Ube Tiramisu

Introduction

If you’re craving a twist on the classic tiramisu, let me introduce you to Ube Tiramisu—trust me, this dessert is a game-changer! Ube, a beautiful purple yam that’s a staple in Filipino desserts, adds a stunning color and a unique, subtly nutty flavor that elevates the traditional tiramisu to a whole new level. Imagine the rich mascarpone cream, the espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and then that gorgeous, sweet, earthy ube flavor throughout. It’s the perfect fusion of East and West, and it’s absolutely delicious.

I first tried ube tiramisu at a family gathering, and I was hooked from the first bite. The combination of creamy mascarpone and the rich, velvety ube is something I never expected to work so perfectly, but it does! Since then, it’s become a favorite dessert in our household. Every time I make it, it’s met with oohs and aahs, and I love seeing how it catches people’s attention—not just for its taste but also its vibrant purple color. If you want to wow your guests or just add a pop of color and flavor to your dessert table, this recipe will definitely do the trick. Trust me, everyone will want a second (or third) serving!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Ube Tiramisu will be your new favorite:

• Beautiful Presentation: The deep purple color of the ube adds an eye-catching twist to the traditional tiramisu, making it a standout dessert for any occasion.
• Unique Flavor: The sweet, earthy flavor of ube is a fantastic complement to the creamy mascarpone and the bold coffee-soaked ladyfingers.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes like it’s straight from a gourmet kitchen.
• Make-Ahead: Like traditional tiramisu, this dessert needs to be made ahead of time, which means you can prepare it and let it chill while you focus on the other parts of your meal.

Preparation Time and Assembly Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes, plus chilling time
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Assembly Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Carbohydrates: 45g, Fat: 25g, Fiber: 3g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this colorful, delicious twist on tiramisu:

For the Ube Cream:

• 1 cup ube halaya (ube jam)
• 1 1/2 cups mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

the Coffee Soaked Ladyfingers:

• 1 1/2 cups strong brewed coffee (or espresso)
• 1/4 cup coffee liqueur (optional)
• 1 pack of ladyfingers (about 24 pieces)

For Garnish:

• Cocoa powder (for dusting)
• Grated chocolate or ube powder (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Ube Halaya: The star of the show! Ube halaya (or ube jam) is a sweet, creamy spread made from boiled ube. It adds that gorgeous purple color and earthy, vanilla-like flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
• Mascarpone Cheese: This rich, creamy cheese is the perfect base for tiramisu. It gives the dessert its signature smooth and velvety texture.
• Ladyfingers: These delicate cookies soak up the coffee, adding a light, spongy texture to the dessert layers.
• Heavy Cream: This helps create a light and airy whipped topping for the ube cream, making each bite melt in your mouth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now let’s get to the fun part: making this beautiful Ube Tiramisu!

Make the Ube Cream:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mascarpone cheese, ube halaya, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. You can use an electric mixer for this to save time.
3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the ube mixture, being careful not to deflate the cream. You want a light and airy texture.
4. Set aside the ube cream and get ready to assemble!

Prepare the Coffee Mixture:

1. Brew a strong cup of coffee (or espresso) and let it cool down for a few minutes. If you’d like an extra kick, mix in the coffee liqueur.
2. Pour the coffee into a shallow dish or bowl, making it easy to dip the ladyfingers.

Assemble the Tiramisu:

1. Briefly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, making sure not to soak them too long (just a quick dunk will do!). Layer the bottom of your serving dish or individual cups with the coffee-soaked ladyfingers.
2. Spread half of the ube cream mixture over the first layer of ladyfingers. Smooth it out with a spatula or spoon.
3. Repeat the process by adding another layer of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and topping it with the remaining ube cream.
4. Once all the layers are assembled, smooth the top layer and cover the dish with plastic wrap.

how to serve

1. Refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set.
2. Just before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder and garnish with grated chocolate or ube powder for that extra pop of color.
3. Slice and serve, and enjoy the oohs and aahs as you present this stunning dessert!

Additional Tips

• Make it Ahead: Like traditional tiramisu, this dessert gets even better as it sits! You can prepare it a day or two in advance, giving the layers time to set and the flavors time to develop.
• Customizable Flavors: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the ube cream by adding more or less powdered sugar, depending on your preference.
• Vegan Version: For a vegan version, swap out the mascarpone for coconut cream and use dairy-free whipped cream. You’ll still get that rich flavor with a plant-based twist.
• Ladyfinger Alternatives: If you can’t find ladyfingers, you can use sponge cake or even pound cake as an alternative.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep your tiramisu tightly covered in the refrigerator. It will last up to 3 days, but I bet it won’t last that long!
• Freezing: While it’s best fresh, you can freeze individual portions of this tiramisu for up to 1 month. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Special Equipment

• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of large bowls for mixing the ube cream and whipping the heavy cream.
• Electric Mixer: While you can whip the cream by hand, an electric mixer makes it easier and quicker.
• Shallow Dish: For soaking the ladyfingers in coffee.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish or Individual Cups: You’ll need a large baking dish if you’re making a traditional tiramisu, or individual serving cups for a more personalized approach.
• Sifter: For dusting cocoa powder or powdered sugar on top of your tiramisu for a neat and even finish.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of the ingredients, ensuring your recipe turns out perfectly.
• Whisk: A good whisk will be handy for mixing the ube and mascarpone mixture by hand if you prefer not to use an electric mixer.
• Spatula: For folding the whipped cream into the ube and mascarpone mixture, and for smoothing out the layers in your serving dish.
• Plastic Wrap: To cover your tiramisu while it chills in the fridge, keeping it fresh and preventing any odors from other foods in the fridge from affecting the flavor.

FAQ Section

Curious about making Ube Tiramisu? Here are some answers to common questions that might pop up while you’re preparing this colorful dessert:

This dessert can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only get better as it sits, so it’s perfect for making ahead of time!

Can I use a different flavor instead of ube?

Yes! Ube is the star of this recipe, but you can easily swap it out with other flavors like matcha, chocolate, or strawberry. Just be sure to adjust the texture accordingly to keep the cream smooth.

Is there a non-dairy version of this recipe?

Absolutely! You can make a dairy-free version by swapping the mascarpone cheese with coconut cream and using dairy-free whipped cream. You’ll still get a creamy, rich texture and a delightful flavor without the dairy.

Can I make this tiramisu without coffee?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of coffee, you can substitute it with tea or fruit juice. Try using a strong brewed herbal tea like chamomile or a fruit juice that complements the ube flavor, such as coconut water.

Can I prepare this dessert in individual servings?

Definitely! Using individual cups or jars is a fun way to serve Ube Tiramisu, and they’re great for portion control. Plus, they make for a cute presentation!

How long does Ube Tiramisu last in the fridge?

Print

Conclusion

This Ube Tiramisu is a stunning and flavorful twist on the classic Italian dessert. The rich, creamy layers of mascarpone combined with the distinct, sweet flavor of ube create a unique and unforgettable treat. The vibrant purple hue adds a pop of color that’s sure to impress at any gathering.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or treating yourself to something sweet, this dessert will be a hit. The creamy texture, balanced sweetness, and bold ube flavor make each bite a little slice of heaven. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and doesn’t require any baking, making it a perfect dessert for when you want something impressive yet simple.

Once you’ve made your Ube Tiramisu, don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations! Enjoy this beautiful and decadent dessert!