Ube, the vibrant purple yam, is a beloved ingredient in Filipino desserts. With its naturally sweet flavor and stunning color, it’s no wonder that ube has gained popularity worldwide, especially in sweet treats like ice cream.
However, traditional ice cream recipes can often require an ice cream maker or a lengthy freezing process. That’s where this Easy No Churn Ube Ice Cream Recipe comes in, offering a simple solution for making this indulgent dessert at home, even if you don’t have specialized equipment.
This recipe combines the rich, creamy texture of traditional ice cream with the sweet, nutty flavor of ube, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
The best part? There’s no need to churn or constantly monitor the freezing process. You can have a smooth, velvety ube ice cream ready to enjoy with minimal effort. Let’s dive into how to make this effortless and delicious dessert!
Ingredients for Easy No Churn Ube Ice Cream
To make your Easy No Churn Ube Ice Cream, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating the creamy, smooth texture and rich ube flavor.
Ube Jam or Puree
The star of this recipe is ube. You can use store-bought ube jam or puree, which gives the ice cream its signature color and flavor. Ube jam has a sweet, earthy taste and a smooth consistency that blends seamlessly into the cream mixture. If you can’t find ube jam, you can also use fresh ube, but you’ll need to cook and mash it into a smooth puree.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream is essential for the creamy texture that makes this ice cream so irresistible. When whipped, it creates a light and airy base that adds to the overall richness of the ice cream. It’s important to use cold heavy cream for the best results.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Sweetened condensed milk gives this ice cream its sweetness and helps create a smooth, rich texture. It’s the perfect complement to the ube flavor and ensures that the ice cream is neither too sweet nor too bland.
Vanilla Extract
A dash of vanilla extract enhances the ube flavor and adds a subtle aromatic note to the ice cream. It’s a simple ingredient but one that balances the richness of the cream and the sweetness of the condensed milk.
Pinch of Salt (Optional)
A tiny pinch of salt can be added to balance the sweetness and highlight the flavors in the ice cream. It’s optional but can make a big difference in bringing out the full complexity of the ube.
With these ingredients, you’ll be able to create a no-churn ube ice cream that’s as delicious as it is simple to make!
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Ube Ice Cream
Making Easy No Churn Ube Ice Cream is a breeze, and the process involves just a few simple steps to create a creamy, decadent treat. Let’s walk through the method so you can enjoy this delicious dessert in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Ube Base
Start by placing the ube jam or puree into a large mixing bowl. If you’re using fresh ube, ensure it is cooked, mashed, and pureed to a smooth consistency before adding it to the bowl. Add the sweetened condensed milk to the ube and stir until fully combined. This mixture forms the base of your ice cream and should be smooth with no lumps.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, pour the heavy cream. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. This should take about 3-4 minutes, depending on the temperature of your cream. Be careful not to overwhip; you want soft peaks, not stiff peaks, to ensure a creamy texture for the ice cream.
Step 3: Combine the Ube Mixture with Whipped Cream
Once the whipped cream is ready, it’s time to fold it into the ube mixture. Using a spatula, gently fold the whipped cream into the ube and condensed milk base. Be sure to incorporate everything evenly but avoid stirring too vigorously, as this can deflate the whipped cream and impact the texture of the ice cream. Continue folding until the mixture is smooth and uniformly purple.
Step 4: Freeze the Mixture
Transfer the combined ube and cream mixture into a loaf pan or any container suitable for freezing. Use a spatula to smooth the top and make it as even as possible. Cover the container tightly with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the freezer. Let the ice cream freeze for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, for the best texture.
Step 5: Serving and Storing Ube Ice Cream
Once the ice cream is fully frozen, it’s ready to be served! To scoop the ice cream, you may need to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to scoop. Enjoy it in a bowl, on a cone, or as a topping for other Filipino desserts like halo-halo.
To store leftovers, simply cover the ice cream tightly and return it to the freezer. This no-churn ube ice cream will last up to a week or two if stored properly.
Tips and Variations for the Best Ube Ice Cream
While this recipe is already incredibly easy, there are a few tips and variations that can take your ube ice cream to the next level.
