Save to Pinterest Creamy, vibrant ice cream bars featuring sweet ube and nutty pistachio layered for a delightful contrast in flavor and color. Perfect for a refreshing summer dessert or an impressive treat for gatherings.
When I first tried combining the earthy sweetness of ube with rich pistachio cream, these bars quickly became a favorite among friends and family. They are always a hit at summer gatherings thanks to their refreshing taste and beautiful look.
Ingredients
- Ube Layer: 1 cup cooked ube (purple yam) mashed, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat), 1/2 teaspoon ube extract, pinch of salt
- Pistachio Layer: 3/4 cup shelled pistachios unsalted, 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/3 cup honey or sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, pinch of salt
- Garnish (Optional): 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios, 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ube Layer:
- In a saucepan, combine mashed ube, sugar, coconut milk, ube extract, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and slightly thickened (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the Pistachio Layer:
- In a blender, blend pistachios, whole milk, heavy cream, honey (or sugar), vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Pour mixture into a saucepan and heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring often, for 5 minutes (do not boil). Remove from heat and cool.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Pour cooled ube mixture evenly into ice cream bar molds, filling halfway. Freeze for 1 hour. Pour pistachio mixture over set ube layer, filling molds to the top. Insert sticks. Freeze for at least 5 hours or until solid.
- Serve:
- Unmold bars. Optionally, drizzle with sweetened condensed milk and sprinkle with chopped pistachios before serving.
Save to Pinterest Every time I make these bars with my kids, we turn it into a colorful kitchen activity. Watching the layers freeze and revealing the bright bars is everyone's favorite part.
Required Tools
Ice cream bar molds, blender, saucepan, mixing spoons, measuring cups and spoons make preparation straightforward and accessible.
Allergen Information
Recipe contains nuts (pistachios) and dairy. Coconut is present in ube layer. Always check labels when serving sensitive individuals.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 235 calories, 11 g total fat, 29 g carbohydrates, 4 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Serve these creamy, vibrant bars straight from the freezer for maximum refreshment. They are sure to delight with every bite.
Answers to Recipe Questions
- → What is ube and how does it taste?
Ube is a purple yam known for its sweet, earthy flavor and vibrant color, widely enjoyed in Filipino desserts.
- → Can these bars be made vegan?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk and cream with coconut milk or other plant-based alternatives for a vegan option.
- → How long should the bars freeze before serving?
Freeze for at least 5 hours after layering to ensure bars are fully solid and easy to unmold.
- → Can I use pistachio paste instead of whole pistachios?
Pistachio paste can be used for a more intense nutty flavor; adjust sweetness as needed since paste may be unsweetened.
- → How do I achieve vibrant color in the ube layer?
Adding ube extract helps boost both color and flavor. Adjust according to desired intensity and extract strength.
- → Are these bars gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making these suitable for those seeking gluten-free desserts.