Ube Tiramisu Delight
This no-bake Ube Tiramisu offers a stunning fusion of Italian and Filipino desserts, blending the nutty sweetness of purple yam with rich mascarpone cream, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and a vibrant ube finish. A unique, crowd-pleasing treat that’s both flavorful and visually captivating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ube Tiramisu Delight brings together two beloved classics: the elegant structure of tiramisu and the bold flavor of ube, a sweet purple yam popular in Filipino desserts. The result is a creamy, dreamy dessert with layers of soft espresso-dipped ladyfingers and a light, whipped ube mascarpone filling. This no-bake treat is not only easy to make, but also a visually stunning addition to any dessert table, with its beautiful lavender hue and delicate ube powder dusting.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 24 ladyfinger biscuits (savoiardi)
- 1 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Ube powder for dusting
- Optional: extra ube halaya or a few drops of ube extract for deeper color
Directions
- Prepare the Whipped Cream:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Set aside.
- Make the Ube Mascarpone Filling:
- In another bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, ube halaya, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and salt.
- Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Combine the Cream Mixture:
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the ube mascarpone mixture. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble the Tiramisu:
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger biscuit into the cooled espresso, making sure not to soak them too long.
- Arrange a single layer of dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of an 8×8-inch dish.
- Spread half of the ube cream mixture over the ladyfingers.
- Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining cream.
- Chill and Set:
- Smooth the top with a spatula. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the tiramisu to firm up.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Just before serving, dust generously with ube powder. Optionally, pipe or spoon extra ube halaya on top for presentation.
Servings and timing
Servings: 9 servings
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 325 kcal
Variations
- Extra Color Boost: Add a drop of ube extract to intensify the purple hue.
- Coconut Flavor: Mix in a tablespoon of coconut milk or top with toasted coconut flakes.
- No Coffee Version: Substitute espresso with warm milk mixed with a touch of vanilla or coconut milk for a caffeine-free alternative.
- Nutty Texture: Sprinkle crushed cashews or macadamia nuts between the layers for a bit of crunch.
- Mini Servings: Assemble in individual cups or jars for an elegant, portioned dessert.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover tiramisu in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
This dessert is best served chilled and does not require reheating.
Freezing is not recommended, as it may affect the creamy texture.
FAQs
What is ube halaya?
Ube halaya is a Filipino dessert made from mashed purple yam, sugar, and condensed milk. It has a sweet, nutty flavor and a rich, creamy texture.
Can I make this without mascarpone?
Yes, you can substitute mascarpone with cream cheese, though the texture will be slightly denser.
Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso?
Yes, strong brewed instant coffee works as a substitute. Let it cool before using.
Is this dessert very sweet?
It is moderately sweet, thanks to the ube halaya and powdered sugar. Adjust the sugar to taste if needed.
Can I prepare this a day in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, chilling overnight improves the texture and flavor.
Where can I buy ube powder or halaya?
Asian grocery stores or online specialty shops usually carry ube products.
What kind of ladyfingers should I use?
Traditional savoiardi ladyfingers are best. Avoid soft sponge-style ones.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, but you can use gluten-free ladyfingers to make it gluten-free.
Can I make this without coffee for kids?
Yes, substitute the coffee with milk or coconut milk for a child-friendly version.
How do I keep the layers neat?
Use a small offset spatula to evenly spread the cream and refrigerate the tiramisu long enough to set before slicing.
Conclusion
Ube Tiramisu Delight is a refreshing and creative take on a beloved classic. With layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and luscious ube mascarpone cream, this dessert offers an unforgettable experience in both taste and appearance. It’s an easy, no-bake showstopper that combines Italian elegance with vibrant Filipino flavor—perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or simply indulging in something unique and delightful.
Print
Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie
- Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A dreamy twist on the classic Italian dessert, this Ube Tiramisu combines creamy mascarpone and ube halaya for a vibrant, no-bake treat with layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and whipped ube cream.
Ingredients
- 24 ladyfinger biscuits (savoiardi)
- 1 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Ube powder for dusting
- Optional: extra ube halaya or ube extract for enhanced color
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- In a separate bowl, mix mascarpone cheese with ube halaya, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the ube mascarpone mixture until fully incorporated.
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled espresso and arrange a layer in the bottom of an 8×8-inch dish.
- Spread half of the ube cream mixture over the ladyfingers.
- Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining ube cream.
- Smooth the top and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to set.
- Just before serving, dust generously with ube powder and optionally garnish with more ube halaya.
Notes
- Ensure the mascarpone is at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Do not soak ladyfingers too long in coffee to avoid sogginess.
- Chilling overnight yields the best texture and flavor.
- Use ube extract for deeper color if desired.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 325 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg