Ube ice cream is a beloved Filipino dessert, known for its vibrant purple color and rich, earthy sweetness. Traditionally made from Ube (purple yam), this creamy treat has gained popularity worldwide for its unique flavor and texture.
If you’ve ever tasted this decadent dessert, you know it has an irresistible smoothness and a flavor that’s both nutty and sweet.
Making Ube ice cream at home can feel like an art form, but with the help of the Ninja Creami, you can recreate this creamy treat effortlessly in your kitchen.
This recipe is a perfect fusion of tradition and innovation, allowing you to indulge in a homemade version of this exotic dessert with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
The Ninja Creami brings the magic of making ice cream to your home, making it easier than ever to create the perfect Ube ice cream that’s both rich and smooth.
Why Use a Ninja Creami for Ube Ice Cream?
The Ninja Creami is a game-changer when it comes to homemade ice cream. While traditional methods of making ice cream involve complex processes like churning, freezing, and waiting, the Ninja Creami simplifies this by turning frozen ingredients into ice cream with just a few easy steps. This makes it the ideal tool for creating Ube ice cream, which requires a smooth and creamy consistency to highlight the delicate flavors of the Ube.
One of the standout features of the Ninja Creami is its ability to transform frozen bases into soft-serve ice cream in a matter of minutes. By freezing the Ube mixture and then blending it with the Ninja Creami, you can achieve a texture that rivals store-bought ice cream. The result is a creamy, velvety Ube ice cream with the perfect consistency every time.
Additionally, the Ninja Creami offers customization in texture. If you prefer a firmer ice cream, you can adjust the blending settings accordingly, ensuring that your Ube ice cream is exactly how you like it. For those who enjoy experimenting, the Ninja Creami allows you to add mix-ins or variations, giving you complete control over the final product.
Not only does the Ninja Creami save time and effort, but it also guarantees a smoother, more consistent texture than other homemade ice cream methods. Its ease of use makes it accessible for both novice and seasoned ice cream makers alike, ensuring that you can enjoy Ube ice cream at home without any hassle.
Ingredients Needed for Ninja Creami Ube Ice Cream
Making Ube ice cream with the Ninja Creami is simple, and the ingredients required are easy to find. Below is a list of the key ingredients you’ll need to create a rich and flavorful Ube ice cream:
- Ube Halaya (Ube Jam) – 1 cup
Ube Halaya, or Ube jam, is the star of this recipe. It’s a sweet, purple yam paste that gives the ice cream its signature flavor and color. You can find Ube Halaya in Filipino or Asian grocery stores, or you can make it from scratch if you prefer. - Heavy Cream – 1 cup
Heavy cream provides the rich, creamy texture that makes ice cream so indulgent. It helps create a smooth and velvety base for the Ube flavor to shine. - Whole Milk – 1 cup
Whole milk adds a lighter texture while balancing the richness of the cream. It helps create the perfect consistency for the ice cream once blended. - Granulated Sugar – 1/2 cup
Sugar is essential for sweetness and helps bring out the natural flavors of the Ube. You can adjust the amount of sugar depending on how sweet you prefer your ice cream. - Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon
Vanilla extract adds depth to the flavor and complements the Ube’s sweetness. It’s a subtle touch that enhances the overall taste of the ice cream. - Pinch of Salt
A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and enriches the flavor profile of the ice cream. - Optional Ingredients for Variation:
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – 1/4 cup (for extra sweetness and creaminess)
- Coconut Milk – 1/4 cup (for a tropical twist and dairy-free option)
These optional ingredients can be added to create variations, offering an even richer texture or a coconut-flavored Ube ice cream.
How to Make Ninja Creami Ube Ice Cream
Making Ube ice cream in the Ninja Creami is a straightforward process that only requires a few simple steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create creamy, dreamy Ube ice cream in no time:
Step 1: Prepare the Ube Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Ube Halaya, heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until smooth and well-blended. If you want a richer flavor or extra sweetness, you can add the optional sweetened condensed milk or coconut milk. Make sure there are no lumps of Ube Halaya remaining and that the mixture is creamy and uniform.
