As I stood in my kitchen, the rich scent of ube wafted through the air, instantly transporting me to a vibrant market in the Philippines where this beloved root vegetable reigns supreme. Today, I’m excited to share my Creamy 4-Ingredient Ube Milkshake, a delightful treat that merges tradition with ease. In just five minutes, you can whip up this delicious drink, perfect for cooling down on a warm day or simply indulging in a moment of sweet pleasure. Not only is this Ube Milkshake visually stunning with its deep purple hue, but it also combines the comforting creaminess of vanilla ice cream with the unique sweetness of ube halaya. Whether you’re a busy parent or a passionate home chef, this recipe offers a quick solution for satisfying dessert cravings in style. Are you ready to elevate your drink game and explore the wonders of this tropical delight?

Why is Ube Milkshake a Must-Try?

Irresistible Creaminess: This Ube Milkshake features a rich, velvety texture that melts in your mouth, making each sip a truly indulgent experience.

Quick & Easy: With just four ingredients and a five-minute prep time, it’s the perfect solution for those busy days when you’re craving something sweet.

Vibrant & Unique Flavor: The striking purple hue and nutty sweetness of ube halaya create a sensational drink that stands out at any gathering or dessert table.

Versatile Enjoyment: Enjoy it on its own, or serve alongside Filipino pastries for a delightful treat that will impress your family and friends.

Dairy-Free Option: Easily adapt this recipe with almond or oat milk and coconut whipped cream to create a refreshingly inclusive treat for everyone! Create a moment of bliss with this delicious Ube Milkshake today!

Ube Milkshake Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to create this delightful Ube Milkshake!

For the Milkshake

Vanilla Ice Cream – Adds creaminess and sweetness; swap with coconut ice cream for a different flavor twist.
Milk – Smoothens the consistency; whole milk is ideal, but almond or oat milk works great for a dairy-free option.
Ube Halaya (ube jam) – Provides the essential authentic ube flavor; available at most Asian grocery stores, so no substitutes recommended for taste.
Ube Extract (optional) – Enhances the color and ube flavor; omit if you can’t find it, though it adds a beautiful purple hue to your drink.

For Serving (optional)

Whipped Cream – A delightful, creamy topping; try using coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free alternative.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Ube Milkshake

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Begin by assembling all your ingredients for the Ube Milkshake: vanilla ice cream, milk, ube halaya, and optional ube extract. Make sure your vanilla ice cream is slightly softened for easier blending; about 5-10 minutes at room temperature will do the trick. Gather a blender, measuring cups, and your serving glass, preferably chilled to enhance the creamy texture.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Blender
In your blender, carefully add 2 cups of softened vanilla ice cream, 1 cup of milk, and ½ cup of ube halaya, along with a teaspoon of ube extract if you choose to use it. Ensure the blender lid is secure before starting, as this will help avoid messes during the blending process, allowing you to focus on creating that dreamy Ube Milkshake.

Step 3: Blend Until Smooth
Now, blend the mixture on medium speed for approximately 20 seconds or until you achieve a silky and smooth consistency. Stop to scrape down the sides if necessary, ensuring all ingredients are fully combined. You’re looking for a vibrant purple hue and a thick texture that will create the perfect milkshake experience.

Step 4: Serve in a Chilled Glass
Pour the freshly blended Ube Milkshake carefully into your chilled serving glass. Take the time to notice the rich, purple color as it fills the glass—it’s sure to impress! If desired, use a squeeze bottle to create decorative swirls inside the glass with additional ube halaya before pouring in the shake, making your treat even more appealing.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Enjoy
For an extra touch, top your Ube Milkshake generously with whipped cream, and consider a sprinkle of crushed nuts or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for added flair. Serve this delightful drink immediately, as the perfect balance of flavors and temperatures ensures each sip is a refreshing treat to enjoy on a warm day.

Ube Milkshake Variations & Substitutions

Explore unique twists on the Ube Milkshake to make it your own, tantalizing your taste buds!

Coconut Ice Cream: Swap vanilla ice cream for coconut ice cream to enhance the tropical flavor of this delicious treat.
Dairy-Free Milk: Replace regular milk with almond or oat milk for a creamy dairy-free option that still delivers on flavor.
Spinach Boost: Blend in a handful of spinach to add nutrients while keeping that beautiful purple color intact!
Nature’s Sweetness: Try adding a ripe banana for natural sweetness and a smoothie-like texture that everyone will love.
Chocolate Drizzle: Add a swirl of chocolate syrup on top for a decadent touch that complements the creamy Ube Milkshake’s flavors.
Nutty Twist: Sprinkle crushed pistachios or macadamia nuts on top for an unexpected crunch that elevates each sip. Each crunch brings delightful texture and nutty flavor.
Increased Heat: For those who like a little spice, blend in a pinch of cayenne pepper to give your milkshake an exciting kick that contrasts beautifully with the ube sweetness.
Superfood Addition: Toss in a scoop of protein powder or a tablespoon of chia seeds to make your treat even more nourishing while keeping that irresistible purple hue!

With these variations, your Ube Milkshake can be transformed into a delightful adventure that you and your loved ones will adore! For more creative ideas, check out my tips on delicious Filipino pastries that pair perfectly with this drink.

How to Store and Freeze Ube Milkshake

Fridge: Store any leftover Ube Milkshake in an airtight container for up to 2 days, though the texture may change. Stir before serving.

Freezer: To freeze, pour the milkshake into an airtight container and seal tightly. It can be frozen for up to 1 month; allow it to thaw in the fridge before blending again.

Reheating: Since this is a milkshake, it’s best enjoyed cold. If it separates in the fridge, give it a quick blend for a smooth consistency.

Serving Fresh: For optimal taste and texture, it’s recommended to enjoy your Ube Milkshake fresh right after blending!

Expert Tips for Ube Milkshake

Chill Your Glass: Make sure to freeze your serving glass for about 10 minutes before pouring the Ube Milkshake to keep it cold for longer.
Taste Testing: Adjust the ube halaya quantity to enhance the ube flavor according to your preference—it’s the star of the milkshake!
Optional Add-Ins: Feel free to blend in a handful of spinach or avocado for a nutritious twist while keeping that gorgeous purple hue.
Dairy Alternatives: Use almond or oat milk along with coconut whipped cream for a delicious and inviting dairy-free Ube Milkshake.
Mind the Blend: Avoid over-blending—20 seconds is usually enough to achieve that perfect creamy texture without turning it into a liquid.

What to Serve with Ube Milkshake

This Ube Milkshake is a delightful centerpiece that can inspire a whole meal experience with sweet and savory accompaniments.

Filipino Pastries: Treat your taste buds by pairing with sweet Filipino pastries like leche flan or ensaymada, enhancing the ube’s delightful sweetness. The pastries offer a comforting, nostalgic touch, perfect for any gathering.
Savory Spring Rolls: Serve alongside lumpia, crispy Filipino spring rolls filled with savory meat or vegetables, adding a delightful contrast to the creamy milkshake.
Tropical Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with mango, pineapple, and banana brightens up your plate, balancing the rich flavor of the milkshake with its fresh, zesty notes.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: Pair with warm chocolate chip cookies for a classic dessert duo; the rich chocolate complements the nutty sweetness of ube beautifully.
Matcha Tea: Sipping on a chilled matcha tea provides a vibrant contrast to the Ube Milkshake. Its earthy flavor perfectly offsets the sweetness, creating a well-rounded experience.
Mango Float Cake: Serve with a slice of this creamy dessert, which features layers of sweet mango and cream, creating a delightful harmony of tropical flavors.
Lemonade: For a refreshing beverage pairing, a glass of tart lemonade brightens the palate, cutting through the milkshake’s richness while adding a burst of citrusy goodness.
Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in the luxurious texture of a light cocoa mousse; its rich flavor and airy consistency create an exquisite juxtaposition against the Ube Milkshake’s thick creaminess.
Boba Tea: Get whimsical and enjoy a boba tea on the side. The chewy tapioca pearls add a fun texture that enhances the creamy experience of the ube.
Coconut Macaroons: Sweet, chewy coconut macaroons pair with the milkshake making a delightful, chewy contrast to the silky drink, elevating the dessert experience.

Make Ahead Options

These Creamy Ube Milkshakes are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the ube halaya and measure out your ingredients (ice cream, milk, and optional ube extract) up to 24 hours ahead of serving. Simply store each ingredient separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their quality. When you’re ready to enjoy your Ube Milkshake, blend all the prepped ingredients according to the instructions, and pour into a chilled glass for a refreshing treat that tastes just as delicious as if made fresh. This way, you’ll save time on busy days while still impressing everyone with this vibrant drink!

Ube Milkshake Recipe FAQs

Which ingredients should I use for the best flavor?
Absolutely! For the most authentic Ube Milkshake flavor, I highly recommend using high-quality ube halaya as it is the star of the drink. You’ll find ube halaya in most Asian grocery stores, and when combined with creamy vanilla ice cream and whole milk, it creates a blissful combination. If you want to explore, coconut ice cream can also add a unique flavor twist!

How long can I store my Ube Milkshake?
You can store any leftover Ube Milkshake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the texture might change slightly, so give it a good stir before serving. However, for the best enjoyment, I suggest savoring it fresh right after blending!

Can I freeze the Ube Milkshake? How?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Ube Milkshake, pour it into an airtight container and seal it tightly. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, transfer the container to the refrigerator for a few hours to thaw, then give it a quick blend for that smooth and creamy texture you love. Just be sure to not let it sit out for too long!

What if my Ube Milkshake turns too runny?
If you find your Ube Milkshake is too runny, there are a couple of things you can do. First, you may want to add a little more vanilla ice cream to thicken it up; blend again until smooth. Alternatively, if you’ve left it out too long, placing it in the freezer for a few minutes and then blending again can help restore its frostiness.

Is there a dairy-free option for the Ube Milkshake?
Very! You can easily transform this Ube Milkshake into a dairy-free delight by using almond or oat milk instead of regular milk and swapping the vanilla ice cream with coconut ice cream. Additionally, coconut whipped cream makes a perfect topping that complements the flavors beautifully!

Are there any allergy considerations for this recipe?
Make sure to check for allergies, especially to dairy or nuts if you choose the alternative milks. Since ube halaya is made with root vegetables, it’s generally safe for most diets, but always check ingredient labels if you’re unsure about any specific allergies.