Ube Tiramisu Recipe – A Creamy, Colorful Filipino Dessert

Ube Tiramisu is the perfect fusion of Italian comfort and Filipino flavor. If you’ve ever had ube before—its nutty, vanilla-like flavor and signature purple color—you know it’s unforgettable. I first made this dish for a weekend dinner with friends. I wanted something beautiful, creamy, and unique. Ube gave classic tiramisu a sweet, earthy twist that had everyone going back for seconds. With its striking layers and irresistible taste, ube tiramisu is a dessert that feels like tradition and innovation in one bite.

The Magic of Ube in Tiramisu

What makes ube so unique?
Ube, or purple yam, is more than just a trendy ingredient—it’s a staple in Filipino kitchens with deep cultural roots. Naturally vibrant in color, ube has a mellow sweetness with notes of vanilla and coconut. Unlike taro or sweet potatoes, its creamy texture and subtle flavor are ideal for desserts. That’s exactly why it works so well in tiramisu.

Instead of traditional coffee-soaked ladyfingers, ube tiramisu layers sponge cake or soaked ladyfingers with ube halaya (a sweet ube jam) and mascarpone cream. It’s a dream pairing. The result is a dessert that’s colorful, light, and totally refreshing.

We used a similar layering idea in our biscoff tiramisu, but this version replaces the spiced caramel flavors with a more floral, tropical profile.

A Filipino twist on an Italian classic
Growing up, ube was always around—ube halaya at holiday feasts, ube ice cream on hot afternoons. When I layered it into tiramisu, the result was surprising in the best way. It didn’t lose the creamy elegance of traditional tiramisu, but it gained a comforting familiarity that made every bite feel like home.

This recipe reflects the same playful balance found in our tiramisu cake, but this time with a burst of purple and a nod to Filipino culture. Whether you’re trying ube for the first time or it’s a flavor you know well, ube tiramisu offers something exciting and delicious.

How to Make Ube Tiramisu at Home

Simple ingredients, bold flavor
Ube Tiramisu might look impressive, but it’s made with easy-to-find ingredients. The stars of the show are ube halaya (purple yam jam), mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, and ladyfingers or soft sponge cake. You’ll also need powdered sugar, vanilla, and optionally, a touch of ube extract for that signature color and extra depth of flavor.

If you’re avoiding gluten, you can also try using our gluten-free ladyfingers. They hold up well to soaking and blend beautifully with the ube flavor.

Here’s a quick look at the core ingredients:

• Ube halaya (store-bought or homemade)
• Mascarpone cheese
• Whipping cream
• Ladyfingers or soft sponge cake
• Powdered sugar
• Ube extract (optional)
• Crushed ube polvoron or coconut flakes (for topping)

Many of these ingredients overlap with our strawberry cake recipe, making it easy to build a dessert pantry that supports multiple creations.

Step-by-step layering magic
Start by whipping the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. In another bowl, mix mascarpone, ube halaya, powdered sugar, and ube extract. Fold the whipped cream gently into the ube mixture until smooth and fluffy.

Dip the ladyfingers briefly in coconut milk or a mix of milk and ube extract—just enough to soften them. Line the bottom of your dish with the soaked cookies or cake, spread a layer of the ube cream, and repeat the process. Finish with a final smooth layer of cream and sprinkle with crushed coconut flakes or ube crumbs.

Let the dessert chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight gives the best flavor and texture. The longer it rests, the more the layers fuse into that classic tiramisu silkiness.

The process is very similar to our biscoff tiramisu, but with a tropical, nutty twist that sets it apart. You’ll end up with a colorful, creamy dessert that tastes as good as it looks.

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Smart Tips and Flavorful Variations for Ube Tiramisu

Easy upgrades for smooth results
If you want your ube tiramisu to be ultra creamy and stable, here’s the trick: start with cold cream and a chilled bowl for whipping. This small step helps create a firm base that holds shape when layered. Stick with full-fat mascarpone—light versions don’t give the same richness.

