Dairy-Free & Delicious: Easy Vegan Ube Ice Cream Recipe

If you’re a fan of creamy, dreamy ice cream but want a plant-based twist, this Vegan Ube Ice Cream Recipe is exactly what you need. Not only does it offer all the indulgent texture and sweet flavor of traditional ice cream, but it’s also completely dairy-free, egg-free, and easy to make at home! The vibrant purple hue and the delicate, nutty flavor of ube (purple yam) make this frozen treat as visually stunning as it is delicious.

For those unfamiliar with ube, it’s a Filipino root vegetable that has been gaining global popularity for its versatility in desserts. Ube’s naturally sweet, slightly nutty flavor gives this ice cream a unique, tropical touch. Whether you’ve already fallen in love with ube or are just discovering its magic, this vegan version will quickly become a new favorite.

In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make an ultra-creamy, velvety ice cream without dairy, thanks to coconut milk. It’s the perfect indulgence for anyone who’s lactose intolerant, following a vegan diet, or simply craving a refreshing, flavorful treat. Let’s dive into this easy and satisfying recipe that you can enjoy year-round!

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Ube Ice Cream

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Vegan Ube Ice Cream. First and foremost, it delivers that rich, creamy, and luscious texture that makes ice cream such a beloved dessert – without a drop of dairy! Thanks to coconut milk, you’ll get that velvety consistency that’s just as satisfying as the classic version.

But the real showstopper here is the flavor. Ube, with its natural sweetness and slight nuttiness, provides an exotic twist that’s perfect for those looking for something different. The vibrant purple hue is an added bonus, making this treat as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.

Another reason to love this recipe is how simple it is. No complicated ingredients or techniques – you’ll only need a handful of accessible ingredients to create this rich dessert. Plus, it’s fully customizable! Want to add a swirl of coconut cream? Throw in some crushed nuts for texture? Feel free to get creative!

And because this recipe is 100% plant-based, it’s a treat that everyone can enjoy, whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or just looking for a healthier ice cream option. Making it at home means you can control exactly what goes into it, avoiding all the preservatives and artificial additives found in store-bought ice creams.

It’s a win-win for both your taste buds and your health.

The best part? You don’t need to be an expert in the kitchen to make this ice cream. Whether you’re using an ice cream maker or going the no-churn route, the process is simple and straightforward.

So, whether you’re treating yourself on a hot summer day or making it as a dessert for a special occasion, this vegan ube ice cream will leave everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients for Vegan Ube Ice Cream

To create this creamy and dreamy Vegan Ube Ice Cream, you’ll need a few simple yet flavorful ingredients.

Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you start:

Ube (Fresh or Ube Extract)

The star ingredient! Ube is a purple yam known for its sweet, nutty flavor and stunning color. You can use fresh ube if available, or go for a more convenient option like ube extract or ube jam. Both options will give you the distinct ube flavor, but fresh ube will require a little more preparation.

Coconut Milk (or Other Non-Dairy Milk)

Coconut milk is the key to getting that rich, creamy texture in your ice cream without using dairy. The fat content in coconut milk helps to create a smooth, velvety consistency. If you prefer a different non-dairy milk, almond milk or cashew milk are great alternatives, but they might yield a slightly lighter texture.

Sugar (or Sweetener of Your Choice)

To balance the natural sweetness of the ube, you’ll need some sugar. You can use granulated sugar, or go for a healthier alternative like maple syrup, agave, or coconut sugar. Adjust the quantity based on your sweetness preference!

Vanilla Extract

A splash of vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic depth of flavor that complements the ube beautifully. It’s a small touch, but it makes all the difference.

A Pinch of Salt

Just a pinch of salt will help to enhance the flavors and bring out the sweetness of the ube.

Optional: Coconut Cream or Cashews for Extra Creaminess

If you’re aiming for an ultra-creamy texture, you can add coconut cream for an extra rich base or soak cashews and blend them into the mixture. Both ingredients will help make your ice cream even smoother and more indulgent.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Vegan Ube Ice Cream

Making Vegan Ube Ice Cream at home is simple and fun! Follow this step-by-step guide for a creamy and satisfying frozen dessert that will wow your taste buds.

