Ube Pistachio Ice Cream Bars

Featured in: Sweet Bites

These frozen bars showcase sweet ube and nutty pistachio in layered harmony. Coconut milk enriches the creamy purple base, while pistachio blends with dairy for a velvety contrasting layer. Assembled and finished with chopped nuts and condensed milk, each bar delivers a colorful and refreshing fusion dessert perfect for warm weather or festive gatherings. Freezer-friendly and vegetarian, they invite indulgence with minimal fuss.

Updated on Fri, 07 Nov 2025 12:01:00 GMT
Vibrant ube and pistachio ice cream bars drizzled with sweetened condensed milk.  Pin
Vibrant ube and pistachio ice cream bars drizzled with sweetened condensed milk. | grillandbites.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 bars for a weekend barbecue. Everyone loved the bold purple and green layers, and the creamy textures made them a crowd favorite. My family looks forward to enjoying these frozen treats every summer.

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.
Creamy ube & pistachio ice cream bars, layered for a colorful summer treat.  Pin
Creamy ube & pistachio ice cream bars, layered for a colorful summer treat. | grillandbites.com

Making these bars together with my kids is always fun. They love helping layer the ice cream and adding the garnishes, turning dessert into a special family moment.

Required Tools

Ice cream bar molds, blender, saucepan, mixing spoons, measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Contains nuts (pistachios), dairy (milk, cream), and coconut. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens if serving to those with sensitivities.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 235, Total Fat: 11 g, Carbohydrates: 29 g, Protein: 4 g

Homemade ube and pistachio ice cream bars topped with crunchy pistachios. Pin
Homemade ube and pistachio ice cream bars topped with crunchy pistachios. | grillandbites.com

Enjoy these colorful ice cream bars with friends or family for a refreshing dessert experience. Their playful flavors and bright look will impress guests every time.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use fresh ube instead of extract?

Mashed cooked ube provides authentic texture and color, but adding extract boosts vibrancy and flavor intensity if desired.

How do I make these bars vegan?

Replace whole milk and cream in the pistachio layer with coconut or plant-based alternatives to create a fully plant-based treat.

How should I store the bars?

Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks. Separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking.

Can I substitute other nuts for pistachio?

Cashews or almonds work in place of pistachios but may alter flavor and texture. Adjust sweetness as needed.

Is additional sweetener needed?

Honey or sugar in the pistachio layer balances flavors. Taste and adjust based on your preference and ube sweetness.

Ube Pistachio Ice Cream Bars

Sweet ube, pistachio, and coconut layers create a creamy, nutty summer treat with vibrant color contrast.

Prep duration
30 min
Cook duration
10 min
Overall duration
40 min


Skill level Medium

Heritage Fusion (Filipino-Inspired)

Output 8 Portions

Dietary requirements Vegetarian, No gluten

Components

Ube Layer

01 1 cup cooked ube (purple yam), 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, for drizzling

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare Ube Layer: Combine mashed purple yam, sugar, coconut milk, ube extract, and salt in a saucepan. Stir constantly over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken. Remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.

Phase 02

Prepare Pistachio Layer: Blend pistachios, whole milk, heavy cream, honey or sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until completely smooth. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and gently heat over medium-low, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes; do not allow to boil. Remove from heat and let cool.

Phase 03

Layer and Freeze: Pour the cooled ube mixture into ice cream bar molds, distributing evenly and filling each mold halfway. Freeze for 1 hour until set enough for the next layer.

Phase 04

Add Pistachio Layer and Final Freeze: Top each partially frozen ube layer with the cooled pistachio cream mixture, filling molds to the top. Insert sticks, then freeze for at least 5 hours, or until bars are firm.

Phase 05

Unmold and Serve: Carefully remove bars from molds. Optionally, drizzle each bar with sweetened condensed milk and sprinkle with chopped pistachios before serving.

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult healthcare providers if you're uncertain about any components.
  • Contains pistachios and other tree nuts.
  • Contains dairy products (milk, cream).
  • Contains coconut. Verify ingredient labels for hidden allergens before serving.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

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