mixing wet and dry ingredients separately, gently folding in cranberries, and topping with optional coconut flakes. Bake until puffed and springy, then cool before serving warm or at room temperature. Versatile for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, these treats are easy to prepare and store, offering a convenient way to savor comforting flavors.

Updated on Wed, 29 Oct 2025 14:18:00 GMT
Soft and chewy Ube Cranberry Mochi Muffins, bursting with vibrant flavor and color.  Save
Soft and chewy Ube Cranberry Mochi Muffins, bursting with vibrant flavor and color. | tastyeffect.com

Soft, chewy muffins with a vibrant purple hue, blending sweet ube and tart cranberries for a unique fusion treat. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack.

The first time I baked these ube cranberry mochi muffins for my family, they were immediately fascinated by the striking purple color and the chewy-soft texture. It quickly became a weekend favorite for both breakfast and afternoon snacks.

Ingredients

  • Sweet rice flour (mochiko): 2 cups (250 g)
  • Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200 g)
  • Baking powder: 1 ½ tsp
  • Salt: ¼ tsp
  • Whole milk: 1 cup (240 ml)
  • Eggs: 2 large
  • Unsalted butter (melted and cooled): ½ cup (120 ml)
  • Ube halaya or ube puree: 1 cup (220 g)
  • Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
  • Dried cranberries: ½ cup (60 g)
  • Unsweetened coconut flakes (optional, for topping): 2 tbsp (16 g)

Instructions

Prepare muffin tin:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
Mix dry ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together sweet rice flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Mix wet ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, melted butter, ube halaya, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Combine wet and dry mixtures:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Add cranberries:
Fold in dried cranberries gently.
Fill muffin cups:
Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Sprinkle coconut flakes on top if using.
Bake:
Bake for 32–36 minutes, or until muffins are set and tops spring back when gently pressed.
Cool and serve:
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Freshly baked Ube Cranberry Mochi Muffins, blending sweet ube and tart cranberries perfectly.  Save
Freshly baked Ube Cranberry Mochi Muffins, blending sweet ube and tart cranberries perfectly. | tastyeffect.com

My kids love helping me sprinkle coconut flakes on top before baking, making the muffin-making a fun family affair. We often enjoy them still slightly warm from the oven.

Required Tools

You will need a 12-cup muffin tin, mixing bowls, a whisk, measuring cups and spoons, and a wire rack for cooling.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains eggs, milk, and butter. If using coconut flakes, coconut is present. Ensure all ingredients are checked for allergens if needed.

Nutritional Information

Each muffin contains approximately 210 calories, 7 g total fat, 36 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.

Delicious Ube Cranberry Mochi Muffins, ideal for breakfast or a delightful snack treat. Save
Delicious Ube Cranberry Mochi Muffins, ideal for breakfast or a delightful snack treat. | tastyeffect.com

These muffins keep well for days and make a vibrant addition to any brunch table. Enjoy the chewy bite and lively flavors with each bite.

Recipe FAQ

What ingredients create the purple color?

The vibrant hue comes from using ube halaya or ube puree, a purple yam popular in Filipino desserts.

Can I substitute the milk for a dairy-free option?

Yes, coconut milk can be used for added richness and to make the muffins dairy-free.

Are these muffins suitable for diets avoiding gluten?

Yes, sweet rice flour is naturally gluten-free; always check for certified gluten-free labeling.

What texture should I expect?

The muffins are chewy and soft, similar to mochi, with added bursts of tart cranberry flavor.

How do I store these muffins?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days.

Can I use fresh cranberries?

Fresh or frozen cranberries may be used; chop them if they're large for even distribution.

Ube Cranberry Mochi Muffins

Soft, chewy muffins with sweet ube and cranberries, perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert indulgence.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
35 min
Complete duration
50 min
Created by Laura Bennett


Skill level Easy

Heritage Filipino-American Fusion

Output 12 Portions

Dietary requirements Meat-free, No gluten

Components

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups sweet rice flour (mochiko)
02 1 cup granulated sugar
03 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
04 ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup whole milk
02 2 large eggs
03 ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
04 1 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam) or ube puree
05 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins

01 ½ cup dried cranberries
02 2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut flakes (optional, for topping)

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups.

Phase 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together sweet rice flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well blended.

Phase 03

Mix Wet Components: In a separate bowl, whisk together whole milk, eggs, melted butter, ube halaya or puree, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Phase 04

Integrate Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just incorporated, avoiding overmixing.

Phase 05

Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in dried cranberries, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.

Phase 06

Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among muffin tin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Sprinkle coconut flakes on top if desired.

Phase 07

Bake: Bake for 32 to 36 minutes, or until the muffins are set and the tops spring back when pressed gently.

Phase 08

Cool and Serve: Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before serving.

Necessary tools

  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wire rack

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if uncertain.
  • Contains eggs, milk, and butter (dairy).
  • Gluten-free; confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Contains coconut if flakes are used.
  • Review labels for potential allergen cross-contamination.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are approximate guides only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 3 g