Ever had those days where all you want is something sweet, creamy, and honestly just different from the usual? Cherry Ube Dream creamy, dreamy & dessert-worthy is exactly the fix for that craving. I was stuck in a dessert rut and stumbled onto this wild flavor combo, like merging cardamom cherry delights with good ol’ Filipino nostalgia. Not kidding, it’s a showoff at potlucks—people don’t even ask what it is before digging in. Oh, and if you’re looking for a drink to go with it? Try the cherry bomb mocktail for parties. Anyway, lemme tell you why this creamy treat is my new favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Okay, full honesty. When I first heard about Cherry Ube Dream, I kinda rolled my eyes. But then one bite—my brain was like, what is this flavor magic? Ube makes it ultra creamy and purple (so pretty for pics, right?). Then cherries bring their sweet-tart superpower. Kids? They beg for seconds. Adults? Pretend they’re only “tasting” but always go back for another spoonful.
If you’re fed up with boring vanilla or predictable chocolate, this is the cure. It’s sorta tropical, a smidge retro, and definitely not bland. This cherry ube dream literally tastes like something you’d get at a five-star restaurant, but… you know, from your kitchen. And if you’ve never tried ube before? Now’s the moment. The flavors just work.
Essential Ingredients for Success
Alright, you honestly only need a handful of basic items, nothing weird if you’ve been near a Filipino grocery or a halfway decent supermarket. So here’s the thing: canned ube jam is the secret weapon. It gives you that rich, nutty flavor without the fuss. You’ll also need sweet cherries (fresh or frozen, no worries), some heavy cream, condensed milk, a little vanilla, and trust me—don’t skip the condensed milk, it’s the backbone here.
Fresh cherries make it feel seasonal and fancy but use what you can find. Ube jam? I buy Jar’d brand, but anything from the Filipino aisle works. If you want to do this all from scratch, I salute you. But don’t let perfect be the enemy of dessert, right?
Step-by-Step Instructions
So, I’m not a huge fan of complicated directions—I mean, who has time to sift and fold and all that fancy stuff? You just mash up the ube jam in a bowl, pour in the condensed milk, the cherry bits, and give it a quick mix. Whip the cream in another bowl (an electric mixer is your friend here, unless you wanna work your arm muscles). Then fold everything together—carefully, yes, but don’t stress if a streak of purple peeks through.
Stick all that in a lined pan or pretty serving bowl. Freeze it for at least five hours. You can scoop like ice cream or slice like cake. Either way, it’s heavenly.
Creative Variations
You wanna mess around with this Cherry Ube Dream? Totally encouraged. Sometimes, I add a splash of almond extract—wild, but so good. If you want it a bit lighter, blend in some Greek yogurt for tang. And, occasionally, I’ll swirl in fudge or even use blueberries if I’m out of cherries (not technically legal, but hey).
Honestly, you can toss in nuts, top it with more cherries, or go wild with zesty cherry lime mocktails on the side. The basic recipe’s super forgiving, so play a bit. Cooking’s about fun, right?
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Here’s where I get real with what actually works. Chill your mixing bowl before whipping cream—your grandma was right about this, trust me. Go easy while folding; it keeps things fluffy instead of gloopy. Let it defrost for a few minutes before slicing, unless you really enjoy wielding a butter knife against frozen dessert (not fun). And for maximum cherry flavor? Layer in loads of cherries. Don’t be shy.
If you’re packing it for a picnic (been there), store it in a chill bag with a big ol’ ice pack. Also, line your pan with parchment if you want clean slices. Lazy hacks, but they work every time.
Storage and Meal Prep Benefits
Let’s be real, we’re all about leftovers—nobody’s making this Cherry Ube Dream for just one night. In my house, it lasts maybe… three days before it’s mysteriously vanished (fridge raiders at work). Keep it covered in the freezer. It actually doesn’t get that icy, thanks to the condensed milk.
This dessert is clutch for meal prepping if you’ve got a brunch, birthday or some potluck chaos ahead. Make it way ahead, forget about it, then pull it out when everyone is staring at you for dessert. It’s pure magic for last-minute hosting emergencies.
Storage Location | Best Container | How Long | Pro Tip |
---|---|---|---|
Freezer | Airtight pan or tub | 2 weeks | Layer parchment for zero sticking |
Fridge (for leftovers) | Covered bowl | 2 days max | Let thaw for easy scooping |
On-the-go | Insulated bag | Same day | Big ice pack equals happy dessert |
Nutritional Benefits
Let’s not kid ourselves—it’s dessert. But, compared to boxed cakes or store-bought pints, cherry ube dream has some redeeming features. Ube actually packs fiber, a decent hit of potassium, and some vitamin C (surprise). Cherries? Full of antioxidants—like, genuinely good for you, not just a rumor.
Yes, there’s sugar. Yes, there’s cream. But hey, you know exactly what goes in it. No weird preservatives, no tongue-twister chemical names. It’s a treat, so treat yourself smartly.
Serving Suggestions
Here’s some fun ways to serve this cherry ube dream (I swear, it makes you look like a dessert genius):
- Slice thick, top with fresh cherries or even a dollop of whipped cream.
- Make tiny cubes and stick toothpicks in ‘em for a party tray.
- Layer squares in a parfait glass with granola and a drizzle of cherry syrup.
- Pair with this refreshing cherry mojito mocktail if you wanna feel extra fancy.
Common Questions
Q: Can I use other fruits?
A: Totally! Blueberries or raspberries play nice, though cherries are my favorite for that sweet-tart kick.
Q: What’s the deal with ube jam—do I have to hunt it down?
A: You can find it at Asian supermarkets, or order online. Don’t skip it, though—the flavor is everything.
Q: Can I make cherry ube dream vegan?
A: Try coconut cream and plant-based condensed milk. Not exactly the same, but still really tasty.
Q: How do I slice it without making a mess?
A: Run your knife under hot water, wipe, then slice. Works every time (well… almost).
Q: Any cool drinks to go along with it?
A: Yup! I love it with a cherry cardamom rebel float or a cold cherry rose pistachio latte.
“Honestly, the first time I brought Cherry Ube Dream to my office, my coworkers asked for the recipe before the lunch break ended. It has become my go-to for every potluck!” — Jenna L., Seattle
Ready for a Sweet Switch-Up?
There you go—cherry ube dream is simple, a little quirky, and a ton of creamy reward. Once you try it, you’ll want to skip boring store desserts forever. So nab those cherries, snag some ube, and dive into something fun. And if you’re feeling inspired, check out the Exquisite Korean Custom Cakes Menu for even more dessert ideas—for when you don’t wanna make anything at all! You can even get inspired by how they plate things for your own homemade twist. Time to enjoy, friend—you got this.
Cherry Ube Dream
A creamy and dreamy dessert that combines the rich flavors of ube and sweet cherries, perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 300 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: Filipino
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned ube jam
- 1 cup sweet cherries, pitted and chopped
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mash the ube jam in a bowl.
- Pour in the condensed milk and add the chopped cherries, mix quickly.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the ube mixture until combined.
- Transfer to a lined pan or serving bowl and freeze for at least five hours.
- Scoop or slice to serve.
Notes
For variations, add almond extract or swirl in fudge. Use parchment to line your pan for easy slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Cherry Ube Dream, dessert, creamy dessert, ube, cherries, potluck, Filipino dessert