Refreshing Ube Ice Cream Recipe (Simple & Delicious)

Ube ice cream has taken the dessert world by storm, offering a unique twist on traditional flavors. This creamy, vibrant purple treat has roots in Filipino cuisine, where ube (pronounced oo-beh) has long been a cherished ingredient.

Its popularity has skyrocketed globally, thanks to its striking color and distinct flavor that is both earthy and subtly sweet. Whether you’ve had it at a Filipino party or discovered it through food trends on social media, there’s no denying the appeal of this purple delight.

Making ube ice cream at home not only allows you to control the ingredients but also brings an exciting experience into your kitchen. The rich, creamy texture and the flavor-packed experience of ube will quickly make this recipe a go-to in your homemade ice cream collection.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make your very own ube ice cream, from selecting the right ingredients to achieving the perfect creamy consistency.

What is Ube and Why Is It So Popular?

Ube is a type of purple yam native to the Philippines, where it’s been a staple in both sweet and savory dishes for centuries. While the name “ube” is often used to refer to the whole root vegetable, the true magic happens when ube is transformed into ube halaya—a smooth, sweetened jam that serves as the base for many Filipino desserts, including our featured ice cream.

The allure of ube comes from its striking deep purple color, which is both eye-catching and inviting. The color comes from natural anthocyanins, a powerful antioxidant found in ube, which adds not only vibrancy but also a slight, rich depth to its flavor. The taste is unique—earthy, nutty, and slightly sweet, making it a perfect base for desserts. It has a creamy texture when pureed, which makes it ideal for ice cream, pastries, cakes, and even beverages.

Over the last few years, ube has gained international attention, particularly in the world of food influencers and chefs, who have incorporated it into a variety of dishes. In North America, ube has appeared in everything from donuts to milkshakes, but it’s in ice cream where it truly shines. The soft, silky texture and complex sweetness of ube make it a standout in the ice cream aisle, and it has quickly become a must-try for food enthusiasts everywhere.

The growing demand for ube reflects a broader interest in Filipino cuisine, which is increasingly recognized for its rich flavors and cultural significance. Ube, with its nostalgic ties to Filipino heritage and its undeniable deliciousness, continues to find its place on global dessert menus. Whether you’re new to the flavor or already a fan, homemade ube ice cream allows you to enjoy this incredible ingredient in its most delightful form.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Homemade Ube Ice Cream

Creating homemade ube ice cream is a simple yet rewarding process, but it’s important to have the right ingredients. Below is a list of the key components you’ll need to craft your own creamy, delicious ube ice cream. Whether you’re using fresh ube or opting for ube halaya or extract, each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor.

Ube Halaya (or Ube Extract)

Ube halaya, a sweetened ube jam, is the traditional ingredient used in ube ice cream. If you can find it in your local Filipino grocery store, this is the best option. It’s rich, smooth, and packed with that signature ube flavor. If fresh ube is unavailable or if you want a shortcut, you can use ube extract, which still captures that vibrant purple color and earthy flavor.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream is key to achieving the luscious, velvety texture of ice cream. It provides the richness and smooth mouthfeel that makes ice cream so indulgent. Don’t substitute with lighter creams, as they won’t give you the same creamy consistency.

Whole Milk

Whole milk balances the richness of the heavy cream, creating the perfect base for the ice cream. The milk adds creaminess while still allowing the ube flavor to shine through. It’s important to use whole milk rather than skim or low-fat milk for the best results.

Sugar

Sugar is the sweetening agent that will help balance the natural earthiness of the ube. You’ll want enough sugar to make the ice cream taste indulgent but not so much that it overpowers the ube flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar based on your personal preference.

Egg Yolks (for Custard-Style Ice Cream)

For that rich, custard-like base that adds depth and creaminess, you’ll need egg yolks. The yolks help to emulsify the mixture, giving your ice cream a smoother texture and a more indulgent taste. If you prefer a simpler no-cook recipe, you can skip the egg yolks and use a no-churn method instead.

Vanilla Extract (Optional)

A small amount of vanilla extract adds a layer of warmth to the flavor of your ice cream, enhancing the natural sweetness of the ube. While it’s not a necessary ingredient, it’s a nice touch if you enjoy the subtle complexity it brings.

Salt

Just a pinch of salt helps to bring out the flavors in the ice cream, balancing the sweetness and complementing the natural taste of the ube.

Optional Ingredients

• Ube Powder or Ube Food Coloring: If you’re looking for a more intense purple color or stronger ube flavor, you can use ube powder or a few drops of food coloring. These aren’t necessary but can be fun to experiment with if you want to elevate the color or flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Ube Ice Cream

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to make your own homemade ube ice cream. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll soon be indulging in the creamy, vibrant treat that is ube ice cream.

