If you’re looking for a drink that instantly brings joy and a burst of color to your day, the Ube Milkshake with Whipped Cream and Toppings is the answer! This thick, creamy treat uses the iconic Filipino purple yam to create a gorgeous lavender-hued shake, layered with rich vanilla, cool milk, and decadent toppings that make every sip a little celebration. Whether you’re serving it for a summer afternoon pick-me-up or as the wow-factor dessert at your next family gathering, this Ube Milkshake with Whipped Cream and Toppings delivers creamy satisfaction and a sense of pure fun in every glass.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ube Milkshake with Whipped Cream and Toppings keeps things refreshingly simple, relying on just a handful of standout ingredients. Each one pulls its weight in flavor, texture, or color, so don’t skip anything if you want the full experience!
- Vanilla ice cream: The creamy base that carries the ube flavor and gives rich, velvety texture to your shake.
- Cold milk (whole or oat): Milk loosens the shake for that perfectly sippable consistency, and oat milk adds extra creaminess if you like it dairy-free.
- Ube halaya or ube extract: The soul of the drink! Ube halaya makes it lush and jammy, while ube extract amps up the color and flavor with just a teaspoon or two.
- Sugar (optional): Adjusts the sweetness, especially if your ube is a bit earthy or your ice cream isn’t super sweet.
- Whipped cream: Essential for that glorious cloud on top—don’t hold back!
- Ube syrup or melted ube ice cream: For that vivid, Instagram-worthy drizzle inside the glass.
- Fresh blueberries or blackberries: Bright pops of color and tartness that contrast the creamy shake.
- Toasted almond flakes or cornflakes: Adds crunch and a nutty-sweet finish with every spoonful.
- Mint leaves: Just a small sprig for a refreshing aroma and extra prettiness.
- Powdered sugar: A delicate, snowy dusting for the ultimate final touch.
How to Make Ube Milkshake with Whipped Cream and Toppings
Step 1: Prepare and Chill the Glass
To make your Ube Milkshake with Whipped Cream and Toppings extra special, you’ll want to start with a bit of dramatic flair. Thin your ube syrup or jam with a splash of milk, then slowly drizzle it in swoops inside the glass for a signature drippy effect. Pop the glass in the freezer for five minutes so the ube streaks set and don’t mix into the shake too quickly.
Step 2: Blend the Ube Milkshake
Add the vanilla ice cream, cold milk, ube halaya or extract, and optional sugar to your blender. Blend everything together until the mixture is perfectly smooth and a dreamy purple color. Give it a taste—if you want it sweeter or more ube-forward, add a bit more sugar or extract, and blend again to adjust.
Step 3: Assemble the Shake
Take your chilled, ube-drizzled glass and pour in the blended shake, being careful not to disturb those gorgeous purple streaks. The thick shake will nestle beautifully against the sides without washing away your artwork.
Step 4: Top with Whipped Cream
It’s time for that indulgent cloud. Either spoon or pipe a generous mound of whipped cream right atop your shake. Don’t be shy—a big, swirly topping makes the whole drink feel like dessert in a glass.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve
Finish off your Ube Milkshake with Whipped Cream and Toppings by layering on the final garnishes: scatter fresh blueberries or blackberries, a handful of toasted almond flakes (or crunchy cornflakes), a small mint leaf, and a delicate dusting of powdered sugar for sparkle. This is your moment to get creative, so let your inner artist shine! Serve immediately with a thick straw or a long spoon for the full experience.
How to Serve Ube Milkshake with Whipped Cream and Toppings
Garnishes
The beauty of this shake is all in the presentation! Aside from the essential cloud of whipped cream, vibrant berries, and sparkling powdered sugar, try a bold drizzle of more ube syrup over the whipped cream right before serving. A few extra toasted almond flakes look lovely peeking from the mound, and a fresh mint leaf gives both aroma and elegance. Every garnish adds a little extra delight.
Side Dishes
Pair your Ube Milkshake with Whipped Cream and Toppings with crunchy butter biscuits, coconut macaroons, or petite shortbread cookies for a perfect sweet treat combo. If you want to go all-out Filipino, serve it with a slice of leche flan or a few pieces of turon (crispy banana spring rolls) for pure dessert bliss!
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, serve these shakes in mini shot glasses for a fun “milkshake flight” experience. Try rimming the glass with sprinkles or fine coconut for extra festivity. You can even layer in bits of sponge cake or graham crackers for an over-the-top take that eats like a trifle. The Ube Milkshake with Whipped Cream and Toppings is as versatile as it is stunning—so get imaginative!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which, honestly, is rare with this crowd-pleaser!), pour the extra shake into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay creamy for up to a day, though the texture will be a bit thinner as the ice cream melts. Be sure to hold off on topping with whipped cream and garnishes until you’re ready to serve again.
Freezing
You can freeze the blended ube shake base for up to two weeks. Pour into a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. When you’re craving one, let it thaw at room temperature until scoopable, then blend briefly with a splash of milk to restore that luscious consistency.
Reheating
Reheating doesn’t really apply here—this shake is best enjoyed icy cold! If your milkshake firms up too much in the freezer, just sit it out on the counter for a few minutes or give it a quick blitz in the blender with extra milk before topping and serving.
FAQs
Can I use only ube extract instead of halaya?
Absolutely! Ube extract brings vibrant color and a bold ube flavor to your milkshake. Start with 1 teaspoon, taste, and increase gradually; keep in mind that halaya adds extra creaminess, so your shake will be a bit lighter in body with extract alone.
What kind of milk is best for this recipe?
Whole milk delivers the creamiest texture, but oat milk is a wonderful dairy-free substitute and makes the color even more striking. Feel free to experiment with your favorite plant-based milks, knowing the Ube Milkshake with Whipped Cream and Toppings turns out delicious either way!
Can I make this shake in advance for a party?
You can blend the base of the shake up to a day ahead and keep it cold in the fridge. Give it a quick blend with ice or milk just before serving, and always finish with whipped cream and toppings at the last minute for the freshest look and taste.
What else can I use for garnish?
The sky’s the limit! Crushed cookies, mini marshmallows, rainbow sprinkles, white chocolate shavings, or diced tropical fruit like mango or lychee are all delightful on your Ube Milkshake with Whipped Cream and Toppings. Mix and match for new textures and flavors every time.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The base shake is gluten-free as long as your ice cream and ube halaya are safe, but check your toppings—especially cornflakes or cookies. Always double-check labels if you’re serving this to someone with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
Bring some vivid color and a whole lot of happiness to your table by whipping up this Ube Milkshake with Whipped Cream and Toppings. Every sip is a treat, and with all the fun ways to customize, it’s bound to become a favorite for every age. Try it today and see how a simple shake can brighten your day!