Homemade Ube Ice Cream Recipe

Ube ice cream is a vibrant and creamy dessert that has won hearts around the world, thanks to its unique flavor and beautiful purple hue.

Made from ube, a type of purple yam native to the Philippines, this ice cream offers a rich, earthy sweetness that’s unlike anything you’ve ever tasted.

If you’ve never had the pleasure of indulging in ube ice cream, you’re in for a treat. It’s smooth, slightly sweet, and perfect for those who love trying something new in the world of frozen desserts.

Making ube ice cream at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize it to your liking. Whether you’re looking to serve it on a hot summer day or want a fun, exotic dessert for a special occasion, this homemade ube ice cream recipe is sure to impress.

What You Need to Make Homemade Ube Ice Cream

Before you dive into making your own ube ice cream, it’s important to gather the right ingredients and equipment. While this recipe is simple, the key to great homemade ice cream lies in using high-quality ingredients and having the right tools.

Ingredients for Ube Ice Cream

To make this delicious dessert, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Ube (Purple Yam): Ube is the star of the show in this recipe. You can either use fresh ube or ube puree. Fresh ube will need to be cooked and mashed before being incorporated into the ice cream base. Ube puree, which can be found in many specialty or Asian grocery stores, offers a more convenient option, while still delivering that signature ube flavor.
• Heavy Cream: This rich ingredient provides the ice cream with its smooth, creamy texture. Heavy cream is essential for achieving the luscious consistency that makes homemade ice cream so indulgent.
• Whole Milk: Whole milk helps balance the richness of the cream, ensuring the ice cream isn’t too heavy. It also helps achieve a smoother texture when frozen.
• Sugar: The sweetener is necessary to complement the natural flavor of the ube. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste, depending on how sweet you like your ice cream.
• Egg Yolks (Optional): For a custard-style ice cream, egg yolks add a silky texture and richness to the base. They also help to bind the ingredients together. If you prefer a simpler version, you can skip this step and opt for a no-cook recipe.
• Vanilla Extract: A small splash of vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the ice cream, balancing out the natural sweetness of the ube.
• Salt: A pinch of salt can help to bring out the flavors in the ice cream and cut through the sweetness.

Tools and Equipment Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to create your homemade ube ice cream:

• Ice Cream Maker: An ice cream maker is essential for churning the ice cream to achieve a smooth, creamy texture. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, don’t worry – you can still make delicious ice cream using the no-churn method.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of mixing bowls to prepare your ingredients – one for your custard base (if using egg yolks) and another for combining the ube puree with the milk and cream.
• Whisk: A whisk is crucial for mixing the custard and ensuring the egg yolks are fully incorporated into the mixture.
• Saucepan: A saucepan is necessary for heating the cream, milk, and sugar, and for preparing the custard base (if you choose to make one).
• Spatula: A spatula is helpful for stirring the ingredients, scraping the sides of the bowl, and making sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan.

With the right ingredients and tools in hand, you’re ready to create a creamy, delicious homemade ube ice cream that will stand out in flavor and presentation.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Homemade Ube Ice Cream

Making homemade ube ice cream is a fun and rewarding process. Follow these simple steps to create a creamy and flavorful treat that will leave everyone asking for more.

1. Preparing the Ube

If you’re using fresh ube, the first step is to cook it. Start by peeling the ube and cutting it into small chunks. Boil the pieces in a pot of water for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Once cooked, drain the ube and allow it to cool for a few minutes before mashing it into a smooth puree. You can use a potato masher or a food processor for this.

For a quicker option, ube puree can be found in many Asian markets. Simply measure the amount needed and you’re ready to go.

2. Making the Ice Cream Base

In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar over medium heat. Stir frequently to dissolve the sugar and prevent the mixture from scorching. Heat until it’s just below boiling, but be careful not to let it actually come to a boil.

