There’s something super special about this Ube Tiramisu in a Jar.
It’s rich, creamy, a little fancy—but honestly so easy to throw together.
If you love ube (that beautiful purple yam), and if you love tiramisu, this is the dessert mash-up you didn’t know you needed.
It’s no-bake, comes together in about 20 minutes, and looks so cute in little jars.
Perfect for parties, gifting, or just treating yourself on a regular Tuesday. Let’s get into it!
🧾 What You’ll Need
- 1 cup ube halaya (ube jam)
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pack ladyfinger cookies (about 24 pieces)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons ube extract
- Crushed ube cookies or graham crackers for topping
- Optional: extra whipped cream for topping
- Mason jars or small clear cups for serving
💜 Why I Love This Recipe
This one’s personal for me. My cousin brought Ube Tiramisu to a family BBQ last summer, and we all flipped over it. I made it again the next week and tweaked it into these little jars, and now they’re a regular favorite around here.
- No baking needed
- Sweet and earthy flavor from the ube
- Makes great little gifts or party treats
- Feels fancy, but honestly so easy
- Stays great in the fridge
👩🍳 Pro Tips
- Use cold heavy cream for easier whipping.
- Ube halaya can be thick—warm it slightly to mix better.
- Don’t oversoak the ladyfingers—they fall apart fast.
- Make the layers neat so they show through the jars.
- Chill at least 2 hours for best flavor!
🍴 Tools You’ll Nee
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Small saucepan (optional if warming halaya)
- Mason jars or clear serving cups
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- Swap mascarpone with cream cheese if needed
- Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream
- Use sponge cake instead of ladyfingers
- Add shredded coconut for extra texture
- Layer in fresh fruit like mango for a twist
🕒 Make Ahead Tips
Make the full jars up to 2 days ahead! Just keep them sealed and chilled in the fridge.
🍽 Servings & Time
Servings: 6 jars
Total Time: 20 minutes + chilling
🧠 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Whipping the cream adds air, making the mascarpone mixture light and fluffy. The ladyfingers soak up the milk and ube extract, softening into spongey layers that hold everything together. Ube adds a starchy, earthy sweetness that pairs perfectly with creamy textures.
📋 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Whip the Cream
In a bowl, whip 1 cup cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Ube Cream Mixture
In another bowl, mix 1 cup mascarpone, 1 cup ube halaya (slightly warmed), 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Fold in the whipped cream gently.
Step 3: Soak the Ladyfingers
In a shallow bowl, mix 1/2 cup whole milk with 2 tbsp ube extract. Dip each ladyfinger quickly—don’t let them soak too long.
Step 4: Layer the Jars
Start with a layer of soaked ladyfingers, then a scoop of the ube cream. Repeat for two layers. Top with crushed ube cookies and a swirl of whipped cream if you like.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Chill for at least 2 hours before serving. Even better overnight!
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
Store jars in the fridge with lids for up to 3 days. Not freezer-friendly—cream texture won’t hold up.
❗Common Mistakes
- Oversoaking ladyfingers: Makes them mushy. Quick dip only!
- Overmixing cream and mascarpone: It’ll deflate and turn soupy.
- Using warm cream: It won’t whip—must be cold!
🍽 What to Serve With
- Iced matcha latte
- Mango sago
- Coconut milk tea
- Grilled BBQ skewers (for a party pairing)
- Toasted cashews or macadamia nuts on the side
❓FAQ
Can I use ube powder instead of ube halaya?
Not really for this one—ube halaya gives the best creamy, rich texture and flavor.
Is this super sweet?
It’s sweet but balanced. The mascarpone and cream tone down the sugar.
What kind of jars work best?
Small 4–6 oz mason jars are perfect. You can also use clear plastic cups for parties!
Do I have to use ladyfingers?
They’re ideal, but sponge cake cut into strips works in a pinch.
🥄 Meal Plan Ideas
- Lunch: Grilled chicken with garlic rice + cucumber salad
- Dinner: Baked salmon with miso glaze + stir-fried veggies
- Dessert: Ube Tiramisu in a Jar
🏁 Wrap-Up
If you love ube, you’re going to love this twist on tiramisu. It’s colorful, creamy, and just the right mix of indulgent and light. I’d love to hear how yours turns out—drop a comment below if you try it, or have questions. Can’t wait for you to dig in! 💜
