Pin this 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.
I first tried layering ube and pistachio for an outdoor picnic, and everyone loved the unexpected combination of flavors and colors. The creamy texture and easy-to-serve bars made this recipe a real summer hit among my friends.
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, combine pistachios, whole milk, heavy cream, honey (or sugar), vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring often, for 5 minutes (do not boil). Remove from heat and let cool.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Pour the cooled ube mixture evenly into ice cream bar molds, filling each mold halfway. Freeze for 1 hour until set enough to hold the next layer. Pour the pistachio mixture over the set ube layer, filling molds to the top. Insert sticks. Freeze for at least 5 hours, or until completely solid.
- Serve:
- Unmold bars. Optionally, drizzle with sweetened condensed milk and sprinkle with chopped pistachios before serving.
Pin this We always reserve a few bars for family night, and my nephew loves helping drizzle the condensed milk on top before serving. It's a simple way to make dessert time extra special.
Required Tools
Ice cream bar molds, blender, saucepan, mixing spoons, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains pistachios and dairy. Also contains coconut. Always confirm ingredient labels for anyone with sensitivities.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides about 235 calories, 11 g total fat, 29 g carbohydrates, and 4 g protein.
Pin this Chill, unmold, and enjoy these vibrant bars for a memorable fusion dessert or bring them to your next summer gathering for a sweet surprise.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → How do I ensure vibrant color in the ube layer?
Use quality ube extract to intensify both the color and flavor of your ice cream bars.
- → Can I make these bars without dairy?
Coconut milk or other plant-based alternatives can replace dairy in the pistachio layer for a vegan version.
- → What is the best way to layer the bars?
Freeze the ube layer first for at least 1 hour before adding the pistachio mixture to ensure sharp, distinct layers.
- → How should I store the finished bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks to maintain freshness.
- → Is there a substitute for pistachios?
Cashews or almonds offer a similar creamy, nutty profile if pistachios aren't available.