Adjusting Sweetness
If you prefer a less sweet ice cream, you can reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk. Start by adding half of the recommended amount and taste the mixture before folding in the whipped cream. You can always add more if needed. Similarly, if you want a sweeter ice cream, you can add a little more condensed milk.
Adding Texture
For added texture, consider folding in crushed cookies, like graham crackers, or toasted coconut flakes into the ice cream mixture before freezing. These additions will provide a pleasant crunch and elevate the dessert further. You could also mix in chunks of ube cake or sweetened red beans for a traditional Filipino twist.
Making It Dairy-Free or Vegan
If you’re looking for a dairy-free or vegan version of this ice cream, it’s simple to substitute the dairy ingredients. Use coconut cream in place of heavy cream, and opt for sweetened condensed coconut milk instead of regular sweetened condensed milk. Make sure the ube jam or puree you use is also dairy-free to ensure the entire recipe is suitable for vegan diets.
Infusing Other Flavors
While ube is the star of this recipe, you can experiment by adding other flavors. A touch of cinnamon or cardamom can complement the earthy flavor of the ube. Alternatively, try mixing in a few spoonfuls of sweetened coconut cream for a coconut-ube hybrid ice cream.
By following these tips and variations, you can make your ube ice cream perfectly tailored to your taste, whether you prefer it sweeter, more textured, or adapted for different dietary needs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While this Easy No Churn Ube Ice Cream is a straightforward recipe, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for that could impact the texture or flavor of your ice cream.
Overwhipping the Cream
One of the most common mistakes is overwhipping the cream. When you whip the cream too long, it can turn into butter and lose the light, airy texture that’s essential for a creamy ice cream base. Make sure to stop whipping as soon as soft peaks form. This will ensure your ice cream stays light and smooth.
Not Folding Gently
When combining the whipped cream with the ube mixture, it’s important to fold gently. If you stir too aggressively, you risk deflating the whipped cream, which will lead to a denser and less creamy texture. Always fold the mixture slowly with a spatula to keep the air in the whipped cream.
Not Freezing Long Enough
It’s tempting to take the ice cream out of the freezer early, but for the best results, let it freeze for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight. If you remove the ice cream too soon, it won’t have the firm, scoopable consistency that makes ice cream so delightful. Be patient and allow it to set properly before serving.
Using Fresh Ube Without Cooking It First
If you’re using fresh ube instead of store-bought ube jam or puree, it’s essential to cook and mash it thoroughly to ensure smoothness. Raw ube has a tough texture that will not blend well into the ice cream base. Boiling or roasting the ube will soften it and help create the creamy texture that makes this ice cream so special.
Not Adjusting the Sweetness
Since different brands of ube jam or condensed milk vary in sweetness, always taste the ube mixture before freezing. If you find it too sweet or not sweet enough, you can adjust the amount of condensed milk or add a pinch of salt to balance out the flavors. Tasting along the way will ensure that your ice cream turns out just right.
Why You’ll Love This Easy No Churn Ube Ice Cream
There are many reasons to fall in love with this Easy No Churn Ube Ice Cream, but here are a few key highlights that make it an irresistible treat:
Minimal Effort for Maximum Flavor
Making ice cream from scratch can sometimes feel like a daunting task, but with this no-churn recipe, you can skip the ice cream maker and still get a perfectly creamy dessert. The most difficult part is waiting for it to freeze! The combination of sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream ensures a rich and velvety texture, while the ube jam gives it a distinct and delightful flavor.
Creamy and Smooth Texture
The key to great ice cream is the texture, and this recipe delivers just that. The whipped cream creates a light, fluffy base that’s perfectly complemented by the rich ube flavor. The result is a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth treat that will leave you wanting more.
The Unique Flavor of Ube
Ube has a sweet, nutty, and earthy flavor that sets it apart from traditional ice cream flavors. Whether you’re familiar with ube or trying it for the first time, this ice cream offers a delightful experience that’s both familiar and new. Its gorgeous purple color also adds to the visual appeal, making it perfect for serving at parties or special occasions.
