If you’re searching for a dessert that beautifully marries the cozy flavors of fall with the elegant charm of a classic Italian treat, this Creamy Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a luscious layering of spiced pumpkin-infused mascarpone cream and coffee-soaked ladyfingers that creates a silky, indulgent experience in every bite. Whether you’re hosting friends for a seasonal celebration or simply craving a comforting, sophisticated dessert, this Creamy Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe delivers a perfect balance of rich creaminess and autumnal warmth that will quickly become a new favorite to savor year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together in a way that’s surprisingly simple yet delivers extraordinary flavor and texture. Each element plays a vital role in making this dessert shine: from the creamy mascarpone enriching the mixture to the pumpkin pie spice that adds that unmistakable seasonal sparkle.
- 15.87 ounces high-quality mascarpone cheese: The creamy, rich base that gives the tiramisu its signature smooth texture.
- 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree: Adds natural sweetness and that vibrant autumn flavor and color.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream while balancing the spices.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar: Brings a deeper, molasses-like undertone for warmth.
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: This blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates the ultimate fall flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, making each bite more complex.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Whipped to soft peaks, it adds lightness while maintaining richness.
- 28 ladyfinger cookies: These delicate biscuits soak up coffee beautifully without falling apart.
- 2 cups brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled: Provides the traditional coffee punch essential to tiramisu.
- Cocoa powder, for dusting: A final touch that adds a slightly bitter contrast and classic tiramisu look.
How to Make Creamy Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Coffee
Begin by brewing your espresso or strong coffee and allow it to cool completely to room temperature. This step is crucial because dipping ladyfingers into hot coffee would cause them to become soggy too quickly, ruining the texture.
Step 2: Mix the Pumpkin Mascarpone Cream
In a large mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese together with granulated sugar, brown sugar, kosher salt, and pumpkin pie spice until you achieve a smooth, creamy texture. Next, blend in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract to infuse that unmistakable fall sweetness. Gradually add the cold heavy cream, whipping continuously for about 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture becomes thick and holds soft peaks. This luscious cream is what sets this tiramisu apart.
Step 3: Dip and Layer the Ladyfingers
Dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee for just 1 or 2 seconds—this light soaking ensures they absorb flavor without becoming mushy. Arrange the soaked ladyfingers in a single layer on the base of a 13 x 9 inch serving dish. This sturdy foundation will soak up the cream and coffee beautifully.
Step 4: Add the First Layer of Cream
Spread half of your pumpkin mascarpone cream evenly over the layer of ladyfingers, covering them completely. This creamy layer melds moisture and flavor, creating that iconic tiramisu texture we love.
Step 5: Repeat the Layering
Dip the remaining ladyfingers just as before and place them over the cream layer. Follow with the rest of the pumpkin mascarpone mixture on top. Smooth the surface to your desired finish, creating a glossy, inviting top layer ready for chilling.
Step 6: Chill Thoroughly
Cover the dish securely and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set perfectly, delivering a cool, velvety texture.
Step 7: Dust with Cocoa Powder
Right before serving, generously dust the top with cocoa powder. This classic finishing touch adds a lovely bittersweet contrast that highlights the pumpkin cream underneath, completing your beautiful presentation.
How to Serve Creamy Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe
Garnishes
Consider sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or a few whole candied pumpkin seeds over the cocoa powder for an extra crunch and seasonal flair. A small sprig of fresh mint can also add a pop of color and a subtle fresh aroma that pairs wonderfully with the pumpkin spice.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs effortlessly with warm mulled cider or a robust cup of black coffee. For a holiday dinner, serve alongside spiced nuts or a simple fruit salad featuring crisp apples and pears to keep the fall vibes going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve portions of the Creamy Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe in individual glass jars or clear ramekins, making the layers visible and perfect for gifting or potlucks. You could also add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for an extra touch of indulgence that visually elevates the dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Creamy Pumpkin Tiramisu tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate and consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it can slightly alter the texture of the cream and ladyfingers. If you choose to freeze, wrap the tiramisu securely and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to help it retain as much of its original creamy texture as possible.
Reheating
This is a cold dessert best served chilled, so reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, allow the tiramisu to come to fridge temperature and enjoy it as intended—silky, cold, and refreshing with that perfect balance of pumpkin and coffee.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?
Absolutely! Pure canned pumpkin puree works wonderfully here, just make sure it’s 100 percent pumpkin with no added sugars or spices to maintain control over the flavor.
Is it necessary to use espresso, or can I use regular coffee?
Espresso gives the most authentic, bold flavor, but strong brewed coffee is a perfectly fine substitute. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before dipping the ladyfingers to avoid sogginess.
Can I make this dessert vegan?
While this Creamy Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe relies on mascarpone and heavy cream, you can experiment with vegan cream cheese and coconut cream substitutes, but the texture and flavor will vary from the classic version.
How long should I soak the ladyfingers in the coffee?
Keep it brief—1 to 2 seconds per ladyfinger is ideal. Over-soaking will cause them to fall apart and make the dessert too soggy.
Can this tiramisu be made ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it’s best made at least 4 hours ahead or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set into that signature creamy, luscious texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something genuinely magical about how this Creamy Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe combines familiar fall flavors with the timeless elegance of tiramisu. Its velvety pumpkin cream and coffee-soaked ladyfingers come together in a way that feels both comforting and special. If you’re looking to surprise your guests or simply treat yourself to an extraordinary dessert, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again. Give it a try—you won’t regret bringing a little Italian autumn magic into your kitchen!
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Creamy Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Pumpkin Tiramisu is a delightful autumn twist on the classic Italian dessert, blending the rich flavors of mascarpone and pumpkin puree with warm pumpkin pie spice. Layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers are smothered in a velvety pumpkin mascarpone cream, chilled to perfection, and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder for a festive and comforting treat.
Ingredients
Mascarpone Cream
- 15.87 ounces high-quality mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Assembly
- 28 ladyfinger cookies
- 2 cups brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare Coffee: Brew 2 cups of espresso or strong coffee and allow it to cool to room temperature to avoid soggy cookies when dipping.
- Make Pumpkin Mascarpone Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat together mascarpone cheese, granulated sugar, brown sugar, kosher salt, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth and creamy. Blend in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract. Gradually add cold heavy cream and whip for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is thick and holds soft peaks.
- Dip Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger cookie into the cooled coffee for 1 to 2 seconds to soak lightly without becoming soggy. Arrange them in a single layer on the base of a 13 x 9 inch serving dish.
- First Layer of Cream: Spread half of the pumpkin mascarpone cream evenly over the arranged ladyfingers, ensuring full coverage.
- Second Layer: Dip the remaining ladyfingers in coffee and place them over the cream layer. Then spread the remaining mascarpone pumpkin cream on top, smoothing the surface.
- Chill: Cover the dish securely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or overnight for best flavor and texture.
- Serve: Just before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder to enhance the classic tiramisu presentation.
Notes
- Use high-quality mascarpone cheese for the best texture and flavor.
- Do not over-soak the ladyfingers to prevent a soggy dessert.
- For an added kick, you can mix a tablespoon of coffee liqueur into the espresso before dipping ladyfingers.
- This dessert is best served chilled and eaten within 2 days for optimal freshness.
- Leftovers should be stored covered in the refrigerator.