Step 1: Prepare the Ube Halaya (If Using Fresh Ube)

If you’re using fresh ube, the first thing you’ll need to do is cook it to turn it into ube halaya. Start by peeling the ube and boiling it until it becomes tender—about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Once cooked, mash it into a smooth paste. In a saucepan, combine the mashed ube with sugar, butter, and a little milk to help achieve the desired smooth, jam-like consistency. Stir continuously over low heat until it thickens into a smooth, sweetened paste. This will serve as the base for your ice cream.

If you don’t have the time or fresh ube, store-bought ube halaya or ube extract is a great alternative. You’ll still get that signature flavor and vibrant color!

Step 2: Make the Ice Cream Base

In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the milk mixture is warm but not boiling. This will be the base of your ice cream, so it’s important not to let it come to a boil to prevent curdling.

While the milk mixture is warming, whisk the egg yolks in a separate bowl until they become slightly pale. Once the milk is warm, slowly pour a small amount of the warm milk into the egg yolks while whisking constantly to temper the eggs. This prevents the yolks from cooking too quickly. Gradually add the rest of the milk mixture into the yolks, whisking continuously.

Step 3: Combine the Ube with the Ice Cream Base

Once the egg mixture is well combined with the milk and cream, return it to the saucepan. Cook the custard over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This should take around 5–7 minutes. Be sure to stir constantly to avoid the eggs scrambling.

Once the custard has thickened, remove it from the heat and add the prepared ube halaya (or ube extract). Stir well until the ube is fully incorporated into the custard mixture, creating a smooth, purple ice cream base.

Step 4: Cool and Chill the Ice Cream Base

Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Once it has cooled down, cover the container and refrigerate the ice cream base for at least 4 hours or overnight. Chilling it ensures the base is cold enough for the next step and helps the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Churn the Ice Cream

Once the ice cream base is fully chilled, it’s time to churn. Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, the mixture will take about 20-30 minutes to churn into a thick, soft-serve consistency.

Step 6: Freeze the Ice Cream

Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container, smoothing it out with a spatula. Cover and place the container in the freezer for several hours or until it reaches a firm consistency. Ideally, let it freeze for at least 4-6 hours for the best texture.

Tips for Perfect Ube Ice Cream

Making homemade ube ice cream is a fun and rewarding process, but a few tips can help you achieve the best possible results. Here are some expert tricks to ensure your ice cream is smooth, creamy, and bursting with flavor.

1. Get the Right Ube Flavor and Texture

If you’re using fresh ube, make sure to cook it properly. The ube should be tender and easy to mash before you incorporate it into your ice cream base. If you’re using store-bought ube halaya, opt for a high-quality brand that has a smooth consistency and authentic flavor. Avoid ube extracts that may contain artificial coloring or flavorings, as they can alter the taste of your ice cream.

2. Achieve the Perfect Creaminess with Full-Fat Ingredients

The key to ultra-creamy ube ice cream is using full-fat dairy products. Always choose heavy cream with at least 36% fat content and whole milk for the best texture. These ingredients will help create that rich, velvety consistency that makes homemade ice cream so indulgent.

3. Chill the Base Before Churning

Chilling the ice cream base for at least 4 hours (or overnight) is essential for the best texture. If your base isn’t cold enough before you churn it, the ice cream won’t freeze properly and may turn out icy rather than creamy. The longer the base chills, the smoother the end result.

4. Don’t Skip the Egg Yolks

Egg yolks play a vital role in creating a custard-style ice cream base that is both smooth and rich. They help emulsify the mixture and improve the overall texture. Be sure to temper the eggs slowly with the warm milk to avoid curdling. This extra step is well worth it for the creamy results.

5. Watch Your Freezing Time

After churning, be sure to freeze your ice cream for at least 4–6 hours. If you try to serve it right away, it will be too soft and melt too quickly. The freezer time allows the ice cream to firm up and take on the perfect consistency, making it scoopable and smooth.

6. Adjust Sweetness to Your Taste

Ube ice cream is meant to be sweet, but it’s always a good idea to taste your base before freezing. You can adjust the sweetness by adding a little extra sugar if needed, but be careful not to make it too sweet as it may mask the natural flavor of the ube. A pinch of salt will also help balance the sweetness and enhance the flavor.

Serving and Enjoying Ube Ice Cream

Now that you’ve successfully made your homemade ube ice cream, it’s time to serve and enjoy it!

Here are some fun and creative ways to present and savor your delicious creation.

Serve in Classic Cones or Bowls

For a simple, classic presentation, scoop your ube ice cream into waffle cones or bowls. The vibrant purple hue of the ice cream will make your dessert visually stunning, and the creamy texture will make each bite irresistible. Add a drizzle of honey or chocolate syrup for a little extra sweetness, if you like.