Versatility for Any Occasion
This no-churn ube ice cream can be served in many ways, from a simple bowl to topping off a traditional Filipino halo-halo. Its versatility makes it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual summer treat, a special celebration, or a way to impress guests with something unique and delicious.
A Fun, Homemade Dessert
Making your own ice cream at home is a rewarding experience, and this recipe makes it easy for anyone, even those without an ice cream machine, to craft a homemade dessert. It’s a fun project for the whole family to enjoy, and the result is a sweet, refreshing treat that everyone will love.
From its rich ube flavor to its creamy texture and minimal effort, this Easy No Churn Ube Ice Cream is bound to become a favorite dessert. It’s the perfect way to indulge in a delicious, homemade treat without all the fuss!
Conclusion
If you’re craving a creamy, indulgent dessert that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor, this Easy No Churn Ube Ice Cream is the perfect recipe to try. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a vibrant and delicious treat that will impress your family and friends.
Whether you’re a fan of ube or new to this unique flavor, this ice cream is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, the no-churn method means anyone can enjoy homemade ice cream without the need for special equipment.
So, grab your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and enjoy a batch of this rich, creamy ube ice cream. It’s the perfect way to treat yourself and those around you to something sweet and special.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh ube instead of ube jam or puree?
Yes, you can use fresh ube in this recipe, but it needs to be cooked and mashed into a smooth puree before mixing it with the other ingredients. Fresh ube should be boiled or roasted until tender, then blended into a smooth texture. Ube jam or puree, however, offers more convenience and consistent flavor.
2. How long does no-churn ube ice cream take to freeze?
While the freezing time may vary depending on your freezer, it generally takes about 6 hours for the ice cream to set. For the best texture, it’s ideal to freeze it overnight.
3. Can I make this ice cream dairy-free?
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version by substituting coconut cream for heavy cream and using sweetened condensed coconut milk in place of regular sweetened condensed milk. Make sure to also check that your ube jam or puree is dairy-free if you’re aiming for a fully dairy-free recipe.
4. How can I store leftover ube ice cream?
Store any leftover ube ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks if properly stored. Just be sure to tightly cover the container to prevent freezer burn.
5. Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Yes! You can absolutely add mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or even small pieces of cake to this no-churn ube ice cream. Just fold them in gently after mixing the ube base with the whipped cream, and then freeze as usual. Make sure to add them in moderation so they don’t affect the creamy texture.
Easy No Churn Ube Ice Cream
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 electric hand mixer or stand mixer (for whipping cream)
- 1 spatula
- 1 loaf pan or freezer-safe container (for freezing the ice cream)
- 1 airtight container (for storing leftover ice cream)
Ingredients
- 1 cup 240g Ube jam or Ube puree (or fresh cooked and mashed ube)
- 1 can 14 oz Sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups 480ml Heavy cream (chilled)
Instructions
Prepare the Ube Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ube jam or puree with sweetened condensed milk. Stir until smooth and well incorporated.
Whip the Cream:
- In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the heavy cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks form (about 3-4 minutes). Be careful not to overwhip.
Fold the Cream Into the Ube Mixture:
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the ube and condensed milk mixture. Use a spatula to incorporate both, making sure not to deflate the whipped cream.
Transfer to Freezer-Safe Container:
- Pour the ube mixture into a loaf pan or other freezer-safe container. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Freeze:
- Cover the container tightly with plastic wrap or a lid, then place in the freezer for 6-8 hours or overnight.
Serve:
- Once the ice cream is fully frozen, remove from the freezer and let it sit for a few minutes before scooping. Enjoy the creamy, decadent ube ice cream!
Notes
- Sweetness: Taste the ube mixture before freezing to adjust the sweetness. If you’d prefer a less sweet ice cream, reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk, or use a sugar-free alternative.
- Texture: If you prefer a more textured ice cream, try adding mix-ins like crushed graham crackers, toasted coconut, or small pieces of ube cake before freezing.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and sweetened condensed coconut milk for a vegan and dairy-free version. Be sure the ube puree is also dairy-free.
- Storage: Store leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks.