Ube Ice Cream Recipe

I love finding unique desserts that are both simple to make and truly stunning. This ube ice cream recipe is a true showstopper, offering a vibrant purple hue and a rich, creamy texture that instantly captivates. It’s a remarkably easy dessert, perfect for busy parents like me who want to bring a little magic to the dinner table without all the fuss. Get ready to create a memorable, family-friendly treat that will have everyone asking for more.

Ingredient Selection & Purpose

Core ingredient list with measurements and function

• 500g (1.1 lbs) fresh ube, peeled and diced — provides the authentic flavor and natural vibrant purple color.
• 480ml (2 cups) full-fat coconut milk — essential for the rich, creamy Salted Coconut Caramel Swirl.
• 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar — sweetens the caramel swirl to perfection.
• 3g (0.5 teaspoon) sea salt — balances the sweetness and enhances the caramel flavor. (I’ve found a good quality sea salt makes all the difference here!)
• 720ml (3 cups) heavy cream, cold — forms the luxurious, thick base for our creamy ube ice cream. (Or use full-fat coconut cream for a dairy-free option).
• 360ml (1.5 cups) whole milk, cold — contributes to the smooth texture of the ice cream base.
• 250g (1 can, 14 oz) sweetened condensed milk — adds rich sweetness and ensures a wonderfully creamy, scoopable ube ice cream texture.
• 10ml (2 teaspoons) alcohol-free vanilla extract — provides a classic, warm aromatic balance to the ube flavor. (You can also use vanilla bean paste for a more intense flavor).
• 5ml (1 teaspoon) ube extract (optional, for deeper color and flavor) — enhances the ube’s natural vibrance and flavor profile.
• 30g (1/4 cup) unsweetened shredded coconut, lightly toasted — for garnish, adding a delightful crunch and tropical aroma.

Health-driven versions

For those looking for health-conscious options, you can seek out organic heavy cream for a premium ingredient choice. While the richness of this ube ice cream recipe is part of its charm, enjoying it in mindful portions can be part of a balanced healthy eating lifestyle. You might consider reducing the amount of granulated sugar slightly in the caramel if you prefer less sweetness.

Practical substitutions and swaps for diets

To make a dairy-free ube ice cream, substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with full-fat canned coconut cream and coconut milk. Adjusting the ube extract or fresh ube quantity lets you control the intensity of the ube flavor. This recipe offers flexibility for various dietary needs, making it a truly family-friendly option.

Seasonal picks and market-fresh notes

When working with fresh ube for this ube ice cream recipe, aim for firm, blemish-free yams. You can often find them in Asian markets. High-quality sweetened condensed milk also makes a difference in the final creamy texture. For a truly special treat, ensure all your organic ingredients are fresh and ready for this easy dessert.

Easy Preparation Method

Numbered steps with approximate times and sensory cues

1. Prepare the Ube: Steam the peeled and diced fresh ube until it’s very tender, about 20-25 minutes. It should mash easily with a fork. Mash thoroughly until completely smooth, then set aside to cool fully to room temperature.
2. Make the Salted Coconut Caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine coconut milk, granulated sugar, and sea salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer on low, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and turns golden-brown, about 20-30 minutes. It should coat a spoon’s back. Pour into a heatproof bowl, cool completely, then chill until firm.
3. Create the Ube Ice Cream Base: Whisk cold heavy cream, whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and ube extract (if using) in a large bowl. Add cooled mashed ube; whisk until well combined and smooth. If your ube mixture isn’t as smooth as you’d like, use an immersion blender briefly for a silky consistency.
4. Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the prepared ube ice cream base into your pre-chilled ice cream maker bowl. Churn according to manufacturer’s instructions, typically 20-30 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. The machine will hum along, transforming the liquid into a thick, swirling mass.
5. Layer with Caramel and Freeze: Spoon one-third of the churned ube ice cream into a freezer-safe container (a 9×5 inch loaf pan is ideal). Drizzle one-third of the chilled caramel swirl over. Repeat layering with remaining ice cream and caramel, gently swirling with a knife to create ribbons. Do not overmix.
6. Final Freeze: Cover the container tightly and freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, until the ube ice cream is firm. This crucial step allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.
7. Toast Coconut Garnish: Heat a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Add shredded coconut and toast, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Let it cool completely before serving.

Shortcuts for faster prep

To speed things up, ensure all your liquid ingredients – heavy cream, whole milk, and condensed milk – are thoroughly chilled before starting. This helps the ice cream churn faster. Also, while waiting for the steamed ube to cool, pop your ice cream maker bowl into the freezer well in advance. I love making a big batch of this on a Sunday afternoon; it’s an easy dessert for the entire week and my kids always gobble it up!

