If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that dazzles in both taste and appearance, this Purple Ube Tiramisu Recipe is a must-try. Combining the creamy decadence of classic tiramisu with the vibrant, subtly sweet flavors of ube, this dish brings a delightful twist to your dessert table. The luscious purple hue from the ube halaya makes every bite visually captivating, while the mascarpone and coffee layers offer that familiar rich texture you love. It’s an indulgence that feels both comforting and exciting, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a special treat for yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients will set the stage for your beautiful Purple Ube Tiramisu Recipe. Each component plays a vital role in creating the rich texture, vibrant color, and balanced sweetness that make this dessert irresistible.
- 1 cup ube halaya: The star ingredient that gives the tiramisu its signature purple color and unique sweet flavor.
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese: Provides the creamy, smooth base that is classic to any tiramisu.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds lightness and fluffiness to the filling when whipped.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling delicately without overpowering the ube.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Helps adjust the filling’s consistency, ensuring it spreads beautifully.
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee: Infuses the ladyfingers with that signature bitter edge to balance the sweet cream.
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional): Elevates the coffee flavor with a subtle warmth and complexity.
- 24 ladyfingers: The classic tiramisu base — crisp yet spongey to soak up the coffee.
- Cocoa powder: For dusting the top, adding a final, elegant finish.
- Shredded coconut or ube crumbs (optional): Extra garnishes that give texture and an extra pop of flavor.
How to Make Purple Ube Tiramisu Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the ube filling
Begin by mixing the ube halaya, mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Whisk this combination together until you achieve a silky, smooth, and creamy texture. If the mixture feels too thick to spread easily, slowly add milk one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the perfect consistency. This fluffy layer is what makes the tiramisu so irresistibly soft while delivering that gorgeous purple color.
Step 2: Prepare the coffee mixture
In a shallow dish, blend the cooled brewed coffee with coffee liqueur if you’re using it. This mixture is crucial because it will soak the ladyfingers just enough to add moisture and a hint of bold coffee flavor without becoming soggy.
Step 3: Assemble the tiramisu
Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, being careful to avoid soaking them too long. Arrange a neat layer of these dipped ladyfingers at the bottom of your 9×9-inch dish or an equivalently sized serving dish. This will form your tiramisu’s foundational layer and soak up all those wonderful coffee notes.
Step 4: Layer the ube filling
Spoon half of the luscious ube filling over the ladyfingers and smooth it out evenly. Add another layer of ladyfingers dipped in coffee, followed by the remaining ube cream filling. This layering builds beautiful contrast and texture between the creamy ube mixture and the spongy, coffee-soaked biscuits.
Step 5: Chill and set
Cover the dish and refrigerate your tiramisu for at least four hours, or better yet, overnight. This step is essential because it allows the flavors to meld harmoniously while the tiramisu sets to the perfect firmness for slicing and serving. Patience here rewards you with that iconic tiramisu mouthfeel and flavor blend.
Step 6: Final touch
Just before serving, dust the top lightly with cocoa powder, which adds a slight bitterness and visual contrast. For an extra special flourish, sprinkle shredded coconut or ube crumbs on top to elevate flavor complexity and add a lovely texture contrast. Now your Purple Ube Tiramisu Recipe is ready to impress!
How to Serve Purple Ube Tiramisu Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes can take your Purple Ube Tiramisu Recipe from lovely to truly show-stopping. A dusting of cocoa powder is classic but feel free to experiment with shredded coconut, toasted nuts, or tiny ube crumbs to add texture and visual appeal. Fresh edible flowers also make a beautiful, elegant addition if you have them on hand.