If you’re opting for a custard-style base, whisk together the egg yolks in a separate bowl. Slowly pour a bit of the hot milk mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Once the eggs are warmed up, slowly add them back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk mixture. Continue to cook and stir for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. If you prefer a simpler, non-custard ice cream, skip the eggs and continue to the next step.

3. Adding the Ube Flavor

Once your milk and cream mixture is ready (and has cooled slightly if using eggs), add in the mashed ube or ube puree. Stir well until the ube is fully incorporated into the cream mixture, turning everything a beautiful purple color. Add a splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.

4. Chilling the Mixture

Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, and then place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight. Chilling the base ensures a smoother texture when churning. The colder the mixture, the better the result when churning in the ice cream maker.

5. Churning the Ice Cream

Once the mixture is fully chilled, it’s time to churn. Pour the cooled ube base into your ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, this process takes about 20-25 minutes, and the ice cream should thicken to a soft-serve consistency.

If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make delicious ube ice cream. Pour the chilled mixture into a shallow container and place it in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork to break up any ice crystals until it reaches the desired consistency (this will take a few hours).

6. Freezing the Ice Cream

After churning, transfer the soft ice cream into a lidded container and freeze for an additional 3-4 hours, or until it reaches a firm consistency. This final freezing step is essential for achieving that classic scoopable texture.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Ube Ice Cream

Creating the perfect homemade ube ice cream isn’t just about following the recipe; it’s about paying attention to the small details. Here are a few tips and tricks to elevate your ube ice cream game:

1. Getting the Right Ube Flavor

The depth of flavor in your ube ice cream relies on the quality of the ube you use. Fresh ube will give you the most authentic flavor, but it can be a little more labor-intensive. If using ube puree, ensure you get a high-quality brand that has a rich, earthy taste. Some brands may have additives or preservatives, so look for one that lists only ube as its main ingredient.

2. Achieving the Perfect Creaminess

For the creamiest texture, always use full-fat heavy cream and whole milk. Avoid using low-fat or skim options, as they won’t provide the same smooth, luxurious mouthfeel. Additionally, if you’re using an ice cream maker, make sure your base is chilled thoroughly before churning. A colder base helps the ice cream churn more smoothly and reduces the formation of ice crystals.

3. Adjusting the Sweetness and Ube Flavor

Ube is naturally sweet, but the sweetness can vary depending on the batch. If you like your ice cream a little sweeter, feel free to adjust the sugar to your taste. You can also increase or decrease the amount of ube to achieve a stronger or subtler flavor depending on your preference.

4. Avoiding Ice Crystals

One of the challenges of homemade ice cream is preventing ice crystals from forming. To combat this, make sure the mixture is thoroughly chilled before churning. If you’re not using an ice cream maker, be diligent about stirring the mixture every 30 minutes during the freezing process to break up ice crystals and keep the texture smooth.

5. Experimenting with Toppings and Mix-ins

While ube ice cream is delightful on its own, you can make it even more exciting with toppings or mix-ins. Consider adding toasted coconut, chocolate chips, or a swirl of ube halaya (ube jam) for an extra burst of flavor. A drizzle of sweetened condensed milk or a sprinkle of crushed nuts can add texture and contrast to the rich, creamy ice cream.

By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your homemade ube ice cream turns out perfectly every time. Whether you’re making it for yourself or serving it to guests, the flavor and texture will have everyone coming back for more!

Storing and Serving Ube Ice Cream

Once your homemade ube ice cream has reached the perfect creamy consistency, it’s important to store and serve it correctly to maintain its texture and flavor.

Storing Homemade Ube Ice Cream

To keep your ice cream fresh and creamy, transfer it to an airtight container once it has been churned and frozen to a soft-serve consistency. Smooth the top with a spatula to eliminate air pockets. Place a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly on the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container with its lid. This will help prevent ice crystals from forming and preserve the smooth texture.

Store your ube ice cream in the freezer for up to two weeks. If you plan on keeping it for longer, it’s best to consume it within this timeframe to enjoy it at its peak texture. When ready to serve, allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to scoop.