Step 2: Freeze the Mixture
Once your mixture is ready, pour it into the Ninja Creami pint container. Make sure not to fill the container beyond the “max fill” line to allow room for the ice cream to blend properly. Place the container in the freezer and freeze it for at least 24 hours. The freezing time is essential for achieving the perfect texture once you blend it.
Step 3: Blend the Ice Cream
After the mixture has frozen thoroughly, remove the pint container from the freezer. Attach the container to the Ninja Creami base and select the “Ice Cream” setting. The Ninja Creami will begin to turn the frozen mixture into a smooth, creamy ice cream. If you prefer a softer texture, you can use the “Sorbet” or “Gelato” setting, depending on the consistency you like.
If after blending the ice cream seems a bit too thick or grainy, simply use the “Re-spin” function for a smoother texture. You can also add a splash of milk if you want to loosen the mixture slightly.
Step 4: Optional Toppings and Variations
Once your Ube ice cream is perfectly blended, you can serve it as is or add fun mix-ins like toasted coconut, sprinkles, or chopped nuts for extra texture. Alternatively, you can swirl in more Ube Halaya or even sweetened condensed milk to create ribbons of flavor throughout the ice cream.
Tips for Making the Perfect Ube Ice Cream
Creating the perfect Ube ice cream requires a bit of attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure you get a smooth, creamy, and flavorful batch every time:
1. Use High-Quality Ube Halaya
The flavor of your Ube ice cream largely depends on the Ube Halaya (Ube jam) you use. For the best results, choose a high-quality Ube Halaya with a rich, authentic flavor. You can either buy it from an Asian or Filipino grocery store or make your own. If you’re using store-bought Ube Halaya, check the ingredients to ensure it contains real Ube, not just artificial coloring or flavor.
2. Make Sure the Mixture is Smooth Before Freezing
When mixing the ingredients, take extra care to ensure that the Ube Halaya is fully incorporated into the cream, milk, and sugar. If the mixture has any lumps, it could affect the texture of the final product. Using a whisk or a hand blender can help achieve a silky-smooth base before freezing.
3. Freeze the Mixture for Enough Time
Freezing the mixture for at least 24 hours is crucial. If the mixture isn’t frozen solid, the Ninja Creami won’t be able to blend it into the creamy ice cream consistency you’re looking for. For the best texture, make sure the pint container is fully frozen before starting the blending process.
4. Adjust Texture to Your Liking
The Ninja Creami allows you to control the texture of your ice cream. If you prefer a firmer ice cream, avoid over-blending. For a softer, more scoopable texture, you can re-spin the mixture or add a splash of milk to loosen it. Experiment with different settings to find the ideal consistency that works for you.
5. Don’t Rush the Blending Process
After freezing, give the Ninja Creami enough time to blend the ice cream. If it seems too thick, a quick second spin or the addition of a little extra milk can help create that perfect creamy finish.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Once you’ve made your delicious Ube ice cream, it’s important to store and serve it properly to preserve its taste and texture.
Storing Ube Ice Cream
If you have leftovers (which is rare, but possible!), store the Ube ice cream in an airtight container. Be sure to press plastic wrap or parchment paper directly onto the surface of the ice cream to prevent freezer burn and keep it from becoming too icy. Place the container in the freezer and store it for up to one week. The Ninja Creami ice cream can last longer if stored properly, but it’s best when enjoyed fresh for the smoothest texture.
Serving Ube Ice Cream
When it comes to serving, Ube ice cream pairs wonderfully with a variety of treats. You can serve it in classic cones or bowls for a simple and elegant dessert. For a more indulgent treat, try pairing it with Filipino delicacies such as halo-halo, a colorful dessert with shaved ice, sweet beans, fruits, and other toppings, or enjoy it as a topping on a warm piece of lechon kawali (crispy pork belly) for an exciting sweet-and-savory contrast.
For a fun twist, try layering the Ube ice cream with other flavors like vanilla or chocolate, creating an Ube sundae with chocolate drizzle and toppings such as toasted coconut, nuts, or even fresh fruit.
