If you are a fan of both traditional tiramisu and unique Filipino flavors, this Ube Tiramisu Recipe is going to become your new favorite dessert. Imagine the creamy, luscious mascarpone filling beautifully swirled with vibrant purple ube halaya, layered between delicate ladyfinger cookies soaked in milk. This no-bake treat combines the classic Italian comfort with the sweet earthy magic of purple yam, making it a show-stopping dessert that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to your taste buds. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this recipe promises a rich, creamy experience with a fun pop of color in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Ube Tiramisu Recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role. From the velvety mascarpone to the sweet ube halaya, every element adds to the creamy texture, rich flavor, and iconic purple hue of this dessert.
- 1 cup ube halaya: Adds the sweet, earthy purple yam flavor and vibrant color that define this tiramisu.
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese (softened): Provides the creamy richness essential to any tiramisu filling.
- 1 cup heavy cream (cold): Whipped to stiff peaks to give the dessert a light, fluffy texture.
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk: Sweetens and smooths the filling, balancing the flavors perfectly.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds aromatic warmth that enhances the overall flavor complexity.
- 1/2 cup milk (or ube-flavored milk): Used to gently soak the ladyfingers, ensuring they’re moist but not soggy.
- 20–24 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi): The classic tiramisu foundation — light, airy, and absorbent.
- Ube extract (optional): For a more intense purple color without altering the taste.
- Ube powder or crushed purple yam cookies (optional): A beautiful topping that adds extra texture and visual appeal.
How to Make Ube Tiramisu Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Mixture
Start by whipping the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form — this gives your tiramisu its signature light and airy texture. In a separate bowl, combine the mascarpone, ube halaya, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until this blend is smooth and creamy, then fold the whipped cream gently into this mixture. For an extra pop of color, add a few drops of ube extract if you have it on hand. The trick here is to fold gently so you keep that fluffy texture intact.
Step 2: Dip the Ladyfingers
Pour milk into a shallow dish — feel free to get creative and use ube-flavored milk or even a splash of brewed espresso for a fusion twist. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the milk, making sure not to soak them. These cookies should be just moist enough to soften slightly without becoming soggy, which keeps your tiramisu layers perfectly textured.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Begin layering your dessert in an 8×8-inch dish by arranging a single layer of the dipped ladyfingers. Spread half of the creamy ube mascarpone mixture evenly over the ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of dipped cookies and finish by spreading the remaining cream mixture on top. Smooth the surface for a beautiful finish.
Step 4: Chill to Set
Cover the tiramisu and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up just right, giving you that signature tiramisu melt-in-your-mouth experience with a delightful ube twist.
How to Serve Ube Tiramisu Recipe
Garnishes
Before serving your Ube Tiramisu Recipe, sprinkle the top with ube powder or crushed purple yam cookies. Not only do these give an extra layer of texture and a burst of vivid purple color, but they also enhance the sweet, earthy notes that ube lovers crave.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with a light fresh fruit salad or a chilled glass of coconut milk for contrast. The tropical notes complement the ube, providing balance by cutting through the dessert’s creamy sweetness. For coffee drinkers, a simple espresso or a subtle iced coffee works wonderfully alongside, marrying traditional tiramisu flavors with the Filipino twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests? Try assembling the Ube Tiramisu Recipe in individual clear glasses or mason jars. This way, each serving shows off the lovely purple layers, creating an eye-catching dessert that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat. Alternatively, top each serving with a small edible purple flower or a mint leaf for a delightful pop of color and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Ube Tiramisu Recipe should be stored in the refrigerator, tightly covered to prevent it from absorbing other odors. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy weekends or unexpected guests.
Freezing
Freezing this dessert is a bit tricky because of its delicate textures, but if you need to store it longer, wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve the creamy consistency as much as possible.
Reheating
Since tiramisu is best served chilled, reheating is not recommended. The dessert’s charm lies in its cool, creamy texture, so enjoy it straight from the fridge for that perfect balance of richness and freshness.
FAQs
Can I use regular yam instead of ube halaya?
Regular yam won’t quite capture the same flavor or vibrant purple color that ube halaya provides. Ube halaya is a cooked and sweetened purple yam jam, which gives the dessert its unique sweetness and texture. For the best results, stick to ube halaya or ube powder.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
You can absolutely make a vegan version by substituting mascarpone with a plant-based cream cheese, and swapping heavy cream for coconut cream. Use a plant-based condensed milk alternative to keep that sweet richness. Keep in mind, this may alter the flavor slightly but still results in a delicious dessert.
How long should I soak the ladyfingers?
Dip them quickly—about one second per side. The goal is to moisten the cookies without letting them become soggy so they can hold the layers together while still tender enough to melt in your mouth after chilling.
Can I add espresso for a traditional tiramisu flavor?
Definitely! You can mix a bit of brewed espresso into the milk when dipping the ladyfingers for a fusion of classic tiramisu and Filipino flavors. It adds a pleasant depth without overpowering the sweet ube notes.
What’s the best way to serve this at a party?
Serving this in individual cups or clear glass containers is a crowd-pleaser. It helps with portion control and looks stunning. Plus, guests love to see those vibrant purple layers shining through.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Ube Tiramisu Recipe that makes dessert time feel special. Combining the bright, earthy tones of ube with creamy mascarpone and the classic softness of ladyfingers brings a wonderful twist to a beloved favorite. Whether you’re making it for friends, family, or just a little self-indulgence, this dessert is a treat that never fails to impress. Give it a try — you might just find yourself reaching for seconds!
Print
Ube Tiramisu Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ube Tiramisu is a delightful no-bake Filipino-inspired dessert featuring layers of creamy ube halaya and mascarpone cheese combined with ladyfinger cookies soaked in milk. This vibrant purple yam treat blends traditional Italian tiramisu elements with the unique flavors of ube, resulting in a rich, luscious dessert that requires minimal preparation and offers a striking presentation perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Ube Cream Mixture
- 1 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ube extract (optional, for deeper color)
Assembly
- 1/2 cup milk (or ube-flavored milk)
- 20–24 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
Topping
- ube powder or crushed purple yam cookies (optional)
Instructions
- Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form, ensuring it holds its shape when lifted with a whisk.
- Combine Ube Mixture: In another large bowl, mix together softened mascarpone cheese, ube halaya, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add a few drops of ube extract if a deeper purple color is desired.
- Fold Whipped Cream: Gently fold the stiff whipped cream into the ube mascarpone mixture, carefully combining to maintain fluffiness without deflating the cream.
- Prepare Ladyfingers: Pour the milk into a shallow bowl. Quickly dip each ladyfinger cookie in the milk, ensuring it’s moist but not soaked, then arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers in an 8×8-inch dish or similar container.
- Layer Ube Mixture: Spread half of the ube mascarpone mixture evenly over the ladyfingers layer, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of dipped ladyfinger cookies, followed by the remaining ube mascarpone cream, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top.
- Chill to Set: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set firmly.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, dust the top with ube powder or crushed purple yam cookies for added texture and visual appeal.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade ube halaya depending on availability and preference.
- For a more traditional tiramisu touch, mix brewed espresso into the milk used for dipping the ladyfingers.
- This dessert is best made ahead of time to allow the flavors to fully meld and the texture to firm up.
- Be careful not to soak the ladyfingers too long in milk to avoid a soggy dessert.
- Optional ube extract enhances the purple color without altering flavor significantly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Filipino-Inspired, Fusion