Serving Ube Ice Cream

When serving your homemade ube ice cream, consider presenting it in fun and creative ways to showcase its beautiful purple color. You can serve it in bowls, cones, or as part of a sundae with your favorite toppings.

Some creative serving ideas include:

• Topping with toasted coconut or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
• Drizzling with sweetened condensed milk for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Pairing it with other desserts like banana fritters, pancakes, or warm waffles for a fusion twist.

If you want to impress guests, serve the ice cream in ice cream cups garnished with fresh fruit or a sprinkle of ube halaya (ube jam) for a truly authentic touch.

Variations and Add-ins for Ube Ice Cream

Homemade ube ice cream is incredibly versatile, allowing for many variations and delicious add-ins that can enhance its flavor and texture. Here are a few ideas to customize your ice cream and make it your own:

1. Adding Swirls of Ube Halaya (Ube Jam)

For an added burst of ube flavor, try swirling in some ube halaya (ube jam) after the ice cream has been churned but before freezing it completely. Ube halaya is a sweet, smooth ube jam that will not only intensify the flavor but also create a beautiful marbled effect in your ice cream. To do this, simply spoon small dollops of ube halaya into the ice cream and gently swirl it in with a spoon or spatula.

2. Incorporating Coconut

Coconut pairs wonderfully with the earthy, nutty flavor of ube. You can add shredded toasted coconut directly into the ice cream base for a crunchy, tropical twist. Alternatively, you could add coconut milk to the ice cream base instead of a portion of the heavy cream or milk for a richer, more coconut-flavored ice cream.

3. Swapping Ube for Other Root Vegetables

If you love experimenting with flavors, ube isn’t the only root vegetable that makes a great ice cream base. Purple sweet potatoes or yam can be used as a substitute for ube, creating a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining the signature vibrant purple color. The texture and flavor may vary slightly, but it will still result in a delicious, creamy ice cream.

4. Adding Crunch with Nuts or Chocolate

For a delightful texture contrast, try adding chopped nuts like cashews, almonds, or macadamia nuts to your ice cream. The crunchy bits will complement the smoothness of the ice cream. Alternatively, chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate can create a delicious chocolate-ube combination, adding a sweet and bitter contrast that enhances the flavor of the ice cream.

5. Creating Ube Ice Cream Sandwiches

Why not turn your homemade ube ice cream into a fun treat by making ube ice cream sandwiches? Use soft cookies (such as chocolate chip, oatmeal, or even ube-flavored cookies) to sandwich a scoop of ube ice cream between them. This makes for a delightful dessert, perfect for parties or family gatherings.

6. Vegan Ube Ice Cream

For those following a vegan diet, you can easily make a dairy-free version of ube ice cream by substituting the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut milk or another plant-based milk, like almond milk or oat milk. You can also replace the eggs with a plant-based egg substitute or simply omit them for a no-cook, vegan-friendly recipe.

7. Ube Ice Cream with Boba (Tapioca Pearls)

For an exciting twist, add boba or tapioca pearls to your ube ice cream. This variation is reminiscent of popular ube milk tea and offers a chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth ice cream. Serve the ice cream topped with boba pearls and perhaps a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk for a bubble tea-inspired treat.

By experimenting with these variations and add-ins, you can elevate your homemade ube ice cream to new heights, making it even more indulgent and exciting for your taste buds!

Why Ube Ice Cream is a Unique Treat

Ube ice cream stands out as a unique treat for several reasons, making it a favorite for many who love exploring new flavors.

1. Distinctive Purple Color

One of the most striking features of ube ice cream is its vibrant purple hue. The color comes from the natural purple yam (ube) used as the main ingredient, giving it an eye-catching appearance that is both fun and exotic. The rich purple shade makes it a conversation starter and adds a visually stunning element to any dessert table.

