Name: Pistachio Ube Soft-Serve Cones
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 1 cup shelled unsalted pistachios; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 tbsp honey; 1/4 tsp fine sea salt; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam); 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 tsp fine sea salt; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 2/3 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend; 1/3 cup almond flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup whole milk; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch fine sea salt

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The combination of two distinct yet complementary flavors—pistachio and ube—creates a dessert that’s not only delicious but visually captivating. The pistachio soft-serve offers a rich, nutty flavor, while the ube adds a touch of earthiness and vibrant purple color. The addition of a crunchy gluten-free waffle cone makes each bite even more enjoyable, giving you the perfect balance of texture and flavor. This is a versatile, gluten-free, and vegetarian-friendly dessert that caters to various dietary preferences, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to treat themselves to a unique and indulgent frozen treat.

Ingredients

Pistachio Soft-Serve:

1 cup shelled unsalted pistachios
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp honey
1/4 tsp fine sea salt
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Ube Soft-Serve:

1 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp fine sea salt
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Gluten-Free Waffle Cones:

2/3 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
1/3 cup almond flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup whole milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch fine sea salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pistachio Ube Soft-Serve Cones

Directions

Pistachio Soft-Serve:
- In a saucepan, combine the pistachios and milk. Bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes.
- Blend the mixture until smooth, then strain it through a fine sieve or cheesecloth, pressing to extract as much liquid as possible.
- In a clean saucepan, combine the pistachio milk, heavy cream, sugar, honey, salt, and vanilla. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves. Chill the mixture completely.
Ube Soft-Serve:
- In a blender, combine ube halaya, milk, cream, sugar, salt, and vanilla. Blend until smooth. Chill the mixture completely in the refrigerator.
Churn the Soft-Serve Bases:
- Churn each base separately in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions, until a soft-serve consistency is reached.
- For the swirl effect, transfer both bases into separate piping bags. Pipe them simultaneously into a third, larger piping bag fitted with a large star tip to create the swirled effect when dispensing.
Make the Waffle Cones:
- Preheat a waffle cone maker or pizzelle iron.
- In a bowl, whisk together both flours, sugar, and salt. Add the eggs, melted butter, milk, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour 2 tablespoons of batter onto the iron, close, and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden. Quickly shape the hot waffle around a cone mold and allow it to cool and harden.
Assemble the Cones:
- Pipe the pistachio and ube soft-serve swirl into the cooled cones. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with chopped pistachios or ube crumbs for added texture and flavor.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 portions
Preparation Time: 35 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Overall Time: 50 minutes

Variations

For a vegan version, substitute dairy ingredients with coconut milk and use non-dairy butter.
If you don’t have a waffle cone maker, you can use store-bought gluten-free cones or even create a cone shape using parchment paper and a homemade batter.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cones in an airtight container to maintain the crispness of the cones.
If you have leftover soft-serve, transfer it into an airtight container and freeze. Before serving, let it soften slightly at room temperature for a few minutes to regain its creamy consistency.
If you prefer, you can also store the soft-serve bases separately and swirl them just before serving.

FAQs

How do I make sure the pistachio soft-serve is smooth?

To ensure a smooth pistachio base, make sure to strain the blended mixture thoroughly using a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solids.

Can I make the soft-serve ahead of time?

Yes, you can make both the pistachio and ube soft-serve ahead of time and store them in the freezer until you’re ready to serve.

What is ube halaya, and where can I find it?

Ube halaya is a Filipino purple yam jam that is often used in desserts. It can be found in Asian or Filipino grocery stores, or you can also make it at home.

Can I use a different type of flour for the waffle cones?

Yes, you can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour with regular flour if you’re not concerned about gluten, but the recipe is designed to be gluten-free.

Can I use a store-bought ice cream cone instead of making my own?

Absolutely! If you prefer to skip making the cones, you can use store-bought gluten-free cones or any cone of your choice.

How do I make the swirl effect with the soft-serve?

To get a perfect swirl, pipe both the pistachio and ube soft-serves into a large piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe them together into the cones.

How long do these cones stay fresh?

The cones stay crisp for about 1-2 days when stored properly in an airtight container. The soft-serve should be eaten immediately or within a few hours of being piped into the cones.

Can I freeze the cones with the soft-serve in them?

It’s best to serve these cones immediately after assembling, as freezing the soft-serve-filled cones can make the cones lose their crispness. You can freeze the soft-serve separately and assemble the cones just before serving.

Is this recipe suitable for people with nut allergies?

Unfortunately, this recipe contains pistachios. If you have nut allergies, you can try using a nut-free ice cream base or choose a different flavor profile altogether.

Can I add other toppings to the soft-serve?

Yes! Feel free to garnish your cones with toppings like chopped pistachios, toasted coconut, sprinkles, or even fresh fruit to add extra texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Pistachio Ube Soft-Serve Cones offer a unique twist on classic frozen treats by combining nutty pistachios and sweet, earthy ube in a smooth, creamy swirl. With a crunchy gluten-free cone to complete the experience, this dessert is as delightful to eat as it is to look at. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering or enjoying it as a special treat, these cones are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress anyone who tries them!