Creamy Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug and a festive celebration all in one, then you have to try this Creamy Pumpkin Tiramisu. It combines the beloved Italian classic tiramisu with the comforting flavors of pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice, offering a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and slightly spiced layers. Every bite delivers smooth mascarpone blended with pumpkin puree, soaked ladyfingers infused with rich espresso, and a fluffy whipped cream texture that melts delightfully on your tongue. This Creamy Pumpkin Tiramisu is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy autumn evenings or a holiday treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Creamy Pumpkin Tiramisu is easier than you might think, and the ingredients all play a crucial role in crafting its luscious texture and warm flavor profile. From smooth mascarpone to aromatic pumpkin spices, every item brings something special to the table.

• Mascarpone cheese: The rich and creamy base that gives tiramisu its signature smoothness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, fragrant note that enhances the pumpkin flavor beautifully.
• Pumpkin puree: Brings a natural, velvety pumpkin taste and a gorgeous color.
• Granulated sugar: Provides balanced sweetness without overpowering other ingredients.
• Brown sugar: Adds a deeper caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the cream.
• Pumpkin pie spice: A warm blend that perfectly captures autumn’s essence in every bite.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors by adding just the right amount of contrast.
• Heavy cream (cold): Whipped to a luscious texture for lightness and volume in the filling.
• Ladyfingers: The classic tiramisu foundation, providing a delicate, crispy-soaked layer.
• Coffee (espresso or strong): Adds depth and a slightly bitter counterpoint to the sweet cream.

How to Make Creamy Pumpkin Tiramisu

Step 1: Brew Your Coffee

The base for soaking the ladyfingers is a strong espresso or coffee. Brew about two cups and allow it to cool to room temperature—this prevents the ladyfingers from becoming too soggy and keeps the texture just right for that perfect slice.

Step 2: Mix the Mascarpone Cream

Combine mascarpone cheese, brown sugar, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer to whip these ingredients into a smooth, well-incorporated mixture. This step is key to ensuring the spices and sweetness infuse evenly throughout the cream.

Step 3: Add Pumpkin Puree

Gently fold the pumpkin puree into the mascarpone mixture. Make sure it blends fully, giving the cream a lovely orange hue and that delicious pumpkin flavor that stands out but still feels delicate and light.

Step 4: Whip the Heavy Cream

Add cold heavy cream to the bowl and whip everything together for 3-4 minutes until thick and fluffy. This whipped cream is the magic that transforms your filling into something airy and dreamy, making every bite melt in your mouth.

Step 5: Layer the Ladyfingers

Quickly dip each ladyfinger in the cooled coffee—just 1 to 2 seconds—so they soak up enough liquid without getting mushy. Arrange them evenly in a 13×9 inch baking dish to create the first layer of your tiramisu masterpiece.

Step 6: Add the Mascarpone Mixture

Spread half of your luscious mascarpone pumpkin cream over the soaked ladyfingers, smoothing it out with a spatula to cover every nook and cranny. This creamy layer is what makes the tiramisu decadently moist and flavorful.

Step 7: Repeat Layers with a Creative Touch

Add another layer of coffee-soaked ladyfingers on top of the cream. Then, transfer the remaining mascarpone mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe dollops generously over this final layer for a pretty, textured finish that invites indulgence before it even hits your lips.

Step 8: Chill Until Perfect

Cover with plastic wrap and place your tiramisu in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. This resting time allows the ladyfingers to soften and the flavors to marry, resulting in a silky, cohesive dessert that’s piping hot on flavor and cool in texture.

Step 9: Finish with Cocoa Powder

Just before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder to add the classic tiramisu touch—a hint of bitter chocolate that perfectly contrasts the sweet pumpkin cream beneath.

How to Serve Creamy Pumpkin Tiramisu

Garnishes

A dusting of cocoa powder is traditional, but you can also add a sprinkle of crushed toasted pecans or a few whole star anise for a stunning presentation and a little crunch. Fresh whipped cream with a tiny drizzle of maple syrup can elevate the dessert even further for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Creamy Pumpkin Tiramisu pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced chai or a smooth latte, enhancing the dessert’s pumpkin and spice profile. For a lighter balance, serve alongside a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to offset the richness in the tiramisu.

Creative Ways to Present

Try assembling this tiramisu in individual glasses or mason jars for a charming, personal touch. Layer it with thin ginger snaps instead of ladyfingers for a festive twist, or top it with candied ginger pieces for an exciting contrast in flavor and texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover your leftover Creamy Pumpkin Tiramisu tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors only deepen with time, but the texture is best enjoyed within this period before the ladyfingers start getting too soft.

Freezing

You can freeze the tiramisu in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Keep in mind that freezing might slightly change the texture of the cream, but the taste will remain delightful and comforting.

Reheating

Since tiramisu is served chilled, reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, take it out of the fridge a few minutes before serving to bring out the aroma and soften it slightly, so it’s perfect on your spoon.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is perfect for this dish as it provides consistent texture and flavor. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin without added sugars or spices to control the sweetness yourself.

Is coffee necessary in this tiramisu?

Yes, coffee provides a classic flavor contrast essential to tiramisu. However, you can substitute with decaf or even a chai tea for a different but still delicious twist.

Can I make this dessert vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe relies on mascarpone and heavy cream, which are dairy-based. For a vegan version, you’d need to find suitable plant-based mascarpone and cream alternatives and adjust the whipping process accordingly, which can be a fun experiment!

Why is it important to chill the tiramisu for several hours?

Chilling allows the ladyfingers to soak up the coffee and the cream layers to set and meld flavors, creating that signature smooth texture and rich taste.

How do I ensure my cream is fluffy and not runny?

Make sure your heavy cream is cold before whipping and don’t rush the process. Whip it until soft peaks form, and be careful not to overmix, or it could turn grainy.

Final Thoughts

If you want a dessert that feels like a cozy celebration in every bite, this Creamy Pumpkin Tiramisu is your new best friend in the kitchen. From its velvety pumpkin-spiced mascarpone layers to the espresso-soaked ladyfingers, each spoonful is an invitation to savor the season’s best flavors. Don’t wait for a special occasion—give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved favorite for your family and friends alike.

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