2. Rich and Earthy Flavor

Ube has a naturally sweet and earthy flavor that is both creamy and nutty, with hints of vanilla and coconut. Unlike typical ice cream flavors like chocolate or vanilla, ube offers a unique and more subtle sweetness that is not overly sugary, making it a perfect treat for those who enjoy nuanced flavors. The flavor profile of ube is complex, with a mild, almost floral undertone that makes each bite a delightful discovery.

3. Versatility

Ube ice cream is incredibly versatile and can be paired with many different desserts. Whether you serve it on its own, as part of a sundae, or in an ice cream sandwich, ube ice cream can enhance a variety of treats. It blends well with tropical flavors like coconut, and its subtle flavor makes it the perfect companion to chocolate, nuts, and even boba pearls.

4. Cultural Significance

Ube has a deep cultural significance in Filipino cuisine and is a popular ingredient in Filipino desserts like halo-halo, ube halaya (ube jam), and ube pandesal (sweet ube bread). By enjoying ube ice cream, you’re not only indulging in a delicious treat but also connecting with a rich culinary tradition that celebrates the use of local and seasonal ingredients. The increasing popularity of ube outside the Philippines has made it a cross-cultural favorite, bridging food traditions around the world.

5. A Healthier Alternative

Though ice cream is often considered an indulgence, ube offers some potential health benefits. Ube is rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, particularly vitamin C and beta-carotene. These nutrients contribute to the body’s overall health and provide a natural sweetness that makes ube ice cream a healthier alternative to traditional desserts packed with artificial flavors and colors.

Conclusion

Homemade ube ice cream is a perfect dessert for anyone looking to explore new flavors, enjoy a visually stunning treat, and indulge in a creamy, rich dessert that is unique in every way.

Whether you’re making it for a special occasion, to impress your friends, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, ube ice cream provides an unforgettable experience.

The process of making ube ice cream, from preparing the ube to churning the creamy base, is a rewarding journey that allows you to customize your treat with endless variations and add-ins. By incorporating coconut, chocolate, or even boba pearls, you can take this classic Filipino dessert to new heights.

So, why not bring the magic of ube into your kitchen? With its unique flavor, stunning color, and versatility, homemade ube ice cream is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Happy ice cream making!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Homemade Ube Ice Cream

1. What is ube, and why is it used in ice cream?

Ube is a type of purple yam native to the Philippines, known for its vibrant purple color and slightly sweet, earthy flavor. It is commonly used in Filipino desserts and has gained popularity worldwide due to its unique taste and visual appeal. When used in ice cream, ube gives it a creamy texture and a subtly sweet, nutty flavor that’s different from more traditional flavors like vanilla or chocolate.

2. Can I make ube ice cream without an ice cream maker?

Yes, you can! While an ice cream maker makes the process easier and helps achieve the perfect creamy texture, you can still make ube ice cream without one. After mixing the ingredients and freezing the base, simply take it out every 30 minutes to stir vigorously for the first few hours. This helps break up ice crystals and create a smoother consistency. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer or hand mixer to help achieve the right texture.

3. Can I use store-bought ube jam instead of fresh ube for the ice cream?

Absolutely! Using store-bought ube halaya (ube jam) is a great shortcut to making ube ice cream. Just ensure that the ube jam you purchase is made from real ube and not just flavored with artificial ingredients. Ube jam can add an extra layer of sweetness and flavor to your ice cream, but make sure to adjust the sugar in the recipe to avoid making the ice cream too sweet.

4. How can I make vegan ube ice cream?

To make vegan ube ice cream, simply substitute the dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives. Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of regular milk and heavy cream. Additionally, replace eggs with a vegan egg substitute or omit them altogether. Make sure the sweeteners and other add-ins are also vegan-friendly to maintain the integrity of the recipe.

5. Can I add other flavors to my ube ice cream?

Definitely! Ube ice cream is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many other flavors. You can experiment by adding coconut, chocolate chips, or even mango for a tropical twist. Swirling in ube halaya (ube jam) for a richer ube flavor is also a popular option. The creamy, subtly sweet base of ube ice cream makes it the perfect foundation for countless variations, so feel free to get creative with your add-ins!