For those who grew up in the ’90s and ’00s, there wasn’t really much Filipino representation on the Western cartoons that we watched. Let’s be real, we’d easily get excited over Asian characters in general. So, imagine our delight when we stumbled upon an episode clip from the hit Cartoon Network show, Steven Universe, that features an ube cake roll. Yep, I’m already getting serious cravings just from typing that.
In this ‘Steven Universe ube roll episode’ (or The Good Lars, if you’re looking for the actual title), we see the titular character hanging out with his two friends, Lars Barriga and Sadie Miller. When they get an invite to a potluck party, Lars is determined to come up with the best food to bring. He then gets a eureka moment when Steven suggests that they bake a cake that represents Lars the most. And lo and behold: a special recipe for ube cake!
Recreating the ube roll on Steven Universe
As you probably already know, ube is an absolute dessert staple in Filipino cuisine. It often comes in the form of ube jam, though it can also be eaten on its own or added as a special ingredient.
Anyway, if you’d like to whip up the Steven Universe ube roll at home — well then, you’re in luck! Chef Andrew Rea does exactly this on his YouTube channel, Binging with Babishi, which has always been known for recreating food from different movies and TV shows.
Wondering where to get ube jam for when you make this dessert, too? Fortunately, we’ve come up with a handy list of the best brands that you can find online and in supermarkets here.
More Pinoy representation on this cartoon show
Beyond the special appearance of our very own ube roll on Steven Universe, did you know that Lars is also half Filipino? Apart from the hint in his last name, there’s also an episode that shows his Filipino dad (pictured above)!
Also read: 11 Yummy Filipino Desserts We’ll Probably Crave All Summer Long
Yes, I know — where was this cartoon when we were kids?! But hey, better late than never, I guess.
Apart from this endearing Steven Universe ube roll moment, are there other distinctly Pinoy scenes you enjoyed seeing on Western shows? We’d love to hear about them in the comments!
Featured image credit: Cartoon Network
