Homemade Ube Ice Cream
Homemade ube ice cream is a creamy, vibrant treat that combines the earthy, nutty flavor of ube (purple yam) with the smoothness of a traditional ice cream base. This dessert is perfect for those looking to explore unique, tropical flavors while enjoying a fun and visually appealing treat. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can make this Filipino-inspired dessert right in your kitchen.
Equipment
- Ice Cream Maker (1)
- Blender or Food Processor (1)
- Medium Mixing Bowl (1)
- Spatula (1)
- Airtight Container for Freezing (1)
Ingredients
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 1/2 cup Ube Halaya ube jam
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup Ube Powder optional, for extra color and flavor
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch optional, for thickening
Instructions
Prepare the Ube Base:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and ube halaya. Blend until smooth, ensuring the ube is fully incorporated into the mixture. If you're using ube powder, add it to the mixture now and blend again.
Sweeten and Flavor:
- Add the sugar and vanilla extract to the mixture. Blend again until the sugar is fully dissolved and everything is well combined.
Cook the Base (Optional Step):
- For a thicker consistency, whisk the cornstarch into the base. Pour the mixture into a medium saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
Chill the Mixture:
- Once the base is cool, transfer it to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to help it reach the optimal temperature for churning.
Churn the Ice Cream:
- Once the base is chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically for about 20-30 minutes, until the mixture reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Freeze the Ice Cream:
- Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container. Smooth the top with a spatula, cover, and freeze for 4-6 hours or until the ice cream is firm.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the ice cream is fully frozen, scoop and serve in bowls or cones. Garnish with toasted coconut, chocolate chips, or any topping of your choice. Enjoy your homemade ube ice cream!
Notes
- Ube Halaya: If you can't find ube halaya (ube jam), you can substitute it with ube puree or make your own ube jam from scratch. The flavor might be slightly different but will still be delicious.
- Ice Cream Maker: While an ice cream maker yields the best results, you can still make ube ice cream without one by stirring the mixture every 30 minutes while freezing for the first few hours to avoid ice crystals.
- Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegan, substitute the dairy ingredients with coconut milk or other plant-based milk options and use a vegan-friendly sweetener.