1. Prepare the Ube

If you’re using fresh ube, start by peeling and cutting the yam into chunks. Then, steam or boil it until it’s soft and easily mashable (about 20-25 minutes). Once the ube is cooked, drain it and mash it with a fork or blend it into a smooth puree. If you’re using ube extract or jam, you can skip this step and proceed directly to the next.

2. Combine the Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the freshly mashed ube (or ube extract/jam), coconut milk, and sugar. Add in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Use a whisk or blender to mix everything together until the ingredients are smooth and well-combined. This is the base of your ice cream, so be sure it’s perfectly blended.

3. Blend for Smoothness

If you prefer an ultra-smooth texture, you can blend the entire mixture in a blender or food processor. This will help break down any bits of ube that might remain and ensure a creamy consistency. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness if needed, adding more sugar or sweetener according to your preference.

4. Churn the Ice Cream

If you have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into the machine and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically takes around 20-30 minutes and will result in a soft-serve consistency. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, no worries! Simply pour the mixture into a shallow dish or a loaf pan and place it in the freezer. Every 30-45 minutes, take a fork and scrape the mixture to break up any ice crystals. Repeat until the ice cream reaches your desired consistency (this can take around 3-4 hours).

5. Freeze and Set

Once the ice cream has churned or been scraped to a creamy consistency, transfer it to an airtight container. Freeze it for at least 4 hours, or until it’s firm enough to scoop. If you want to speed up the freezing process, you can store it in a shallow pan, which will help it freeze more quickly and evenly.

Serving Suggestions

Once your Vegan Ube Ice Cream is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy!

Here are some fun and delicious ways to present and pair this vibrant dessert:

Scoop into Bowls or Cones

The simplest way to serve this ice cream is in bowls or on cones. For a more festive touch, garnish with shredded coconut, crushed nuts, or fresh berries. You could even drizzle a little maple syrup or vegan chocolate sauce on top for an extra indulgence.

Serve with Vegan Waffles or Pancakes

Pair your ube ice cream with crispy vegan waffles or pancakes for a luxurious breakfast-inspired treat. The contrast between the warm waffles and the cold, creamy ice cream is perfect, and the ube’s subtle sweetness complements the flavors of the waffles beautifully.

On Top of Vegan Brownies or Cakes

For an extra decadent dessert, serve your ube ice cream over warm, fudgy vegan brownies or cake. The rich flavor of the ice cream pairs perfectly with the deep, chocolatey taste of the brownie or cake, creating a mouthwatering combination.

In a Sundae

Turn your ice cream into a classic sundae by adding layers of your favorite toppings. Consider coconut flakes, crushed vegan cookies, fruit, or a sprinkle of granola. Top it off with a drizzle of vegan caramel or chocolate sauce for the ultimate treat.

As a Refreshing Sorbet Option

For a lighter, sorbet-style treat, scoop your vegan ube ice cream into small cups and top with fresh tropical fruits like mango, papaya, or pineapple. The combination of ube and tropical fruit makes for a refreshing, vibrant dessert.

Flavor Variations

While Vegan Ube Ice Cream is absolutely delicious on its own, you can easily customize it with these fun flavor variations to suit your tastes or to surprise your guests:

Ube and Coconut Swirl

For an added tropical flair, swirl in some coconut cream or shredded coconut into the ice cream base before freezing. The coconut’s creamy texture and sweet, nutty flavor complement the ube beautifully, creating a swirl of deliciousness throughout each scoop.

Ube Chocolate Chip

Add some extra crunch and richness by stirring in vegan chocolate chips, chocolate chunks, or cocoa nibs to the ice cream. The bittersweet chocolate pairs wonderfully with the sweet, earthy flavor of ube for an irresistible combo.

Ube with Toasted Nuts

For those who love a bit of texture, add toasted nuts like almonds, cashews, or macadamia nuts into the ice cream mixture. The toasted nuts will add a delightful crunch and an extra layer of flavor that complements the smooth, creamy ice cream base.

Ube Matcha Fusion

Create a fusion of flavors by adding a touch of matcha green tea powder to the ice cream. The earthy, slightly bitter taste of matcha balances out the sweetness of the ube, creating a unique, vibrant green and purple swirl in your ice cream.

Ube and Berries

For a refreshing fruity twist, fold in some fresh or frozen berries such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. Their tartness pairs perfectly with the rich sweetness of the ube, offering a beautiful balance of flavors and an extra burst of color.

