Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is an ideal blend of comfort and creativity. It’s a fun twist on the traditional tiramisu, making it approachable for those looking to explore new ingredients like ube. The individual jars make serving a breeze, whether for parties, picnics, or a personal indulgence. With minimal prep and no baking required, it’s as convenient as it is indulgent. Plus, the eye-catching purple hue and layers of texture make it a show-stopping dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- ½ cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp ube extract
- 1 cup brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
- 1 pack ladyfingers (savoiardi)
- Optional: shredded coconut, ube crumbs, or purple yam powder for topping
Directions
Step 1: Brew and Cool the Coffee
Prepare a strong cup of coffee or espresso and allow it to cool completely. This will be used to briefly dip the ladyfingers, adding a touch of bitterness to balance the sweetness of the filling.
Step 2: Make the Ube Cream
Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, mix mascarpone cheese, ube halaya, sweetened condensed milk, and ube extract until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream to create a light, lavender-hued filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Jars
Quickly dip ladyfingers into the cooled coffee—just a second or two—and place a layer at the bottom of each jar. Add a scoop of ube cream filling, then repeat the layers until the jars are full. Finish with a final layer of cream on top.
Step 4: Chill and Garnish
Cover the jars and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Before serving, sprinkle shredded coconut, ube crumbs, or purple yam powder on top for added texture and visual appeal.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 4 to 6 dessert jars, depending on the size of the jars used.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Chill time: 4 hours minimum
Total time: 4 hours and 25 minutes
Variations
- Decaf Option: Use decaffeinated coffee for a kid-friendly version.
- Crunchy Layers: Add crushed graham crackers or cookies between layers for extra texture.
- Fruit Infusion: Include diced mango or jackfruit between layers for a tropical twist.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free alternatives for mascarpone, cream, and condensed milk to make it vegan.
- Liqueur Layer: Add a splash of coffee liqueur or rum to the coffee for an adult-only version.
- Cocoa Dusting: Dust the top with cocoa powder instead of ube powder for a classic touch.
- Swirl Extra Ube: Drizzle pure ube halaya between layers for stronger flavor and visual flair.
- Nut Topping: Add toasted coconut flakes or chopped cashews on top for a crunchy bite.
- Serve in Cups: Use clear plastic or glass cups if you don’t have jars.
- Less Sweet: Reduce sweetened condensed milk if you prefer a more subtle sweetness.
storage/reheating
Store assembled jars in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, covered with lids or plastic wrap.
This dessert is best enjoyed chilled. Do not freeze or reheat, as the texture of the cream may be affected.
FAQs
What is ube, and how is it different from purple sweet potato?
Ube is a purple yam native to the Philippines. It’s distinct from purple sweet potatoes, with a nuttier, sweeter flavor and a denser, starchier texture.
Can I make this dessert a day in advance?
Yes, making it a day ahead is ideal as it allows the flavors to develop and the layers to set.
Where can I find ube halaya?
Ube halaya can be found in Asian grocery stores or online, typically in jars or cans. You can also make it from scratch using frozen or fresh grated ube.
Can I substitute cream cheese for mascarpone?
Yes, cream cheese can be used as a substitute, though it will result in a tangier flavor and firmer texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free ladyfingers or sponge cake alternatives.
Can I freeze the jars?
Freezing is not recommended, as it may alter the texture of the cream and ladyfingers.
How long will this last in the fridge?
Stored properly, the jars will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Can I use regular milk instead of condensed milk?
No, condensed milk is key for the sweet, creamy texture. If you substitute, you’ll need to adjust sweetness and thickness accordingly.
What can I use instead of ube extract?
If you can’t find ube extract, you can omit it. The flavor will be more subtle, relying solely on the ube halaya.
Do I need a stand mixer to make the cream?
No, a hand mixer or even a whisk and some elbow grease will work to whip the cream and mix the filling.
Conclusion
Ube Tiramisu in a Jar brings together the best of two culinary traditions in a dessert that’s as stunning as it is satisfying. With its creamy layers, vibrant purple hue, and portable presentation, it’s perfect for entertaining or enjoying solo. Whether you’re already a fan of ube or trying it for the first time, this recipe delivers a delicious and memorable experience with every bite.
Ube Tiramisu in a Jar
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes (including chill time)
- Yield: 4–6 jars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ube Tiramisu in a Jar is a vibrant twist on the classic Italian dessert, blending Filipino flavors with creamy layers of ube halaya, mascarpone, and coffee-soaked ladyfingers. Served in individual jars, it’s a perfect treat for gatherings, picnics, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup mascarpone cheese
½ cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp ube extract
1 cup brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
1 pack ladyfingers (savoiardi)
Optional: shredded coconut, ube crumbs, or purple yam powder for topping
Instructions
- Brew a strong cup of coffee or espresso and let it cool completely.
- Whip the heavy cream in a bowl until soft peaks form.
- In a separate bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, ube halaya, sweetened condensed milk, and ube extract until smooth.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the ube mixture until fully incorporated.
- Quickly dip ladyfingers into the cooled coffee, breaking them in half if needed to fit the jars.
- Layer dipped ladyfingers at the bottom of each jar, followed by a scoop of the ube cream mixture. Repeat layers until jars are filled, ending with the cream mixture.
- Cover jars and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, top with shredded coconut, ube crumbs, or purple yam powder.
Notes
You can use decaf coffee for a kid-friendly version.
Add crushed graham crackers between layers for extra texture.
Store-bought ube halaya works well, but homemade is even better.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Filipino-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
