Vibrant purple Filipino ice cream made with real ube yam
Ube Ice Cream
Ube Ice Cream
45 minMedium
Prep Time
30 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8
1 quart
Difficulty
Medium
Cost
Moderate
$$
Ube Ice Cream
Vibrant purple Filipino ice cream made with real ube yam
A creamy, naturally purple ice cream made from ube (purple yam) with a subtle vanilla-like flavor that is uniquely Filipino.
30m
Prep Time
15m
Cook Time
45m
Total Time
8
Servings
Medium
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Ube ice cream has become one of the most recognizable Filipino desserts worldwide, thanks to its stunning natural purple color and gentle, sweet flavor that is often described as a cross between vanilla and pistachio. It is made with ube halaya (purple yam jam) or ube extract, and the color is entirely natural.
The custard base is rich and creamy, and the ube flavor is subtle but distinctive. It is not overly sweet, which makes it dangerously easy to eat. A batch of this in the freezer is a beautiful thing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 4 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp ube extract (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- 1
Heat the milk, cream, and ube halaya in a saucepan, whisking until the ube is fully incorporated.
- 2
Whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until pale.
- 3
Temper the egg mixture by slowly adding the hot milk mixture while whisking constantly.
- 4
Return to the stove and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard coats the back of a spoon.
- 5
Strain through a fine mesh sieve, then stir in the condensed milk, vanilla, ube extract, and salt.
- 6
Chill the custard completely, then churn in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's directions.
- 7
Transfer to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours until firm.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream
DepthPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Soy Sauce
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the pantry staple matters
This style of cooking leans heavily on a few foundational condiments. A better soy sauce is usually the fastest pantry upgrade to notice.
The savory base here starts with a more useful bottle, not another gadget.
- Useful across marinades, stir-fries, and dipping sauces
- Gives the final dish a fuller savory backbone
If this cuisine shows up regularly in your kitchen, soy sauce is one of the best-value pantry upgrades.
Shop soy sauce for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Ube halaya can be found at Filipino or Asian grocery stores.
No ice cream maker? Use the no-churn method with whipped cream folded into the chilled base.
The color deepens slightly as it freezes.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating
No reheating needed. Let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1/2 cup) · 8 servings
Calories260
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein5g
Carbohydrates30g
Fat14g
Fiber0g
Sugar24g
Sodium80mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead?
- Yes. The components or finished dish hold well if properly chilled and stored.
- Can I adjust the seasoning?
- Yes. Taste near the end and adjust salt, acid, or heat so it suits the way you like to cook and eat.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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