Side Dishes
This tiramisu is a rich and indulgent dessert, so pairing it with lighter sides works best. Consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a citrus sorbet to provide a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate. A small cup of aromatic tea or espresso complements the coffee flavor within the tiramisu and rounds out the experience beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to switch things up? Try serving your Purple Ube Tiramisu Recipe in individual clear glasses or dessert jars layered for a stunning visual effect. You can also make mini versions using small ramekins or mason jars for a charming party presentation. Draping a delicate lace doily or a sprig of mint beside each serving adds a final touch of elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Due to its creamy nature, Purple Ube Tiramisu Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days, allowing you to savor every last bit without losing freshness or flavor. Always cover tightly to prevent the dessert from absorbing other fridge odors.
Freezing
If you want to keep your tiramisu longer, freezing is an option but with caution. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to two weeks, but be aware freezing can slightly alter the texture of the mascarpone mixture, sometimes making it less creamy after thawing. For best results, thaw it slowly overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Tiramisu is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not recommended. However, if you feel the need to serve it closer to room temperature, allow it to sit out of the fridge for 15-20 minutes before serving rather than applying heat, which can cause the creamy ingredients to break down.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ube instead of ube halaya?
Fresh ube can be used but requires cooking and mashing with sugar to achieve the sweet, creamy consistency of halaya. Ube halaya is preferable because it is already sweetened and smooth, which simplifies the process for this tiramisu.
Is the coffee liqueur necessary?
No, coffee liqueur is optional and adds an extra layer of flavor complexity. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply omit it and use strong brewed coffee alone.
How long should I dip the ladyfingers in coffee?
A quick dip, just one or two seconds, is enough. You want them moist but not soggy, as soaking them too long can make the dessert mushy.
Can I make this tiramisu vegan?
To adapt this recipe for a vegan diet, substitute mascarpone with a vegan cream cheese or coconut cream-based alternative, and use dairy-free cream. Use vegan ladyfingers or sponge cake, and replace any optional liqueur with a coffee extract.
Why is it important to chill the tiramisu overnight?
Chilling allows the flavors to develop fully and the tiramisu to set properly. This results in the perfect creamy yet firm texture that melts in your mouth.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about bringing the vibrant, sweet flavors of ube into a classic tiramisu format, and this Purple Ube Tiramisu Recipe nails it every time. It’s a dessert that invites smiles, compliments, and requests for seconds. Whether you’re making it for a celebration or a simply decadent weekend treat, give this recipe a try—you’re in for a gorgeous, delicious surprise that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Print
Purple Ube Tiramisu Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Filipino-Italian Fusion
Description
This Purple Ube Tiramisu is a vibrant twist on the classic Italian dessert, featuring sweetened ube halaya blended with creamy mascarpone and heavy cream. Layered with coffee-dipped ladyfingers and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder and optional shredded coconut or ube crumbs, this dessert offers a unique combination of flavors and a stunning purple hue, perfect for any celebration or special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Ube Filling
- 1 cup ube halaya (sweetened ube jam)
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (or more if needed for consistency)
For the Coffee Mixture
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
For Assembling the Tiramisu
- 24 ladyfingers
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
- Shredded coconut or ube crumbs (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the ube filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the ube halaya, mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add milk a little at a time to adjust the consistency, ensuring it is spreadable.
- Prepare the coffee mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the cooled brewed coffee and coffee liqueur, if using. Stir well to combine.
- Assemble the tiramisu: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, making sure not to soak them. Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers at the bottom of a 9×9-inch or similar-sized dish.
- Layer the ube filling: Spread half of the ube mixture evenly over the ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining ube filling.
- Chill the tiramisu: Cover the assembled tiramisu and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
- Serve: Before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder and optionally garnish with shredded coconut or ube crumbs for added flavor and texture.
- Enjoy: Serve chilled and enjoy this delightful purple ube tiramisu that is sure to impress your guests.
Notes
- Do not soak the ladyfingers too long in the coffee mixture to prevent sogginess.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the coffee liqueur.
- Adjust milk quantity in the ube filling to achieve the desired spreading consistency.
- Chilling overnight enhances the flavor and texture of the tiramisu.
- Garnishes like shredded coconut or ube crumbs add a nice visual and textural contrast.
