18 October 2025
Creamiest Homemade Ube Ice Cream (Filipino Purple Yam Dessert)
RecipeShare Test Kitchen
Make ultra-creamy ube ice cream from scratch—rich, vibrant, and full of nostalgic Filipino flavor. Learn tips, FAQs, and variations using fresh ube, powder, or extract.
Prep time
20 mins
Cook time
360 mins
Total time
380 mins
Servings
8
Recipe Snapshot
Rating4.8
Chef's Tips
Ensure the mixture is thoroughly cooled before churning for the best texture.
For a smoother texture, you can strain the mixture before churning to remove any lumps.
Tools Used
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Ingredients
Ingredients
USMetric
Base
Instructions
Cooking
- 1
In a large saucepan, combine grated ube, heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and salt.
- 2
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and the sugar dissolves.
- 3
Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for 15 minutes.
- 4
Stir in ube powder and ube extract, mixing until fully combined.
- 5
Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- 6
Transfer the churned ube ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- 7
Scoop and enjoy your homemade ube ice cream!
Ingredients
USMetric
Base
Instructions
Cooking
- 1
In a large saucepan, combine grated ube, heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and salt.
- 2
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and the sugar dissolves.
- 3
Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for 15 minutes.
- 4
Stir in ube powder and ube extract, mixing until fully combined.
- 5
Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- 6
Transfer the churned ube ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- 7
Scoop and enjoy your homemade ube ice cream!
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Learn More
Everything you want to know about this recipe.
A Purple Delight: What is Ube Ice Cream?
A Purple Delight: What is Ube Ice Cream?
Ube ice cream is a delightful frozen dessert made from ube, a vibrant purple yam native to the Philippines. This delectable treat boasts a beautiful hue and a unique, nutty flavor that's unlike anything you've tasted before.
A Trip Down Memory Lane: The Origins of Ube
A Trip Down Memory Lane: The Origins of Ube
Ube has been a staple ingredient in Filipino cuisine for centuries. It's used in a variety of dishes, from sweet treats like ube ice cream and ube halaya (jam) to savory dishes such as ube pandesal (bread rolls).
Let's Get Cooking: Making Ube Ice Cream at Home
Let's Get Cooking: Making Ube Ice Cream at Home
Prep time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 6 hours (includes freezing time)
Ingredients
- 500 grams ube (purple yam), peeled and grated
- 480 grams heavy cream (approx. 2 cups)
- 240 grams whole milk (approx. 1 cup)
- 200 grams granulated sugar (approx. 1 cup)
- 30 grams ube powder (approx. 1/4 cup)
- 15 grams ube extract (approx. 1 tablespoon)
- 1.5 grams salt (approx. 1/4 teaspoon)
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine grated ube, heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and the sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for 15 minutes.
- Stir in ube powder and ube extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Transfer the churned ube ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Scoop and enjoy your homemade ube ice cream!
Can't Find Ube? No Problem!
Can't Find Ube? No Problem!
If you're unable to find fresh ube, you can still make this delicious ice cream using these substitutes:
- 400 grams frozen grated ube, thawed (approx. 2 cups)
- 120 grams ube powder (add an additional 120 grams or 1/2 cup of milk to the recipe)
- 400 grams mashed purple sweet potatoes (though the flavor will be slightly different)
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Information
Ube ice cream is a treat to be enjoyed in moderation. Based on the ingredients used in this recipe, one serving (1/2 cup) contains approximately:
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
Health Benefits of Ube
Health Benefits of Ube
In addition to its fantastic taste, ube is packed with essential nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. When consumed in moderation, ube ice cream can be a tasty and nutritious dessert option.
Final Scoops: Tips for the Perfect Ube Ice Cream
Final Scoops: Tips for the Perfect Ube Ice Cream
- Always use an ice cream maker for the smoothest, creamiest texture.
- For a lighter version, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can still make ube ice cream using the freeze-and-stir method.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories 280
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 18g23%
Saturated Fat 7g35%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 85mg28%
Sodium 210mg9%
Total Carbohydrates 28g10%
Dietary Fiber 0g0%
Sugars 20g
Protein 3g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
FAQs
Can I make ube ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes! After chilling the mixture, freeze it in a shallow tray. Stir every 30 minutes for 3–4 hours to break ice crystals until smooth and creamy.
What can I use if I don’t have fresh ube?
You can substitute with frozen grated ube or rehydrated ube powder. Adjust sweetness slightly since ube powder is less sweet.
Why is my ube ice cream icy instead of creamy?
Ensure the base is fully cooled before churning and avoid adding excess liquid. A higher fat ratio from cream gives smoother results.
Can I add toppings or mix-ins?
Absolutely! Add macapuno (coconut sport), crushed cookies, or toasted coconut flakes for texture and flavor contrast.
Community Reviews
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4.8
12 ratings
5
75%
4
25%
3
0%
2
0%
1
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Share your experience and help others.
Benjie
· Sep 4, 2025Tried this with ube halaya instead of grated ube. It worked well but I’ll cut back a bit on sugar next time. Still, amazing texture and flavor!
Clarisse
· Sep 2, 2025I reduced the sugar a bit and folded in coconut flakes before freezing. Perfect balance of sweet and nutty—reminds me of summers in Cebu!
Leo
· Aug 1, 2025My first time making homemade ice cream and it came out perfect. Creamy, vibrant, and full of ube flavor. Highly recommend using real ube if you can find it!
Katrina M.
· Jul 29, 2025This turned out amazing! I added macapuno and a drizzle of condensed milk before freezing—tasted like the ones from Goldilocks!
Jerome
· Jun 28, 2025My kids devoured this! We’ll definitely be making it again. Might try adding macapuno next time.
Arlene Bautista
· May 27, 2025I strained the base before churning and wow—super silky. Best ube ice cream I’ve made at home.
Mei Tan
· Feb 26, 2025Didn’t have an ice cream maker so I used the freeze-and-stir method—took longer but still came out delicious. Thanks for the tips!
Leandro G.
· Nov 25, 2024I love that it uses real ube and not just extract. So much richer in flavor!
Hannah
· Jul 24, 2024The texture was spot on, but mine came out a little too sweet. Will reduce the sugar next time by 20g.
Mark Esteban
· Apr 23, 2024Made this for my mom’s birthday and she said it reminded her of the Magnolia ice cream we used to have in Manila. Thank you!
Carla Dizon
· Feb 21, 2024I used coconut milk instead of whole milk and it still turned out amazing. Love how vibrant the color is too!
Josefina Reyes
· Oct 20, 2023This ube ice cream is so creamy and flavorful! A true Filipino treat!
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