Ube with Vegan Cookie Crumbs

Add some fun texture by folding in crushed vegan cookies, like Oreos or vanilla wafer cookies, into your ube ice cream. The cookies will add a delightful crunch and sweetness that pairs surprisingly well with the creamy, earthy ube flavor.

Troubleshooting Tips

While making Vegan Ube Ice Cream is straightforward, there can be a few challenges along the way.

Here are some troubleshooting tips to ensure your ice cream turns out perfectly every time:

Ice Cream is Too Icy or Hard

If your ice cream is too icy or hard after freezing, it could be due to insufficient churning or the use of a low-fat milk substitute. To avoid this:

• Tip: Use full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream for a creamier, less icy texture.
• If you’re not using an ice cream maker, ensure you scrape the mixture every 30 minutes while freezing to break up ice crystals and achieve a smoother texture.

Ice Cream is Too Soft or Melted

If your ice cream is too soft and doesn’t hold its shape, it may not have frozen long enough. Sometimes, using a blender instead of just stirring the mixture can make it too liquid.

• Tip: Ensure the ice cream has frozen for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, in an airtight container.
• If using a blender, try to blend the ingredients less or just stir to mix.

Ice Cream Won’t Freeze Properly

If your ice cream isn’t freezing well, it could be due to too much liquid or not enough fat in the mixture. This often happens when using a milk substitute that’s too thin.

• Tip: Stick to a full-fat coconut milk or add a bit of coconut cream to boost the fat content for a smoother, creamier result.
• Also, make sure your freezer is cold enough (set it to at least -18°C/0°F).

Flavor Is Not Sweet Enough

Not all sweeteners are equal in their sweetness, so if your ice cream doesn’t taste as sweet as you’d like, it’s easy to adjust.

• Tip: Taste the mixture before freezing and add more sugar, maple syrup, or agave to achieve the desired sweetness.
• Alternatively, if you’re using fresh ube, you might need a bit more sugar since ube extract can be sweeter than fresh ube.

Mixture Is Too Lumpy

If your ube mixture has lumps, it’s likely that the ube wasn’t fully blended or mashed.

• Tip: Puree the ube thoroughly in a food processor or blender to get a smooth consistency before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Conclusion

Making Vegan Ube Ice Cream at home is a fun and rewarding experience that brings a delightful twist to your typical ice cream indulgence. With the perfect balance of natural sweetness from ube and the creamy richness from coconut milk, this treat is not only dairy-free but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you enjoy it in a cone, atop a brownie, or as part of a sundae, this ice cream will be a hit at any occasion.

Best of all, this recipe is fully customizable to your taste preferences. You can experiment with mix-ins, adjust the sweetness, or even add new flavor variations to create your ideal frozen treat.

With a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have a homemade vegan dessert that’s perfect for hot summer days or any time you want to treat yourself to something special.

So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds are in for a colorful, delicious ride!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different non-dairy milk besides coconut?

Absolutely! While coconut milk gives this ice cream a rich, creamy texture, you can substitute it with other non-dairy milks such as almond milk, cashew milk, or oat milk. Just keep in mind that using a milk that’s lower in fat may affect the creaminess, so consider adding a bit of coconut cream for a richer result.

2. What if I don’t have an ice cream maker?

No problem! You can still make delicious vegan ube ice cream without an ice cream maker. Simply pour the mixture into a shallow dish or loaf pan, place it in the freezer, and stir it every 30 minutes to break up any ice crystals. This will help achieve that creamy texture you’re looking for.

3. Can I use fresh ube instead of ube extract or ube jam?

Yes, fresh ube works wonderfully in this recipe! Just steam or boil it, mash it, and blend it into a smooth puree before mixing it with the other ingredients. If using ube extract or ube jam, you can skip the cooking step and adjust the amount based on your taste.

4. How can I make the ice cream even creamier?

To make your ice cream even more indulgent, try adding coconut cream or soaked cashews to the base. Both of these ingredients will increase the fat content and help create an even smoother and creamier texture.

5. How long will the ice cream last in the freezer?

Your Vegan Ube Ice Cream can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. To keep it scoopable, it’s best to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving, as vegan ice cream tends to freeze harder than dairy-based ice cream.