Pair It with Filipino Desserts

Ube ice cream is an excellent complement to other traditional Filipino desserts. Try serving it alongside halo-halo, a popular Filipino shaved ice dessert. The cool, creamy ube pairs wonderfully with the crunchy and sweet toppings like sweetened beans, coconut, and jackfruit that are typically included in halo-halo.

Another great pairing is with bibingka (Filipino rice cake) or puto (steamed rice cakes). The flavors of the soft, slightly savory rice cakes combine beautifully with the sweet and creamy ube ice cream.

Ube Ice Cream Sundaes

Create a show-stopping sundae by layering your ube ice cream with various toppings such as toasted coconut, sprinkles, or crushed nuts. A dollop of whipped cream or a cherry on top can turn this into a fun and fancy dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or just a treat to brighten your day.

Sandwich It Between Cookies

For a fun twist, make ube ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of ice cream between two soft cookies. Try using coconut macaroons or even chocolate chip cookies for a delicious contrast to the sweet ube. This is a great way to turn your homemade ube ice cream into a portable, fun treat.

Enjoy with Tropical Fruits

Ube ice cream is delicious on its own, but it also pairs perfectly with tropical fruits. Serve it alongside fresh mango slices, coconut chunks, or even a drizzle of passion fruit syrup. The combination of creamy ice cream and fresh, tangy fruits will elevate your dessert experience.

Serve as a Topping for Cakes

Ube ice cream also makes an incredible topping for cakes, especially sponge cakes or Filipino mango float cake. The creamy ice cream balances the light, airy texture of the cake, adding a beautiful pop of color and flavor that is sure to impress your guests.

How to Store Leftover Ube Ice Cream

Once you’ve made your delicious batch of ube ice cream, you may have some leftovers—if you’re lucky! Properly storing your ice cream ensures it stays fresh, creamy, and free from freezer burn.

Here are the best practices for storing leftover ube ice cream:

1. Use an Airtight Container

For the best preservation, transfer the leftover ice cream to an airtight container. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent any air from getting inside. This helps to maintain the smooth texture of the ice cream and protects it from absorbing other odors from the freezer.

2. Cover the Surface with Plastic Wrap

If you’re concerned about ice crystals forming on top of the ice cream, place a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing the container. This extra barrier will help to keep the ice cream’s texture smooth and prevent freezer burn.

3. Store in the Coldest Part of the Freezer

Store the container in the coldest part of your freezer, typically towards the back. This ensures the ice cream freezes solidly and retains its creamy texture without becoming icy. Make sure to keep the container upright to avoid any spills.

4. Shelf Life

Homemade ube ice cream will last for about 2 to 3 weeks in the freezer. However, the sooner you enjoy it, the better it will taste! After a few weeks, the texture may begin to degrade, so try to consume it within that time frame for the best flavor and consistency.

5. Thawing Before Serving

If your ice cream becomes too hard after being in the freezer for a while, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving. This will make it easier to scoop and will bring back that smooth, creamy texture.

Conclusion

Making homemade ube ice cream is a fun and rewarding way to enjoy the unique flavor of this Filipino treat right in your own kitchen. With its beautiful purple hue and smooth, velvety texture, ube ice cream is a showstopper that can be enjoyed as a standalone dessert or paired with a variety of delicious treats. The process, though requiring patience and attention to detail, is easy to follow and yields a truly exceptional result.

Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a flavorful dessert, homemade ube ice cream will impress with its rich, earthy sweetness. With a few simple tips for perfecting the texture and flavor, you can create an ice cream that rivals any store-bought version.

So grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the tropical goodness of ube ice cream!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes! If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make ube ice cream by using a no-churn method. After mixing your ingredients, pour the mixture into an airtight container, cover it, and place it in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork for the first 2-3 hours to break up any ice crystals. This will help create a smoother texture, though it may not be as creamy as churning in an ice cream maker.

2. Can I use ube powder instead of ube halaya or extract?

Yes, you can use ube powder if you prefer or if it’s more accessible. You will need to dissolve it in a small amount of warm water or milk before adding it to the ice cream base. Ube powder can be a good alternative, but be aware that it may have a slightly different flavor profile compared to fresh ube or ube halaya.

3. Is this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

This particular ube ice cream recipe is not dairy-free or vegan, as it contains heavy cream, whole milk, and egg yolks. However, you can easily modify the recipe to make it dairy-free or vegan by swapping in coconut milk or almond milk for the dairy products and using a plant-based egg substitute.

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

Absolutely! While ube is the star of this recipe, you can experiment by adding other flavors to create a unique twist. Consider adding a swirl of sweetened coconut milk, a handful of crushed pistachios, or even a bit of chocolate for an exciting flavor contrast.

5. Why is my ube ice cream too hard to scoop?

If your ube ice cream is too hard, it’s likely due to over-freezing. This can happen if the ice cream is stored in the coldest part of the freezer or left to freeze for too long. To remedy this, allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving. This will soften it enough to scoop without losing its creamy texture.