Pumpkin Tiramisu: A Cozy Fall Twist on a Classic Dessert
As autumn leaves fall and the air turns crisp, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a Pumpkin Tiramisu. This delightful dessert combines the creamy, indulgent layers of traditional tiramisu with the warm, spiced flavors of pumpkin pie. Silky mascarpone cream, infused with pumpkin puree and aromatic spices, is layered with coffee-soaked ladyfingers and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder. The result is a luxurious, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for fall gatherings, holiday dinners, or a cozy night in. With its make-ahead ease and crowd-pleasing flavors, this pumpkin tiramisu is sure to become a seasonal favorite. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Spice Filling:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling, for pure flavor)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (to sweeten and balance the pumpkin)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for warm, cozy notes)
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (for a touch of earthiness)
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (for a subtle zing)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (for depth and warmth)
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract (to enhance the flavors)
For the Mascarpone Cream:
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened to room temperature (for silky richness)
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream, cold (for light, airy texture)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (to sweeten the cream without graininess)
For the Coffee Soak:
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled to room temperature (espresso or dark roast works best)
- 2 tablespoons dark rum, coffee liqueur, or pumpkin spice liqueur (optional, for a boozy kick)
For Assembly and Garnish:
- 24–30 ladyfingers (Savoiardi biscuits) (crisp, not soft, for the best texture)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting (to add a classic tiramisu finish)
- Optional garnishes: White chocolate shavings, chopped pecans, or candied walnuts for extra flair
Equipment Needed
- Medium and large mixing bowls
- Whisk or hand mixer (stand mixer optional)
- Spatula for folding
- Shallow dish for dipping ladyfingers
- 9×9-inch square baking dish (or 8×8-inch for thicker layers)
- Plastic wrap for chilling
- Fine mesh sieve for dusting cocoa
- Optional: Piping bag for precise cream layering
Instructions
Step 1: Create the Pumpkin Spice Base
The pumpkin filling is the heart of this dessert, bringing together the cozy flavors of fall with a smooth, velvety texture.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup pumpkin puree, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon ginger, ¼ teaspoon cloves, and 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract.
- Whisk until the mixture is smooth and the spices are fully incorporated. The vibrant orange color and warm aroma will instantly evoke fall vibes. Set aside while you prepare the cream.
Step 2: Whip Up the Mascarpone Cream
The mascarpone cream is what makes tiramisu so luxurious. Folding in whipped cream keeps it light and fluffy.
- In a large mixing bowl, use a whisk or hand mixer to beat 8 ounces softened mascarpone cheese until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Be careful not to overmix, as mascarpone can curdle if overworked.
- In a separate chilled bowl, whip 1 ½ cups heavy cream with ¼ cup powdered sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium-high speed. Beat until soft peaks form (the cream should hold its shape but still be light and fluffy), about 2–3 minutes.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone using a spatula, working in small batches to maintain the airy texture. The result should be a smooth, luscious cream.
Step 3: Combine the Pumpkin and Cream
This step marries the spiced pumpkin with the creamy mascarpone for a perfectly balanced filling.
- Add the pumpkin mixture to the mascarpone cream in small increments, folding gently with a spatula until fully combined.
- The final mixture should be light, fluffy, and a beautiful pale orange color with a smooth, creamy consistency. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the coffee soak.
Step 4: Prepare the Coffee Soak
The coffee soak gives the ladyfingers their signature flavor, balancing the sweetness of the cream.
- In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup cooled strong coffee with 2 tablespoons dark rum or coffee liqueur (if using). Stir to blend.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can skip the liqueur or add a splash of vanilla extract or pumpkin spice syrup for extra flavor.
Step 5: Assemble the Tiramisu
Layering is where the magic happens, creating a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Dip the Ladyfingers: Working quickly, dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture for 1–2 seconds per side. Don’t oversoak, or they’ll become mushy. Place the soaked ladyfingers in a single layer in the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish, breaking them as needed to fit snugly. You’ll use about 12–15 ladyfingers for this layer, depending on your dish size.
- Add the First Cream Layer: Spoon half of the pumpkin mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers, spreading it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. For a polished look, you can pipe the cream using a piping bag.
- Repeat the Layers: Add another layer of soaked ladyfingers, arranging them as before. Top with the remaining pumpkin mascarpone cream, smoothing the surface for a clean finish.
Step 6: Chill for Perfection
Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to set for easy slicing.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the cream from absorbing fridge odors.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to let the ladyfingers soften and the flavors deepen.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
The final touches make this dessert a showstopper.
- Just before serving, use a fine mesh sieve to dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder for that classic tiramisu look.
- For extra flair, sprinkle with white chocolate shavings, chopped pecans, or candied walnuts. Slice into 8–10 squares (or smaller pieces for a crowd) and serve chilled on dessert plates with a fork or spoon.
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 4 hours (or overnight for best results)
- Total Time: Approximately 4 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 8–10
Tips for Success
- Use Crisp Ladyfingers: Savoiardi biscuits (hard ladyfingers) are traditional for tiramisu, as they hold their shape better than soft ones. Find them in the Italian section of your grocery store or at specialty markets.
- Don’t Oversoak: Dip ladyfingers quickly to avoid a soggy texture. They should be moist but still hold their shape.
- Make It Ahead: This dessert is perfect for preparing a day in advance, making it ideal for entertaining.
- Cheese Substitute: If mascarpone is unavailable, softened cream cheese blended with a tablespoon of heavy cream can work in a pinch, though the flavor will be slightly tangier.
- Non-Alcoholic Option: Replace the rum or liqueur with extra coffee, apple juice, or a splash of almond extract for a kid-friendly version.
Variations to Try
- Pumpkin Spice Latte Tiramisu: Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder to the pumpkin mixture for a coffee-forward twist.
- Gingersnap Tiramisu: Swap ladyfingers for gingersnap cookies (reduce soaking time) for a spicier, crunchier base.
- Boozy Boost: Use bourbon or amaretto instead of rum for a unique flavor profile.
- Mini Tiramisu Cups: Layer the ingredients in small glasses or mason jars for individual servings, perfect for parties.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Pumpkin Tiramisu is the ultimate fall dessert, blending the creamy decadence of traditional tiramisu with the warm, nostalgic flavors of pumpkin spice. It’s a no-bake recipe, making it accessible for all skill levels, and its make-ahead nature means you can spend more time enjoying your guests (or your cozy evening). The balance of sweet pumpkin, rich mascarpone, and bold coffee creates a dessert that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re serving it at a Thanksgiving feast or a casual autumn get-together, this tiramisu is sure to impress.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your dessert experience with these pairings:
- Serve with a hot cup of coffee, chai latte, or pumpkin spice latte to complement the flavors.
- Pair with a glass of sweet dessert wine, such as Moscato or Vin Santo.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side for extra indulgence.
- For a festive touch, serve alongside cinnamon-dusted apple slices or roasted pears.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, but the texture is best within the first 48 hours.
- Freezing: Tiramisu can be frozen (without garnishes) for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. Dust with cocoa powder after thawing.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the tiramisu up to 24 hours in advance for optimal flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 300–320 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 15g
Note: Values vary based on specific brands and optional garnishes.
