If you’re looking to brighten your day with something delightfully sweet, vibrant, and fun, let me introduce you to the Ube Milkshake with Whipped Cream and Toppings. This dreamy shake is a luscious purple treat with layers of creamy vanilla ice cream, velvety ube jam, and an entire parade of playful toppings. Each sip is like a hug from your favorite dessert—comforting, colorful, and a guaranteed mood booster. Whether you’re new to ube or already a fan, this eye-catching milkshake is sure to make your tastebuds (and Instagram) celebrate!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ube Milkshake with Whipped Cream and Toppings comes together easily, and every ingredient truly shines. From the naturally vivid color to the creamy, dreamy texture, each component brings a unique flavor and aesthetic pop—making this dessert a total showstopper. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a little tip for each!
- Vanilla ice cream: The creamy base that brings sweetness and that lush, milkshake texture you know and love.
- Cold milk (whole or oat): Blends everything together and gives the milkshake just the right body—use oat milk for a plant-based twist!
- Ube halaya or ube extract: The heart of the shake; ube halaya provides real purple yam flavor and richness, while ube extract gives a punch of color and aroma; start with a little and taste as you blend.
- Sugar (optional): Adjust to your liking, especially if your ube halaya is already sweetened; it just makes everything pop.
- Whipped cream: Lusciously cloudlike and essential for piling on top (and sneaking spoonfuls as you go!).
- Ube syrup or melted ube ice cream: Drizzled inside the glass for an extra flourish of color and flavor—almost too pretty to drink!
- Fresh blueberries (or blackberries): A fruity topping that adds both tartness and a gorgeous contrast to the purple shake.
- Toasted almond flakes or cornflakes: For crunch and a bit of nutty (or toasty, depending) flavor; both are a delightful surprise.
- Mint leaves: They lift the whole presentation and add a pop of freshness with every sip.
- Powdered sugar: That final snow-dusted look—so simple, so magical.
How to Make Ube Milkshake with Whipped Cream and Toppings
Step 1: Prepare the Glass
Start by making your glass look as fabulous as your milkshake will taste! Drizzle ube syrup, or thin out a bit of ube halaya with milk, along the inside of your serving glass for those signature drips. Pop the glass in the freezer for about five minutes—this helps the ube swirls set in place, making your final creation look extra fancy for that first pour.
Step 2: Blend the Milkshake
In your blender, combine vanilla ice cream, cold milk, ube halaya (or extract), and sugar if you want an extra punch of sweetness. Blend everything up until smooth and creamy. You’ll want a thick, luscious texture that pours easily but holds its own when topped—a spoonful should cling, not run!
Step 3: Assemble Your Milkshake
Next, pour that shimmery purple shake into your chilled, swirled glass. Now comes the best part: pile on the whipped cream. You can pipe it into a dramatic swirl or dollop it on top for a more casual look—it’s your milkshake adventure!
Step 4: Add Your Toppings
It’s time to transform your shake into a masterpiece. Sprinkle on fresh blueberries, scatter toasted almond flakes or cornflakes for crunch, and tuck in a mint leaf or two for a touch of green. Finish with a gentle dusting of powdered sugar, and you’ve got an alluring, irresistible Ube Milkshake with Whipped Cream and Toppings that’s ready for prime time.
How to Serve Ube Milkshake with Whipped Cream and Toppings
Garnishes
When it comes to serving your Ube Milkshake with Whipped Cream and Toppings, the garnish is everything! Go big with swirling clouds of whipped cream, a lavish rain of berries, and a sparkle of powdered sugar. Not only do they bump up the flavor and texture, but they make your shake look like a party in a glass. Don’t forget a colorful paper straw or a long, elegant spoon!
Side Dishes
This milkshake feels like dessert in itself, but a little something on the side is always fun. Pair it with chewy coconut macaroons, buttery shortbread, or a plate of fresh-cut fruit for a tropical mood. If you’re going all in, some sweet Filipino treats like halo-halo or cassava cake would turn the experience into a true feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your imagination run wild! Serve the shake in mason jars for a playful, rustic look or in elegant glassware for extra glam. Tiny bottles work for mini dessert shooters at parties, while adding sprinkles or a drizzle of white chocolate can take things to a whimsical level. Layer extra ube halaya between milkshake pours for a surprise swirl, and don’t be shy with edible flowers for a next-level presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Ube Milkshake with Whipped Cream and Toppings (rare, but possible!), transfer it to a tightly sealed jar or container. Keep in the fridge for up to a day. The texture will soften, but a quick whisk or blitz in the blender will revive that creamy consistency before serving.
Freezing
For longer storage, pour the leftover shake into an airtight freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it defrost in the fridge or zap it for a few seconds in the microwave until just soft enough to stir. Pro-tip: frozen leftovers make a fantastic base for a new milkshake—blend with a splash of milk to refresh!
Reheating
The Ube Milkshake with Whipped Cream and Toppings is best enjoyed ice cold, so reheating isn’t necessary. If your shake is too solid from freezing, simply let it sit out for a bit, or blend with extra milk on a low setting to restore that dreamy, sippable texture. Always re-whip any additional cream for topping before serving for the freshest experience.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ube instead of ube halaya or extract?
Absolutely! If you can get your hands on fresh ube, boil and mash it, then sweeten to taste. The result will be even earthier and authentic. Just blend until silky to avoid any lumps in your shake.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
Definitely—swap the vanilla ice cream for your favorite dairy-free brand and use oat milk or coconut milk for that rich, creamy profile. The remaining toppings are already naturally dairy-free (unless your whipped cream contains milk), so it’s easy to keep things plant-based.
How can I make my milkshake thicker or thinner?
If you like your Ube Milkshake with Whipped Cream and Toppings extra thick, add a bit more ice cream or use less milk. For a lighter, sippable shake, simply add more milk and blend—adjust until you find your perfect balance!
What if I don’t have ube halaya or extract?
If you’re out of ube products, try purple sweet potato or taro as a substitute for a similar vibe—just note the flavor will be different. Food coloring can help with the signature hue, but bear in mind the iconic taste comes mainly from ube.
Can I prep the toppings ahead of time?
Yes! The beauty of the Ube Milkshake with Whipped Cream and Toppings is how flexible it is. Toast your almond flakes, wash your berries, and even whip your cream ahead of time. Just store each element separately and assemble everything right before serving for the freshest textures and flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about sipping an Ube Milkshake with Whipped Cream and Toppings—it’s whimsical, delicious, and a total treat for the senses. I hope you’ll give it a try, play around with the toppings, and maybe even share it with someone you love (or keep it all to yourself… no judgment here!). Cheers to many purple, joyful sips ahead!