Move over vanilla and chocolate—ube ice cream is stealing the show in 2025! This vibrant purple dessert has become the latest must-try treat, popping up in artisanal ice cream shops, trendy cafes, and home kitchens across the U.S. With its unique flavor, striking color, and cultural roots, ube (pronounced oo-beh) is more than just a trend—it’s a flavor revolution.
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🌱 What is Ube?
Ube is a purple yam originally from the Philippines. It’s been used for generations in Filipino desserts like halaya (ube jam) and ube cake, but it’s recently become a global sensation—especially in the form of ice cream. Ube is often confused with purple sweet potato, but it’s nuttier, earthier, and naturally sweet with subtle hints of vanilla and coconut. The color? 100% natural
🍨 Why Ube Ice Cream is Blowing Up
There are a few reasons ube ice cream is having a major moment right now:
- Visual appeal – That rich violet hue is irresistible in photos and perfect for social media.
- Unique flavor – It’s sweet, but not too sweet. The creamy, nutty profile stands out in a sea of typical flavors.
- Cultural appreciation – As more people explore Filipino cuisine, ube is becoming a proud symbol of heritage and culinary creativity.
- Vegan-friendly options – Ube pairs beautifully with coconut milk, making dairy-free versions easy and delicious.
🍦 Where to Try It
If you’re lucky enough to live near a Filipino bakery or a trend-setting dessert spot, chances are they’ve already added ube ice cream to the menu. Places like Magnolia Bakery, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, and local Asian dessert cafes are featuring it in cones, sundaes, and even milkshakes.
Or—you can make it at home.
🍧 Easy Ube Ice Cream Recipe (No Churn!)
Ingredients:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup ube halaya (ube jam, available at Asian grocery stores or online)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: ube extract for extra color and flavor
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- In another bowl, combine the condensed milk, ube halaya, vanilla, and (if using) ube extract.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the ube mixture until fully combined.
- Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and smooth the top.
- Freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Scoop, serve, and enjoy your purple masterpiece!
✨ Final Scoop
Ube ice cream is more than a fad—it’s a flavor movement that’s here to stay. Whether you’re trying it for the first time or grew up enjoying it, there’s something magical about that first cold, creamy bite. It’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and color—all in one cone.
Have you tried ube ice cream yet? Let me know in the comments below—and don’t forget to share your purple dessert pics!
1. What does ube ice cream taste like?
Ube ice cream has a mildly sweet, nutty, and earthy flavor with hints of vanilla and coconut. It’s often compared to a cross between white chocolate and pistachio—creamy, smooth, and totally unique.
2. Is ube ice cream made from taro?
No, but it’s a common mix-up! Ube and taro are both root vegetables with purple coloring, but they are not the same. Ube is sweeter and used in desserts, while taro has a starchier, more neutral flavor.
3. Is ube ice cream healthy?
While it contains natural ingredients like ube and sometimes coconut milk, ube ice cream is still a dessert—so it contains sugar and cream. However, it’s a great alternative for those looking to try something new and naturally colorful without artificial dyes.
4. Can I make ube ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes! Ube ice cream can be made using a no-churn recipe with whipped cream and condensed milk. It’s super easy and beginner-friendly (check the recipe above for a step-by-step guide!).
5. Where can I buy ube or ube halaya?
Ube and ube halaya (sweetened ube jam) can usually be found at Asian or Filipino grocery stores. You can also order them online from sites like Amazon, Weee!, or specialty Filipino food shops.
6. Is ube ice cream vegan?
Traditional recipes use dairy, but there are plenty of delicious vegan versions made with coconut milk or oat milk. Just swap out the heavy cream and condensed milk with plant-based alternatives.
7. Why is ube ice cream purple? Is it natural?
Yes! The beautiful purple color comes naturally from the ube root. Some recipes enhance the color with ube extract, but the base color is 100% plant-powered.
8. What desserts pair well with ube ice cream?
Ube ice cream is amazing on its own, but it also pairs well with:
Warm brownies
Halo-halo (a classic Filipino dessert)
Coconut sticky rice
Waffles or pancakes
Ube crinkle cookies
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