Homemade Ube Ice Cream Recipe (Creamy Filipino Purple Yam Ice Cream)

This homemade ube ice cream recipe is rich, creamy, and full of the sweet, nutty flavor that makes Filipino purple yam desserts so irresistible. Best of all, this easy no-churn recipe requires only a few ingredients and no ice cream maker.

With its beautiful purple color and delicious vanilla-like flavor, ube ice cream has become one of the most popular Filipino desserts around the world. Enjoy it on its own, in a cone, or as part of a refreshing bowl of halo-halo.

If you love easy homemade ice cream recipes, try my Buko Pandan Ice Cream, Avocado Ice Cream, and Halo Halo.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy no-churn recipe
• No ice cream machine required
• Rich and creamy texture
• Beautiful natural purple color
• Perfect for summer and special occasions
• Great for halo-halo and other Filipino dessert

 

What Is Ube Ice Cream?

Ube ice cream is a classic Filipino frozen dessert made from ube, also known as purple yam. Ube has a mildly sweet flavor with hints of vanilla and pistachio, making it a popular ingredient in cakes, breads, cookies, and ice cream.

The vibrant purple color and unique flavor have helped ube become one of the most recognizable Filipino ingredients worldwide.

Origin

Its origins can be traced back to the Philippines, where Ube has been a cherished ingredient in traditional desserts for centuries. The rich purple yam has long been a staple in Filipino cuisine, and its use in ice cream was a natural progression to create a unique and beloved frozen treat. Over time, its popularity spread beyond the Philippines, captivating the taste buds of people from diverse cultures around the globe.

Why Make it

Following are the reasons why you need to make this ASAP!

• Aesthetically Pleasing: The vibrant purple color makes it visually appealing, instantly attracting anyone who comes across this beautiful frozen dessert.
• Distinctive Flavor: offers a distinct nutty flavor, setting it apart from traditional ice cream flavors.
• Cultural Connection: Ube Ice Cream is not just a dessert; it represents the rich culinary traditions of the Philippines, connecting people with a sense of culture and heritage.
• Versatile Ingredient: Ube is a versatile ingredient used in variosserts and pastries, enhancing its popularity and appeal.
• Instagram-Worthy: The eye-catching purple hue of Ube Ice Cream has made it a favorite among social media users, contributing to its viral popularity.

Ingredients

To create the most delectable Ube Ice Cream, we need to gather the following ingredients:

• One can 14 fl oz condensed milk
• 1 pint 16 fl oz Heavy Whipping Cream
• Two teaspoons Ube Extract I use Mc Cormick

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Equipment

• Refrigerate all the equipment needed. Make sure the ingredients are cold too. Use a glass bowl or tin bowl. Make sure the bowls are not greasy. Don’t use a plastic bowl to mix the ingredients. It will not form stiff peaks.

Step 2: Make the Ice Cream Base

• Place the heavy whipping cream in the bowl and mix on high until stiff peak. Add in the condensed milk and mix again until stiff peaks.
• Add the extract flavor and gently mix until there are no white streaks.
• Transfer into a baking pan and cover with plastic and freeze until set.

Step 3: No Machine Method

If you don’t own an ice cream maker, fret not! We’ve got you covered. Here’s an easy no-machine method to make your Ube Ice Cream just as creamy:

1. Pour the ice cream base into the container. I use a bread pan on this.
2. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap, ensuring it is airtight.
3. Place the container in the freezer overnight.

Step 4: The Swirls and Mix-Ins

Add swirls and mix-ins to take it to the next level. Some popular options include:

• Coconut flakes for a tropical twist
• Gooey ribbons of condensed milk for extra creaminess
• Chopped toasted nuts for added texture

Fold these delightful additions into the semi-frozen ice cream adorned with mouthwatering swirls and flavors.

Tips for the Best Ube Ice Cream

• Use real ube halaya for the richest flavor.
• Chill the mixing bowl before whipping the cream.
• Freeze overnight for the best texture.
• Add more ube extract for a deeper purple color.
• Allow the ice cream to soften slightly before serving.

Flavor Variations

• Ube Coconut Ice Cream-Add ½ cup coconut cream for a tropical flavor.
• Ube Oreo Ice Cream– Fold crushed Oreo cookies into the mixture before freezing.
• Ube Cheese Ice Cream-Mix in small cubes of cheddar cheese for a sweet and salty Filipino favorite.
• Ube Mochi Ice Cream-Serve with soft mochi pieces for a fun and chewy texture.

Serving 

• To serve it in its full glory, take the ice cream out of the freezer a few minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly. Scoop the creamy goodness into bowls or cones, and garnish with additional Ube or other toppings for an Instagram-worthy treat.

How to Store Ube Ice Cream

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving again to achieve that perfect scoopable texture.

FAQs

• Can I make it at home without an ice cream maker?

You can make Ube Ice Cream at home without an ice cream maker using a no-churn method. Simply whip the cream, fold in the Ube paste and other ingredients, then freeze until firm.

• Can I find this outside of the Philippines?

Due to its increasing popularity, Ube ice cream is now sold in various specialty ice cream shops and select grocery stores worldwide.

• Is this suitable for vegans?

This ice cream is traditionally unsuitable for vegans as it contains dairy. However, vegan versions are available that use plant-based milk and cream alternatives.

• What other desserts can I make with Ube?

Ube is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make a variety of desserts, including Ube halaya, Ube cake, Ube Ensaymada, and Ube-filled pastries.

• Does this recipe have any artificial colorings?

Authentic Ube Ice Cream naturally gets its vibrant purple color from the Ube yam and does not require artificial colorings. But I added artificial flavoring to enhance the ice cream’s color and flavor in this recipe.

Enjoy it!

This is more than just a frozen dessert; it symbolizes Filipino culture and is a delightful treat people worldwide enjoy. Its captivating purple hue, rich flavor, and potential health benefits make it a unique and sought-after indulgence.

So, the next time you have the chance, savor a scoop of this delightful purple indulgence, Ube Ice Cream. You won’t be disappointed by the taste and cultural experience it offers.

Follow this guide, and you will make the creamiest Ube Ice Cream without needing mace flavors of Ube combined with the richness of cream will delight your taste buds and leave your guests in awe.