Ube Pistachio Ice Cream Bars

Featured in: Global Heat

These bars combine creamy ube and pistachio layers to deliver a show-stopping fusion dessert. The rich purple hue of ube stands beside nutty pistachio for a visually exciting and flavorful treat. Easy layering in molds yields bars that blend sweetness with a hint of salt for balance. Finish with a drizzle of condensed milk and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios for extra texture and flair. Impress guests with vibrant colors and diverse flavors, perfect for warm-weather gatherings.

Updated on Fri, 07 Nov 2025 13:04:00 GMT
Creamy ube and pistachio ice cream bars, a perfect vibrant summer dessert.  Save
Creamy ube and pistachio ice cream bars, a perfect vibrant summer dessert. | pepperplume.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.

I first made these ice cream bars for a summer party and they became the star of the table. The vibrant colors and flavors reminded me of Filipino celebrations, while the pistachio added an unexpected twist that everyone loved.

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.
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My family loved customizing their bars with extra pistachios and drizzle. It became a fun way for everyone to make their dessert just a little different!

Required Tools

Ice cream bar molds, blender, saucepan, mixing spoons, measuring cups and spoons make this recipe possible at home.

Allergen Information

These bars contain pistachios and dairy. Coconut is also included. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens before serving to those with sensitivities.

Nutritional Information

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

Colorful layers of ube and pistachio ice cream bars, drizzled with sweet condensed milk.  Save
Colorful layers of ube and pistachio ice cream bars, drizzled with sweet condensed milk. | pepperplume.com

Make these ahead and enjoy a stunning and delicious treat anytime. The colorful layers add a festive touch to any occasion.

Recipe FAQ

How do I get a vibrant purple color in the ube layer?

Using ube extract in addition to mashed ube will enhance both the color and flavor, creating a striking purple hue.

Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes, substitute whole milk and cream in the pistachio layer with coconut milk or other plant-based milks for a dairy-free option.

How long should I freeze the bars before serving?

Freeze for at least 5 hours after assembling to ensure the layers set completely for easy unmolding.

What’s the best way to unmold the bars?

Run the mold under warm water for a few seconds or let stand at room temperature to loosen the bars for easy removal.

Can I use sweetened condensed milk as a garnish?

Yes, drizzling with condensed milk and sprinkling chopped pistachios adds extra sweetness and crunch once unmolded.

How should the bars be stored?

Keep the bars in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks to maintain freshness and texture.

Ube Pistachio Ice Cream Bars

Purple yam and pistachio bars offer creamy texture and vibrant colors, perfect to cool off with a fusion flair.

Prep duration
30 min
Cook duration
10 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Isabella Flores


Complexity Medium

Heritage Fusion (Filipino-Inspired)

Output 8 Portions

Diet considerations Meat-free, No gluten

Components

Ube Layer

01 1 cup cooked ube (purple yam), mashed
02 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 1 cup coconut milk, full-fat
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, for drizzling

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare Ube Layer: Combine mashed ube, granulated sugar, coconut milk, ube extract, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, approximately 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

Phase 02

Prepare Pistachio Layer: Blend unsalted shelled pistachios, whole milk, heavy cream, honey or granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until completely smooth. Pour the pistachio mixture into a saucepan and gently heat over medium-low, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes, ensuring the mixture does not boil. Remove from heat and let cool.

Phase 03

Layer and Freeze: Evenly portion the cooled ube mixture into ice cream bar or popsicle molds, filling each mold halfway. Freeze for 1 hour until set enough to support the next layer.

Phase 04

Add Pistachio Layer: Pour the cooled pistachio mixture on top of the frozen ube layer, filling each mold to the top. Insert popsicle sticks, then freeze for a minimum of 5 hours, or until completely firm.

Phase 05

Unmold and Garnish: Remove the bars from molds. If desired, drizzle with sweetened condensed milk and top with chopped pistachios before serving.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and seek professional health advice if you're uncertain.
  • Contains pistachio nuts.
  • Contains dairy (milk, cream).
  • Contains coconut.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 235
  • Fats: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Proteins: 4 g