Conclusion
Making Ube ice cream at home has never been easier or more enjoyable, especially with the Ninja Creami. This simple yet delicious recipe allows you to indulge in a creamy, rich dessert that brings the beloved Filipino flavor to your kitchen with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned ice cream maker or trying it for the first time, the Ninja Creami ensures your Ube ice cream is perfectly smooth and full of flavor.
With just a few ingredients and some patience while the mixture freezes, you’ll have a homemade treat that’s just as delightful as the Ube ice cream from your favorite dessert shops. Customize it with mix-ins, serve it in creative ways, and enjoy this vibrant and unique dessert at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh Ube instead of Ube Halaya?
Yes! If you prefer to use fresh Ube, you can boil or steam it, then mash it to create your own Ube puree. You’ll need to sweeten it with sugar, and you may need to cook it down a bit to get the proper consistency. Just make sure the texture is smooth before incorporating it into your ice cream base.
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! To make a dairy-free version of Ube ice cream, substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut cream and coconut milk. This will still result in a creamy, flavorful ice cream with a tropical twist, complementing the Ube flavor beautifully.
3. Can I add other flavorings to my Ube ice cream?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavorings to customize your Ube ice cream. For example, adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the depth of flavor. If you enjoy a more tropical profile, you can incorporate coconut extract or even a bit of mango puree for a fruity variation.
4. How long will the ice cream last in the freezer?
When stored properly in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed against the surface, Ube ice cream can last for up to one week in the freezer. However, for the best texture and flavor, it’s best enjoyed within a few days of making it.
5. Can I use the Ninja Creami for other types of ice cream?
Yes! The Ninja Creami is versatile and works wonderfully with all kinds of ice cream, sorbets, and gelatos. You can easily adapt the Ube ice cream recipe to create other flavored ice creams, such as vanilla, chocolate, or fruit-based varieties, by following similar steps with your chosen ingredients.
Ninja Creami Ube Ice Cream
Equipment
- Ninja Creami Machine (1 unit)
- Mixing Bowl: 1 unit
- Whisk: 1 unit
- Measuring Cups & Spoons (1 set)
- Freezer (1 unit)
- Airtight Container (1 unit, for storing ice cream)
Ingredients
- 1 cup Ube Halaya Ube Jam
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Pinch of Salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup Sweetened Condensed Milk for extra sweetness and creaminess
- Optional: 1/4 cup Coconut Milk for a dairy-free option
Instructions
Prepare the Ube Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Ube Halaya, heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. If desired, add the sweetened condensed milk or coconut milk for added creaminess and sweetness. Ensure there are no lumps of Ube Halaya.
Freeze the Mixture:
- Pour the prepared mixture into the Ninja Creami pint container. Make sure not to exceed the “max fill” line. Cover and place the container in the freezer. Allow the mixture to freeze for at least 24 hours until fully solidified.
Blend in the Ninja Creami:
- Once the mixture is completely frozen, remove the pint container from the freezer. Attach it to the Ninja Creami base and select the “Ice Cream” setting. Let the machine blend the ice cream until it reaches a smooth, creamy texture.
Adjust Texture (Optional):
- If the ice cream is too thick or grainy, use the “Re-spin” function to smooth it out. You can also add a little extra milk for a softer consistency.
Serve:
- Once the Ube ice cream is ready, scoop it into bowls or cones and enjoy! You can also add toppings like toasted coconut, sprinkles, or fresh fruit for extra flavor.
Notes
- Ube Halaya is essential to the authentic flavor and color of Ube ice cream. If you can’t find it in stores, you can make it yourself by cooking Ube and adding sugar and milk.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut milk and coconut cream.
- If you prefer a richer ice cream, you can increase the amount of sweetened condensed milk for added creaminess.
- The Ninja Creami works best when the mixture is frozen solid for at least 24 hours, so plan ahead!
- This recipe is very versatile, so feel free to adjust sweetness or add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
