Creamy & Delicious Selecta Ube Ice Cream Recipe

Ube ice cream is a beloved Filipino dessert known for its vibrant purple color, creamy texture, and uniquely sweet, nutty flavor. One of the most popular brands that perfected this treat is Selecta, a household name in the Philippines.

Their Selecta Ube Ice Cream is a staple in many Filipino homes, often enjoyed on its own, as a topping for halo-halo, or paired with traditional desserts like leche flan and bibingka.

If you love Selecta’s signature ube ice cream, you’ll be thrilled to know that you can recreate it at home! This homemade version captures the same rich ube flavor, smooth texture, and indulgent creaminess—all without needing an ice cream machine.

Whether you’re reminiscing about childhood flavors or simply exploring new desserts, this recipe will let you experience the authentic taste of ube ice cream right in your own kitchen.

What is Selecta Ube Ice Cream?

Selecta Ube Ice Cream is a Filipino-style ice cream made from ube, a native purple yam known for its naturally sweet, earthy flavor. It is one of the most recognizable flavors in the Philippines and is often enjoyed as a nostalgic, comforting dessert.

A Brief History of Selecta Ice Cream

Selecta started as a small family-run business in the 1940s, originally selling fresh milk and ice cream. Over the years, it grew into one of the biggest ice cream brands in the Philippines, known for its rich and creamy flavors made with high-quality ingredients. Ube has been one of its flagship flavors, beloved for its authentic taste and smooth texture.

The Unique Taste of Ube Ice Cream

Unlike artificial purple-colored ice creams, authentic ube ice cream has a naturally deep vanilla-like sweetness with hints of nuttiness. The combination of real ube, milk, and cream gives it a luscious texture and a slightly caramelized depth of flavor.

Why is Selecta Ube Ice Cream So Popular?

1. Authentic Filipino Flavor – It embodies the taste of real ube, a staple in Filipino desserts.
2. Rich & Creamy Texture – Selecta’s signature formula ensures smooth and velvety ice cream.
3. Versatile Dessert – It pairs well with classic Filipino sweets, from halo-halo to ensaymada.

This homemade version aims to replicate that same indulgent experience, using simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process. Ready to dive into the recipe? Let’s start by gathering the ingredients! 🍦💜

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Ingredients Needed for Homemade Selecta Ube Ice Cream

To recreate the rich, creamy, and velvety texture of Selecta Ube Ice Cream at home, you’ll need a few essential ingredients.

Each one plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and consistency.

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen ube (purple yam), mashed – This is the heart of the ice cream, providing its signature earthy sweetness and deep purple hue.
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk – Adds sweetness and enhances the creaminess of the ice cream.
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk – Contributes to a smooth texture while keeping the ice cream light.
• 2 cups heavy cream (or all-purpose cream) – This is essential for creating a rich and creamy consistency.
• 2 teaspoons ube extract – Intensifies the flavor and gives the ice cream its iconic purple color.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Complements the ube with a warm, aromatic depth.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – A small amount enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.

Optional Add-Ins for Extra Texture:

• ½ cup macapuno (sweetened coconut sport) – A chewy and sweet addition that pairs well with ube.
• ½ cup grated cheese – Some Filipinos love the contrast of salty cheese with sweet ice cream.
• ½ cup crushed graham crackers or barquillos – Adds a crunchy texture for an interesting twist.

With these ingredients in hand, let’s move on to the step-by-step process of making this creamy Selecta-style ube ice cream!

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Selecta-Style Ube Ice Cream

Making ube ice cream at home is surprisingly simple, even without an ice cream maker.

Follow these easy steps to achieve a smooth, rich, and flavorful result.

Step 1: Prepare the Ube Base

1. If using fresh ube, peel, cube, and boil it in water until fork-tender (about 25–30 minutes). Drain well.
2. Mash the cooked ube until smooth, or use a blender for an extra creamy texture. If using frozen mashed ube, thaw it completely before use.
3. In a large bowl, mix the mashed ube with condensed milk, evaporated milk, ube extract, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. Set aside.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

1. In a separate chilled bowl, pour in the heavy cream and use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip until soft peaks form (about 3–5 minutes).
2. Be careful not to overwhip, as this can make the ice cream grainy instead of smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine the Mixtures

1. Gently fold the whipped cream into the ube mixture using a spatula.
2. Avoid stirring too hard—folding gently helps maintain the airiness of the mixture, resulting in a lighter texture.
3. If using macapuno, cheese, or other add-ins, gently fold them in at this stage.

Step 4: Freeze the Ice Cream

1. Transfer the mixture into a freezer-safe container, smoothing out the top.
2. Cover with plastic wrap or an airtight lid to prevent ice crystals from forming.
3. Freeze for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, until it reaches the desired consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping to soften slightly.
2. Serve in cones, cups, or as a topping for halo-halo, leche flan, or warm bibingka.
3. Enjoy your homemade Selecta-style ube ice cream with family and friends!

