Creamy Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu
Creamy Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, blending smooth mascarpone cheese with the warm flavors of pumpkin and cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.…
Tip: save now, cook later.Creamy Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, blending smooth mascarpone cheese with the warm flavors of pumpkin and cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers meet fluffy pumpkin cream, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and a little bit special for fall or any time you crave something sweet and creamy.
I love making this when the weather starts to turn chilly—it feels like a hug on a plate. The pumpkin spice adds just the right touch of warmth without overpowering the gentle coffee notes, and it’s fun to tuck those seasonal flavors into such a classic treat. I usually sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top and maybe a dusting of cocoa powder for a pretty finish that everyone notices.
This tiramisu is perfect for sharing at family dinners or holiday gatherings because it’s easy to prepare ahead and always disappears fast. I like to serve it chilled with a cup of tea or coffee, and I find that the flavors taste even better the next day. If you’re looking for a dessert that feels fancy but is actually simple to make, this creamy pumpkin spice tiramisu will quickly become one of your favorites.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin is the best choice here for smoothness and flavor. If fresh pumpkin is available, cook and puree it until silky. Avoid pumpkin pie filling since it’s already sweetened and spiced.
Mascarpone Cheese: Essential for that creamy, rich texture. If you can’t find mascarpone, using a mix of cream cheese and heavy cream is a decent substitute, but the flavor changes a bit.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: This spice mix brings warm autumn flavors. You can make your own mix using cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves or simply use cinnamon if that’s what you have.
Ladyfingers: These cookies soak up the coffee nicely without falling apart. If unavailable, you can try sponge cake slices, but reduce soaking time to avoid sogginess.
How Can I Make Sure Ladyfingers Don’t Get Too Soggy?
Ladyfingers are delicate and soak quickly, so dipping them just right is key. Follow these tips to keep a good texture:
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee (1-2 seconds) — just enough to absorb some liquid without soaking through.
- Use a wide, shallow dish to dip so you can quickly submerge and remove.
- If using coffee liqueur, mix it well with coffee but don’t add extra liquid to avoid over-soaking.
- Lay dipped ladyfingers gently and in a single layer for even texture and easy spreading of cream.
- If your tiramisu sits too long, the ladyfingers will soften more—and that’s okay, but too long at room temperature can make it mushy. Refrigerate promptly.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – for combining the pumpkin mixture, mascarpone, and whipped cream smoothly.
- Electric mixer or whisk – makes whipping the cream to stiff peaks much easier.
- Shallow dish – perfect for dipping ladyfingers quickly without them getting soggy.
- 8×8-inch baking dish or similar – to layer your tiramisu evenly and chill it well.
- Sifter or fine mesh strainer – helps dust the cocoa powder evenly on top for a pretty finish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pumpkin puree for sweet potato puree for a slightly earthier, sweet flavor twist.
- Add a sprinkle of ground cloves or allspice to the pumpkin spice mix for extra warmth.
- Mix in crushed toasted pecans or walnuts between layers for a bit of crunch.
- Use chocolate shavings or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for a richer dessert experience.
Creamy Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pumpkin Mascarpone Cream:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
For the Soaking Mixture and Assembly:
- 1 1/2 cups strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled
- 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)
- About 24 ladyfinger cookies
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dessert takes about 20 minutes to prepare. However, it needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible, so the flavors meld and the tiramisu sets perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Pumpkin Mascarpone Cream:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate large bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese until creamy. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until it forms stiff peaks. Gently fold the pumpkin mixture into the mascarpone, then carefully fold in the whipped cream until fully combined, creating a light and creamy filling.
2. Prepare the Ladyfinger Soaking Mixture:
Mix the cooled espresso or coffee with the coffee liqueur in a shallow dish. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into this mixture—just enough to moisten without getting soggy.
3. Assemble the Tiramisu Layers:
Layer half of the dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of an 8×8-inch dish. Spread half of the pumpkin mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers, then spread the remaining pumpkin cream smoothly on top.
4. Chill and Serve:
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to let the flavors blend and set. Before serving, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder. Cut into squares and enjoy this creamy, festive treat!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Yes! Just roast and puree fresh pumpkin until smooth before using. Make sure it’s well drained to avoid extra moisture affecting the texture.
Is It Okay to Skip the Coffee Liqueur?
Absolutely! The espresso or strong coffee alone works perfectly and keeps the dessert non-alcoholic.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Tiramisu?
Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, but try to enjoy it fresh for the best texture.
Can I Make This Dessert Ahead of Time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes best after chilling overnight to let the layers meld and soften.
