Pistachio Ube Soft-Serve Cones

Pistachio Ube Soft-Serve Cones bring together creamy roasted pistachio and sweet purple ube swirled in a cone that is crisp yet gluten-free. This is the kind of dessert that captures attention for its playful color but wins hearts with its nutty rich flavor and smooth texture. It unites nostalgic Filipino flavors with modern soft-serve fun in a way that’s both playful and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

• Pistachios: Shelled unsalted pistachios bring earthiness and that natural green hue. Opt for fresh and bright green kernels for the best richness
• Whole Milk: Provides a creamy base. Select high-quality whole milk for softness on the palate
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious mouthfeel. Seek fresher cream for smoothest texture
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and balances flavors. Use fine sugar so it dissolves quickly
• Honey: Deepens flavor with a warm undertone. Choose floral or light honey for subtle notes
• Fine Sea Salt: Sharpens flavors in both bases. Just a touch prevents blandness
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Rounds out both pistachio and ube flavors. Go pure vanilla for the best aroma
• Ube Halaya: Purple yam jam offers both stunning color and distinct Filipino flavor. Look for vibrant purple and smooth jam in Asian groceries
• Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Blend: Crucial for crisp waffle cones. Choose a reputable grain blend for lightness
• Almond Flour: Lends subtle sweetness and crunchy structure. Pick fresh-smelling almond flour to avoid stale flavors
• Eggs: Adds structure and richness in cones. Fresh large eggs work best
• Unsalted Butter: Binds and enriches the cone batter. Use good-quality for richer taste
• Mixing Bowls and Whisks: Needed for combining ingredients. Smooth batter leads to crisp shells

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Pistachio Base:

Combine pistachios and whole milk in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat then remove and let steep for a full 15 minutes to infuse flavor fully

Blend and Strain:

Once steeped, blend the mixture until completely smooth. Strain through fine sieve or cheesecloth. Press to extract as much flavorful liquid as possible for maximum creaminess

Combine and Chill:

Return the pistachio milk to a clean saucepan. Add cream, sugar, honey, sea salt, and vanilla. Warm gently just to dissolve sugar. Chill thoroughly—this keeps your soft-serve velvety

Make the Ube Base:

In your blender, combine ube halaya, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, salt, and pure vanilla. Blend until extra smooth so you have a silky purple base. Chill well since a cold base churns best

Churn the Soft-Serves:

Use your ice cream maker to churn each base separately until soft-serve texture forms. For a perfect swirl, transfer each to its own piping bag then to a third one fitted with large star tip to create that signature twist

Make the Gluten-Free Waffle Cones:

Preheat your waffle cone maker or pizzelle iron. In a mixing bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, almond flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add eggs, melted unsalted butter, milk, and vanilla. Whisk until batter is smooth. Drop about two tablespoons of batter onto hot iron. Close and cook for one to two minutes until golden. Quickly wrap each hot disc around a cone mold and let cool until crisp

Assemble:

When cones are cooled, pipe in swirled pistachio and ube soft-serve. Serve right away. Optionally, add a sprinkle of chopped pistachios or extra ube crumbs on top

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Storage Tips

Store soft-serve in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week. For best texture, let soften a few minutes before serving. Keep finished cones in an airtight tin to preserve crunch. If humidity is high, warm them briefly in a low oven before filling

Ingredient Substitutions

For pistachios, try raw cashews or blanched almonds for a milder green version. If you cannot find ube halaya, use well-cooked mashed purple sweet potato with extra sugar and vanilla for color and taste. Just know the flavor will differ. For a dairy-free treat, substitute full fat coconut milk and a vegan butter in both bases and cones

Serving Suggestions

Swirl cones are dramatic on their own but extra tasty with crunchy pistachio bits or a light drizzle of honey. For parties, serve ice cream in cups and let everyone add their own toppings. Shaved coconut or dark chocolate shavings are always a hit

Cultural Context

Ube as a dessert celebrates Filipino creativity and nostalgia. The soft-serve twist mimics western frozen treats while highlighting uniquely Southeast Asian flavors. These cones show how food bridges worlds and sparks smiles across generations

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Common Questions

→ How do I achieve the swirl effect?

Pipe pistachio and ube bases into a large bag fitted with a star tip, squeezing both simultaneously for a striking swirl.

→ Can I use store-bought waffle cones?

Yes, but homemade gluten-free cones add extra crunch and are great for those avoiding gluten.

→ Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Substitute coconut milk and non-dairy butter for a creamy, plant-based version.

→ Where can I buy ube halaya?

Find ube halaya in Asian or Filipino groceries, or use homemade if available.

→ What pairs well with these cones?

Pair with Moscato d’Asti for a sweet finish or jasmine tea for a light, aromatic contrast.

→ How should I store extra cones?

Keep cones in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness.