2-Ingredient Ube Ice Cream: The Easiest Way to Enjoy This Filipino Treat
Ube ice cream is a beloved Filipino dessert with a rich, earthy-sweet flavor and a vibrant purple hue. It is a staple in halo-halo but is equally delicious on its own. Traditional recipes require whipping, churning, and hours of preparation, but this simplified version eliminates all that. With just two simple ingredients, you can make homemade ube ice cream in no time!
- No ice cream maker, whipping, or churning required.
- Only two ingredients needed: store-bought vanilla or coconut ice cream and ube flavoring.
- Customizable with toppings like macapuno, white chocolate, or cheddar cheese.
Why Ube Ice Cream is So Popular
Ube ice cream is deeply rooted in Filipino cuisine and is known for its nutty, vanilla-like taste. Despite its popularity, ube-flavored ice cream is hard to find outside of the Philippines. Making it from scratch requires specialized equipment, but this shortcut method brings the flavors of the Philippines into your home with minimal effort.
What You Need to Make Ube Ice Cream
No complex ingredients or special techniques—just two basic components:
- Vanilla or Coconut Ice Cream – Choose a high-quality, creamy brand for the best results.
- Ube Flavoring – Comes in two forms:
- Ube Extract – The easiest way to infuse ube flavor. Use gel or paste for a more concentrated taste.
- Ube Halaya (Purple Yam Jam) – Adds a richer flavor and a slightly starchy texture to the ice cream.
How to Make Ube Ice Cream
Making this ube ice cream is effortless. Follow these simple steps:
- Soften the Ice Cream – Leave the ice cream at room temperature until it is soft enough to mix.
- Mix the Ube Flavoring –
- By Hand: Use a whisk and a large mixing bowl.
- With a Mixer: A stand or hand mixer makes blending even smoother.
- Freeze Again – Transfer the mixture back into the original ice cream tub and freeze for at least 6 hours (or overnight for best results).
Optional Variation: Ube Macapuno Ice Cream
For extra texture and flavor, mix in macapuno (shredded young coconut). This creates a delightful ube macapuno variation, a classic Filipino favorite.
Best Toppings for Ube Ice Cream
Enhance the flavor and texture with these delicious toppings:
- Ube-flavored wafers or biscuits (like Stik-O)
- Grated white chocolate
- Cheddar cheese
- Colored sprinkles
- Ground nuts
- Extra ube halaya
- Chocolate syrup
How to Serve Ube Ice Cream
Traditionally, Filipinos enjoy ice cream in various ways:
- In a cone, bowl, or cup
- As a topping for halo-halo
- Sandwiched in bread or wafers (A must-try!)
Where to Buy Ube Extract
Ube extract is available at Filipino grocery stores, Asian supermarkets, and online platforms like Amazon. Choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Ube Powder or Taro Instead?
This recipe has not been tested with ube powder or taro. Ube and taro have different flavors and textures, so substitutions may not yield the same results.
How Long Does Ube Ice Cream Last?
Store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks to maintain its best texture and flavor.
Can I Use a Different Ice Cream Base?
Yes! While vanilla and coconut are recommended, you can experiment with sweet cream or condensed milk-based ice creams for a richer taste.
More Ube Recipes to Try
Love ube? Try these other delicious Filipino treats:
- Ube Cupcakes
- Ube Ensaymada
- Ube Cheese Bread
- Homemade Ube Halaya
- Ube Flan Cake
Enjoy this simple yet delicious 2-ingredient ube ice cream, and bring the taste of the Philippines to your home today!