Ube halaya varies in sweetness, so always taste it before mixing. Adjust your powdered sugar to keep the dessert balanced, not overpowering. And for that extra vibrant color and deeper flavor, a drop or two of ube extract goes a long way.

Letting the tiramisu chill in the fridge is just as important as building it right. Plan ahead and allow it to rest overnight so the flavors meld and the layers soften just enough for that melt-in-your-mouth effect.

Like our chocolate strawberry cake, the layering here is essential to the experience. Each spoonful should feel smooth, sweet, and balanced.

Fun ways to make it your own
Ube tiramisu is easy to personalize. You can go lighter by replacing part of the mascarpone with whipped Greek yogurt—it adds a slight tang that contrasts the sweetness perfectly. Another twist? Soak your ladyfingers in coconut milk for a tropical note that ties beautifully with ube.

For added texture, sprinkle toasted coconut or graham crumbs between layers. If you want to get creative, try individual servings in dessert cups for parties—they’re beautiful, practical, and easy to portion.

To add a true Filipino flavor boost, layer in some macapuno (young coconut strings) or swirl a bit of condensed milk into your cream. You could even crumble polvoron on top for that signature Filipino crunch.

Just like our strawberry pound cake, this dessert shines when you give it a personal twist. Don’t be afraid to experiment—you might end up with a version you love even more.

Serving Ube Tiramisu with Style and Flavor Harmony

Turn every serving into a visual treat
After crafting your ube tiramisu with care, presenting it in a thoughtful way adds that final polish. You can serve it in a classic baking dish for a family-style feel, or go modern with individual glass cups or ramekins. These single servings highlight the vibrant purple layers and creamy textures, making the dessert look as good as it tastes.

Garnish ideas? Try topping each portion with a puff of whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted coconut or ube crumbs. You can also lay a ladyfinger across the top or drizzle a bit of warmed ube jam for a pop of flavor and shine.

This is the same attention to detail we love using in recipes like our tiramisu cake or biscoff tiramisu, where the final touches make all the difference.

Drinks and dishes that pair beautifully
Ube Tiramisu has a soft, sweet richness, so it goes well with drinks that provide contrast or subtle complement. Black tea or ginger tea offers a cleansing finish. For a creamy match, try a lightly sweet coconut milk latte or warm vanilla oat drink.

If you’re planning a full meal, keep the main dishes simple and fresh. Grilled proteins with herbs, light sautéed vegetables, or rice bowls with a hint of spice will help balance out the dessert’s indulgence.

Hosting a casual get-together or brunch? Pair your tiramisu with warm comfort dishes like our yukon gold potatoes or sweet potato taco bowls for a satisfying, well-rounded menu.

No matter how you serve it, the magic of ube tiramisu lies in its effortless charm. Its colors are eye-catching, the taste is comforting, and when served thoughtfully, it becomes more than dessert—it’s an experience your guests won’t forget.

CONCLUSION

Ube Tiramisu isn’t just a dessert—it’s a celebration of color, texture, and tradition. With its rich purple layers and creamy finish, it brings something unique to your table that’s both familiar and exciting. It’s a treat that feels festive yet simple enough for everyday cravings.

Whether you’ve enjoyed ube since childhood or you’re trying it for the first time, this recipe blends the soft charm of Filipino flavors with the elegance of a European classic. And best of all? You don’t need to be a pro to make it. Chill, layer, serve—it’s that easy.

Looking to round out your dessert table? You’ll love the fruity depth of our strawberry pound cake or the zesty twist in our limoncello recipe.

However you enjoy it, Ube Tiramisu has a way of standing out—with its color, with its flavor, and with the memories it helps create.

If you’re craving more inspiration after making this dessert, you can explore our Ube Tiramisu Recipe – A Creamy, Colorful Filipino Dessert for another creative spin on ube halaya. For those who enjoy fruity twists, the Strawberry Tiramisu Dessert offers a vibrant alternative, while the Pineapple Cake Recipe brings a tropical sweetness perfect for summer gatherings. And if you love creamy indulgence, don’t miss our Tiramisu Cheesecake—a fusion that’s as rich and satisfying as it sounds.