Ube Pistachio Ice Cream Bars

Featured in: All-American Desserts

Creamy bars combine purple ube with nutty pistachio for a visually striking frozen treat. Ube is cooked and blended with coconut milk, while pistachios are pureed with dairy and sweetener to create smooth layers. Each bar is assembled by layering the vibrant ube mixture and pistachio blend in molds, then freezing until firm. Garnish with extra pistachios and a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk for added texture and flavor. The result is a refreshing, fusion-inspired dessert that's both gluten-free and vegetarian, perfect for warm weather and festive occasions.

Updated on Wed, 05 Nov 2025 10:33:00 GMT
Creamy ube and pistachio ice cream bars, perfect for summer gatherings.  Save
Creamy ube and pistachio ice cream bars, perfect for summer gatherings. | dashofstates.com

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 experimented with ube and pistachio together, I was amazed at how the earthy richness of purple yam balanced the lively nuttiness of pistachios. These bars became an instant hit at summer parties, with guests asking for seconds every time!

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.
Vibrant ube and nutty pistachio layers create a stunning dessert treat.  Save
Vibrant ube and nutty pistachio layers create a stunning dessert treat. | dashofstates.com

Making these bars together always turns into a fun family activity, with everyone layering colors and choosing their own toppings. It's one of our favorite traditions during warm afternoons!

Required Tools

You'll need ice cream bar or popsicle molds, a blender, a saucepan, mixing spoons, and measuring cups and spoons for best results.

Allergen Information

This dessert contains nuts (pistachios), dairy (milk, cream), and coconut. Please check ingredient labels for hidden allergens if serving to those with allergies or sensitivities.

Nutritional Information

Each serving contains approximately 235 calories, 11 g total fat, 29 g carbohydrates, and 4 g protein.

Chilled ube-pistachio ice cream bars topped with crunchy pistachios for added flavor. Save
Chilled ube-pistachio ice cream bars topped with crunchy pistachios for added flavor. | dashofstates.com

Enjoy these vibrant ice cream bars at summer gatherings for a memorable, refreshing treat. Their eye-catching color makes every serving feel festive!

Recipe FAQ

What is ube and how does it taste?

Ube is a purple yam popular in Filipino cuisine, offering a sweet, mild flavor and vivid color often used in desserts.

Can I substitute dairy in the pistachio layer?

Yes, coconut milk or other plant-based alternatives can replace whole milk and heavy cream for a vegan option.

How long do the bars need to freeze?

After layering, bars require at least 5 hours of freezing to set completely for optimal texture.

Are these bars gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients in these bars are naturally gluten-free, making them suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

How to store leftover ice cream bars?

Keep bars in an airtight container in the freezer. They remain delicious for up to two weeks without losing texture.

What tools are needed for preparation?

You'll need ice cream bar molds, a blender, saucepan, mixing spoons, and measuring tools for accurate preparation.

Ube Pistachio Ice Cream Bars

Rich ube and pistachio layers blend into creamy, dazzling bars, ideal for sharing or summer refreshment.

Prep duration
30 min
Cook duration
10 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Jordan Miller


Complexity Medium

Heritage Fusion (Filipino-Inspired)

Output 8 Portions

Nutritional considerations Meat-free, No gluten

Components

Ube Layer

01 1 cup cooked ube, mashed
02 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
04 1/2 teaspoon ube extract
05 Pinch of salt

Pistachio Layer

01 3/4 cup unsalted shelled pistachios
02 1 cup whole milk
03 1/2 cup heavy cream
04 1/3 cup honey or granulated sugar
05 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 Pinch of salt

Garnish

01 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
02 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk

Method

Phase 01

Cook the Ube Layer: Combine mashed ube, granulated sugar, full-fat coconut milk, ube extract, and salt in a saucepan. Stir constantly over medium heat until smooth and slightly thickened, about five minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

Phase 02

Blend the Pistachio Layer: Blend unsalted shelled pistachios, whole milk, heavy cream, honey or sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until fully smooth. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and gently heat on medium-low, stirring often, for five minutes without boiling. Remove from heat and cool.

Phase 03

Layer and Freeze: Pour the cooled ube mixture halfway into ice cream bar molds. Freeze for one hour until set. Layer the pistachio mixture over the ube, filling each mold to the top, and insert sticks. Freeze for at least five hours, until bars are firm.

Phase 04

Unmold and Garnish: Remove frozen bars from molds. Drizzle with sweetened condensed milk and sprinkle with chopped pistachios to serve, if desired.

Necessary tools

  • Ice cream bar molds
  • Blender
  • Saucepan
  • Mixing spoons
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if you're uncertain.
  • Contains nuts (pistachios)
  • Contains dairy (milk, cream)
  • Contains coconut
  • Always review ingredient labels for allergens if serving to those with sensitivities

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

These figures are approximate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Energy: 235
  • Fats: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Proteins: 4 g