Next, let’s explore tips and tricks to ensure your ice cream turns out just as creamy and delicious as the original! 🍦💜

Tips for the Perfect Selecta-Style Ube Ice Cream

Creating a creamy, smooth, and flavorful Selecta-style ube ice cream at home requires a few tricks to get the best results.

Follow these tips to ensure your ice cream is as rich and velvety as the store-bought version.

1. Use High-Quality Ube

• Fresh ube gives the best flavor, but if unavailable, frozen mashed ube or ube powder works well.
• If using ube powder, rehydrate it with warm water or milk before mixing it into the base.

2. Don’t Skip the Ube Extract

• Ube extract enhances both the color and flavor, making the ice cream more vibrant and authentic.
• Adjust the amount based on preference—more for a stronger flavor, less for a milder taste.

3. Properly Whip the Cream

• Whipping the heavy cream to soft peaks (not stiff) creates a light and airy texture.
• Over-whipping can make the ice cream too dense, while under-whipping may cause ice crystals to form.

4. Fold, Don’t Stir

• When combining the whipped cream with the ube mixture, use a gentle folding motion instead of stirring.
• This keeps the mixture light and fluffy, preventing a heavy or icy texture.

5. Prevent Ice Crystals

• Cover the ice cream with plastic wrap before sealing the container to reduce ice crystal formation.
• Storing it in a shallow, airtight container helps it freeze faster and stay creamy.

6. Experiment with Add-Ins

• For extra texture, mix in macapuno (sweet coconut strings), grated cheese, or even crushed cookies.
• If adding mix-ins, fold them in gently to keep the base smooth and creamy.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Ube ice cream is delicious on its own, but pairing it with other Filipino desserts makes for an even more indulgent experience.

Here are some creative ways to serve your homemade Selecta-style ube ice cream:

1. Classic Scoop in a Cone or Cup

• Serve in a waffle cone or bowl for a simple yet satisfying treat.
• Sprinkle crushed barquillos (Filipino wafer rolls) or toasted coconut flakes for a crunchy twist.

2. Ube Ice Cream in Halo-Halo

• Add a scoop to halo-halo, the famous Filipino shaved ice dessert loaded with sweet beans, jellies, and leche flan.
• The cold, creamy ice cream balances the textures of the other ingredients beautifully.

3. Ube Ice Cream Sandwich

• Sandwich a scoop of ice cream between soft pandesal or ensaymada for a sweet and savory contrast.
• Alternatively, use warm waffles or graham crackers for a crunchy variation.

4. Pair with Leche Flan

• The silky, caramelized sweetness of leche flan pairs wonderfully with the nutty richness of ube ice cream.
• Serve them together for an elegant dessert duo.

5. Make an Ube Milkshake

• Blend ube ice cream with milk for a thick and creamy milkshake.
• Add whipped cream and a drizzle of condensed milk on top for extra indulgence.

6. Serve with Warm Filipino Pastries

• Enjoy ube ice cream with bibingka (rice cake), suman (sticky rice roll), or turon (banana spring roll) for a delightful hot-and-cold contrast.

Whether served simply in a cone or as part of a decadent dessert creation, this homemade ube ice cream is sure to impress. Now, let’s answer some common questions about making and storing ube ice cream! 🍦💜

Conclusion

Making Selecta-style ube ice cream at home is a fun and rewarding process that brings the flavors of the Philippines right to your kitchen. With simple ingredients like fresh or frozen ube, creamy milk, and a touch of ube extract, you can recreate the rich, indulgent texture and earthy sweetness that makes ube ice cream so special.

From the first step of preparing the ube base to the final freeze, this recipe ensures that you get a smooth, creamy treat that rivals any store-bought version. Whether you’re serving it in a bowl, adding it to a halo-halo, or enjoying it in an ice cream sandwich, the possibilities for this dessert are endless.

We hope this recipe brings a little taste of the Philippines into your home and gives you the satisfaction of enjoying your own homemade ube ice cream. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family, and feel free to get creative with add-ins and toppings!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use ube powder instead of fresh or frozen ube?

Yes, ube powder can be used as a substitute for fresh or frozen ube. However, it’s important to rehydrate the ube powder with warm milk or water before adding it to your ice cream base. This ensures a smoother texture and more authentic flavor.

2. How long does homemade ube ice cream last in the freezer?

Homemade ube ice cream can last for about 2-3 weeks in the freezer if stored properly in an airtight container. Be sure to cover it with plastic wrap to minimize ice crystals and maintain its creamy texture.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can make dairy-free ube ice cream by substituting the heavy cream, evaporated milk, and condensed milk with coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk, and using a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk alternative. The flavor and texture may be slightly different, but still delicious.

4. How do I prevent ice crystals from forming in the ice cream?

To reduce ice crystals, cover the ice cream tightly with plastic wrap before sealing the container. Also, freezing it in a shallow container helps it freeze faster and more evenly. Letting it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping will also help achieve a smooth texture.

5. Can I use an ice cream maker for this recipe?

Yes, you can use an ice cream maker to churn the mixture for a lighter, smoother texture. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific ice cream maker, and once churned, transfer the ice cream to a container and freeze it until firm. This method helps achieve an even creamier consistency.