Creamy Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu
Creamy Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert that brings the cozy flavors of fall right to your table. Imagine layers of soft ladyfingers soaked…
Tip: save now, cook later.Creamy Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert that brings the cozy flavors of fall right to your table. Imagine layers of soft ladyfingers soaked in coffee and rum, nestled between fluffy mascarpone cream infused with pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It’s smooth, rich, and just the right amount of spicy sweetness.
I love making this dessert when the weather starts to cool down because it feels like a warm hug in every bite. The pumpkin spice gives it a seasonal charm that everyone seems to enjoy, and the creamy texture makes it feel special without being too heavy. A little tip I’ve found is to let it chill overnight—this helps all the flavors blend beautifully and makes the tiramisu even more delicious the next day.
Serving this alongside a cup of coffee or a cozy tea is my favorite way to enjoy it, especially during a relaxed weekend or holiday gathering. It’s one of those desserts that easily becomes the star of the table and sparks conversation because it’s both familiar and a little unexpected. Trust me, once you try this pumpkin spice version, it might just become your new fall favorite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Use canned pumpkin for convenience or homemade if you prefer fresh flavor. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, as it’s sweetened and spiced already. This ingredient adds moisture and that classic fall flavor.
Mascarpone & Cream Cheese: Mascarpone is key for tiramisu’s creamy texture, but cream cheese adds a nice tang. Combining both balances richness and flavor beautifully. If mascarpone is hard to find, use all cream cheese but expect a slight taste difference.
Ladyfingers: These sponge cookies soak up coffee well and keep the dessert light. If unavailable, you might try sponge cake slices or another light cookie, but ladyfingers are best for the traditional texture.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: This warm spice mix (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves) sets the autumn tone. If you don’t have it, use equal parts cinnamon and nutmeg + a pinch of ground cloves or ginger.
Coffee & Liqueur: Strong coffee or espresso is a classic base. Coffee liqueur adds an extra layer of flavor but can be skipped or replaced with a dash of vanilla or almond extract for a kid-friendly version.
How Do I Soak Ladyfingers Without Making Them Soggy?
Ladyfingers soak up liquid quickly, so timing is essential. Here’s how I handle it:
- Prepare the coffee mixture and have it ready in a shallow dish.
- Dip each ladyfinger briefly—about 1-2 seconds. It should be just enough to absorb some liquid but not fall apart.
- Place them immediately into your dish, side by side, to create an even layer.
- If you leave them too long in liquid, they become mushy and lose their delicate texture.
Practice makes perfect! Watch how quickly the ladyfinger softens and adjust your dipping time accordingly. This step controls the balance between moist and firm in your tiramisu.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×9-inch baking dish – perfect size for layering your tiramisu and easy to chill in the fridge.
- Mixing bowls – I use one for the cream mixture and one for whipping cream to keep things organized.
- Electric mixer or whisk – makes beating the cream and mascarpone smooth and fluffy faster.
- Shallow bowl – great for dipping ladyfingers quickly without soaking them too long.
- Sifter or fine mesh strainer – helps dust cocoa powder evenly on top for a polished look.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pumpkin puree for sweet potato puree – it offers a similar texture with a naturally sweeter twist.
- Add a sprinkle of ground ginger or cardamom – these spices give extra warmth and complexity to the pumpkin flavor.
- Mix in finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts – for a crunchy contrast that pairs well with creamy layers.
- Use white chocolate chips folded into the cream – adds a touch of sweetness and smooth richness.
Creamy Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soaking Mixture:
- 1 cup brewed strong coffee or espresso, cooled
- 3 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
For the Pumpkin Cream:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
For Assembly and Topping:
- 24–28 ladyfinger cookies
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
- Optional: a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, with an additional refrigeration time of at least 4 hours to let the flavors meld and the tiramisu set properly. For best results, chill it overnight so the creamy layers become perfectly firm and flavorful. It’s a simple hands-on time and mostly waiting for your delicious dessert to come together in the fridge!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Coffee Mixture:
In a shallow bowl, mix the cooled coffee and coffee liqueur (if you’re using it). Set this aside; it’s what you’ll use to dip your ladyfinger cookies. The coffee flavor is the base of the tiramisu.
2. Make the Pumpkin Cream:
In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, mascarpone, pumpkin puree, ¾ cup of the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be the luscious, spiced filling.
3. Whip the Cream:
In a separate cold bowl, whip the heavy cream with the remaining ¼ cup of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. This means the cream should hold its shape when you lift the whisk.
4. Combine Cream and Pumpkin Mixture:
Gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mascarpone mixture. Use a spatula to carefully combine them without flattening the cream, so your filling stays light and fluffy.
5. Layer the Ladyfingers:
Dip each ladyfinger quickly into the coffee mixture—just 1 to 2 seconds—to soak but not sog. Arrange them in a single layer in a 9×9-inch dish or any similar-sized container.
6. Add the Pumpkin Cream Layer:
Spoon half of the pumpkin cream evenly over the ladyfingers. Smooth it out gently with a spatula.
7. Repeat Layers:
Add another layer of quickly dipped ladyfingers over the cream, then spread the remaining pumpkin cream on top, smoothing the surface.
8. Chill and Set:
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best to let all the flavors blend well and the tiramisu set firmly.
9. Serve with a Dusting:
Just before serving, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder. For extra fall flair, sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top as garnish.
10. Enjoy!
Slice into squares and serve chilled for a creamy, spicy treat that perfectly captures the cozy flavors of autumn. This pumpkin spice tiramisu is sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a special treat just for you!
Can I Use Frozen Pumpkin Puree for This Tiramisu?
Yes, frozen pumpkin puree works well! Just make sure it’s fully thawed and drained of any extra liquid before mixing it in to avoid a watery filling.
How Long Can I Store Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time! Just keep it chilled and enjoy within that window for the best texture and taste.
Can I Make This Tiramisu Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! I recommend making it the day before you plan to serve so the flavors have time to meld and the dessert sets perfectly. Just cover it tightly and keep it refrigerated.
What Can I Use Instead of Coffee Liqueur?
If you want to skip alcohol or don’t have coffee liqueur, simply use extra brewed coffee or espresso. You can also add a splash of vanilla or almond extract for a little extra flavor without the booze.
