Purple Ube Tiramisu

Get ready to fall in love with the Purple Ube Tiramisu—a vibrant twist on the classic Italian dessert! This isn’t just your typical tiramisu; it’s a luscious, creamy, and visually stunning treat that combines the traditional coffee-soaked ladyfingers with the sweet, earthy flavor of ube (purple yam). Imagine layers of rich, velvety mascarpone cream, a subtle hint of coconut, and that irresistible purple hue. It’s sweet, indulgent, and totally show-stopping—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something a little different. Trust me, once you taste this, you’ll wonder why you’ve never had ube tiramisu before!

Why You’ll Love Purple Ube Tiramisu

Here’s why this dessert will quickly become a favorite:

• Colorful and Eye-Catching: The deep purple color of the ube adds a fun, vibrant twist to the classic tiramisu, making it the perfect conversation starter at any party or gathering.
• Sweet and Subtle Flavor: Ube’s earthy, mildly sweet flavor pairs beautifully with the richness of the mascarpone cream, creating a balanced dessert that’s just the right amount of sweet.
• Unique Yet Familiar: If you love traditional tiramisu, this variation will feel comforting yet exciting, giving you a new flavor profile to enjoy while still keeping that signature tiramisu feel.
• No-Bake & Easy to Make: This dessert comes together in no time, no baking required! Layer everything up, chill, and let the flavors meld for a perfect, fuss-free treat.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday, a dinner party, or a sweet treat to end your week, this colorful dessert will elevate any occasion.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this gorgeous and delicious dessert:

• Ladyfingers: The classic base of tiramisu that soaks up the ube-flavored syrup and provides that signature texture.
• Mascarpone Cheese: The creamy, rich filling that makes tiramisu what it is—smooth, decadent, and slightly tangy.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps to create the perfect creamy texture for the mascarpone filling.
• Ube Halaya (Ube Jam/Paste): This is the star of the show! It’s what gives the dessert its beautiful purple color and earthy flavor.
• Sugar: To sweeten the mascarpone mixture and balance out the flavors.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the mascarpone cream and complements the ube flavor.
• Coconut Milk or Coconut Cream: For a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the ube.
• Strong Coffee or Coffee Liqueur: Adds depth and the traditional tiramisu flavor, but you can also use a coffee substitute if preferred.
• Cocoa Powder or Ground Ube (for dusting): For the finishing touch on top—either classic cocoa powder or a little more ube to keep the theme going!

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to assemble this gorgeous dessert? Let’s go!

Step 1: Make the Ube Cream

In a large mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, ube halaya, sugar, vanilla extract, and coconut milk until it’s smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened. The mixture should hold soft peaks but not be too stiff. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed!

Step 2: Prepare the Coffee Syrup

In a shallow dish, combine the strong coffee or coffee liqueur with a little bit of sugar (optional). This will be used to soak the ladyfingers. You can also add a splash of vanilla or even a bit of rum for an extra depth of flavor!

Step 3: Layer the Tiramisu

Take your ladyfingers and quickly dip them into the coffee syrup one by one (don’t soak them too long, or they’ll get soggy!). Layer the dipped ladyfingers at the bottom of a 9×9-inch dish or individual serving cups.

Step 4: Add the Ube Cream

Spread a generous layer of the ube mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers, smoothing it out evenly. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and another layer of the ube cream, finishing with a smooth top layer of the cream.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the tiramisu to set up beautifully.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, dust the top of the tiramisu with either cocoa powder or ground ube for a beautiful finishing touch. Slice, serve, and watch your guests fall in love with this colorful, indulgent treat!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 320
Total Fat: 22g
Sodium: 120mg
Total Carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 16g
Protein: 4g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

How to Serve Purple Ube Tiramisu

This colorful dessert can be served in several fun and elegant ways:

• Individual Servings: Serve this tiramisu in small cups or jars for a fun, personal touch at your gathering.
• With Fresh Berries: Top each serving with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a pop of freshness and a touch of contrast to the rich ube flavor.
• Tropical Twist: Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes on top for an extra tropical crunch.
• Chilled Coffee: Pair this dessert with a chilled coffee or a cold brew for a refreshing contrast to the creamy sweetness of the tiramisu.

Additional Tips

• Ube Halaya Substitute: If you can’t find ube jam, you can make your own at home or use ube powder mixed with a little water or milk for a similar effect.
• No Coffee? You can skip the coffee and use a sweetened coconut milk syrup or even a fruit syrup to dip the ladyfingers, creating a unique flavor profile.
• Vegan Option: Swap the mascarpone with vegan cream cheese and use coconut cream or a plant-based whipped topping. You can also use plant-based ladyfingers or sponge cake.
• Make Ahead: This dessert is even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld and deepen, so it’s perfect for prepping ahead of time!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different flavor instead of ube?
A1: Absolutely! You can replace the ube with matcha for a green tea version or even a berry puree for a fruity twist.

Q2: How long can I keep leftovers?
A2: Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap.

Q3: Can I freeze this tiramisu?
A3: While tiramisu is best served fresh, you can freeze individual portions for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Q4: Can I use store-bought ladyfingers?
A4: Yes, store-bought ladyfingers work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to dip them quickly in the coffee syrup to avoid sogginess.

Q5: Can I use regular whipped cream instead of heavy cream?
A5: You can, but heavy cream will give a thicker, richer texture that’s ideal for tiramisu. Whipped cream is lighter and may not hold the layers as well.

Q6: How do I prevent the cream from being too runny?
A6: Ensure you’re using mascarpone cheese that’s at room temperature, and beat the cream until it forms soft peaks to achieve the perfect consistency.

Q7: Can I add alcohol to this recipe?
A7: Yes! You can add a splash of rum, coffee liqueur, or even amaretto to the coffee syrup for extra flavor.

Q8: Can I make this without coconut milk?
A8: Yes, you can skip the coconut milk and use regular cream or even a bit of milk for a lighter version.

Q9: How do I know when the tiramisu is set?
A9: The tiramisu will be firm but creamy when fully chilled. The layers should hold their shape, and the cream will be thick and luscious.

Q10: Can I use a different dish to serve this?
A10: Of course! You can use a trifle dish, small cups, or even individual dessert glasses to serve this tiramisu.

Conclusion

Purple Ube Tiramisu is an unforgettable dessert that combines the best of both worlds—rich, creamy tiramisu with the earthy, sweet flavor of ube. With its stunning purple color, tropical twist, and irresistible flavor, it’s the perfect way to elevate any occasion. Whether you’re sharing it with friends, family, or just indulging in something special, this dessert is sure to leave everyone asking for seconds. Dig in, enjoy, and let the beauty of ube take center stage!

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