Inline suggestions for alternative cooking methods

This ube ice cream recipe is designed for an ice cream maker, which creates a wonderfully smooth and creamy texture. If you don’t have one, you can adapt it to a no-churn method by whipping the heavy cream separately until stiff peaks form, then gently folding in the ube-milk mixture and caramel before freezing. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Quick troubleshooting notes

If your ice cream doesn’t set firmly, ensure your freezer is cold enough and the container is sealed tightly to prevent ice crystal formation. If the salted coconut caramel doesn’t thicken, continue simmering and stirring gently; it sometimes just needs a little more time to reach that rich, golden consistency. Remember, patience is key for a truly luscious dessert.

When & Where to Serve Your Homemade Ube Ice Cream

This vibrant dessert is versatile and always a hit for your family.

Occasions

Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or summer BBQs. This unique dessert always impresses guests, making it ideal for any family gathering.

Creative uses

Enjoy as a standalone treat or with warm brownies; blend into milkshakes or make ube ice cream sandwiches. My kids love it blended into a thick shake after school!

Storage

Store in an airtight freezer container for up to 2-3 weeks. Press parchment paper directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals; let it soften briefly before scooping.

Nutrition & Wellness Benefits of Ube Ice Cream

This unique dessert offers delightful qualities for a balanced lifestyle.

Enjoyable treat

Satisfies sweet cravings with its distinct, delightful flavor. This ube ice cream recipe offers a truly unique taste.

Natural color

Achieves its beautiful purple hue naturally from the ube. No artificial dyes are needed, making it visually appealing and fun.

Energy boost

Provides a quick energy lift from its carbohydrates, perfect as a dessert after a busy day.

Family-friendly indulgence

A unique dessert that brings joy and fun to any family meal or gathering.

Fit for specific goals

Enjoyed in moderation, this ube ice cream recipe can be a satisfying treat. It adapts for dairy-free diets by using full-fat coconut cream.

Meal Planning & Budget Advantages for Ube Ice Cream

Making your own ube ice cream is economical and excellent for meal planning.

Time breakdown

• Prep time: ~20 minutes.
• Freeze time: 6+ hours.

Cost per portion with tips for savings

Homemade ube ice cream recipe is more affordable than buying gourmet versions. Buy ube halaya in bulk or on sale for greater savings.

Weekly meal prep angle

This ube ice cream recipe is fantastic for advance dessert planning. Make a large batch and store it for several weeks of easy dessert ideas.

Ingredient Shopping Tips for Your Ube Ice Cream Recipe

Sourcing quality ingredients ensures best flavor and texture for your homemade treat.

Where to source ube halaya

Find ube halaya in Asian grocery stores, international aisles, or online. Supermarkets usually carry heavy cream and condensed milk.

Choosing the best quality

Opt for high-quality ube halaya with a smooth texture and rich flavor. Fresh, good-quality heavy cream improves your ube ice cream’s creaminess.

Mention grocery delivery, organic picks, and meal kits

Ingredients for ube ice cream can be ordered via grocery delivery services. Consider organic dairy options if preferred for family-friendly meals.

Pro Tips & Adjustments for Perfect Ube Ice Cream

Elevate homemade ube ice cream with these simple tricks and modifications.

Advanced cooking tricks

Swirl in extra warmed ube halaya or toasted coconut flakes just before freezing. Briefly churn semi-frozen ube then refreeze for extra creaminess.

Adjust seasoning or heat for different palates

Reduce sweetened condensed milk for less sweetness. Add a touch more ube halaya for bolder, more intense ube flavor.

Allergy-friendly adjustments

Substitute heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut cream for dairy-free ube ice cream. Always check all ingredient labels for other allergens.

FAQs about Ube Ice Cream

Can I prep ube ice cream ahead for the week?

Yes, this ube ice cream recipe is perfect for making ahead. It stores well in an airtight freezer container for up to 2-3 weeks, great for meal prep desserts.

What’s the healthiest substitute for ube ice cream?

For a lighter option, blend frozen bananas with ube powder. For a healthier version, use full-fat coconut cream and a low-sugar condensed milk alternative. I’ve found that using full-fat coconut cream gives a surprisingly rich texture!

Can I buy ube ice cream online?

Yes, some specialty grocers and dessert shops offer shipping for ube ice cream. You can also easily purchase ube halaya online to make homemade ube ice cream yourself.

Is ube ice cream good for weight loss?

Like most ice creams, ube ice cream is an indulgent treat. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet and certainly not a primary weight loss food.

What gives ube ice cream its purple color?

The vibrant purple color of ube ice cream comes naturally from the ube (purple yam) itself. There’s no need for artificial dyes, making it truly beautiful.

Do I need an ice cream maker for this ube ice cream recipe?

No, this is a fantastic no-churn ube dessert that requires no special equipment beyond a mixer and a freezer. It’s designed for ease and convenience at home.

Conclusion

This easy ube ice cream recipe delivers a vibrant, uniquely delicious, and wonderfully creamy dessert, truly a family favorite in my home. Pin this delightful treat for later, making it an easy dessert idea for your next family dinner or meal prep menu!

Print