I absolutely love sharing this Creamy Pumpkin Tiramisu with Pumpkin Spice Recipe with anyone who’s as pumpkin-obsessed as I am. It’s the perfect cozy dessert that combines the rich creaminess of classic tiramisu with the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin and fall spices. If you’re looking for something that’s both elegant and approachable, this recipe hits all the right notes—it’s ideal for Thanksgiving, autumn gatherings, or whenever you want to treat yourself to a decadent seasonal dessert.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the pumpkin puree and mascarpone blend into a luxuriously smooth cream, while the ladyfingers soak up espresso mixed with cozy pumpkin pie spices. You’ll find that it’s not too sweet or heavy, and the pumpkin spice adds just the right touch of warmth without overpowering the traditional tiramisu vibe. This Creamy Pumpkin Tiramisu with Pumpkin Spice Recipe is truly a game-changer for pumpkin lovers who want to step up their dessert game!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Creamy Texture: The mascarpone combined with pumpkin puree creates an irresistibly smooth filling.
- Perfect Fall Flavor: The pumpkin pie spice infuses each bite with comforting autumn warmth.
- Simple Yet Impressive: Easy to whip up but looks stunning—perfect for entertaining or cozy nights in.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Needs chilling time, so you can prepare it ahead and impress your guests stress-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Creamy Pumpkin Tiramisu with Pumpkin Spice Recipe come together beautifully to balance richness, spice, and sweetness. Using quality mascarpone and fresh pumpkin puree (or well-drained canned) really makes a difference in the creamy filling.
- Mascarpone cheese: Room temperature for smooth mixing and rich flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cream.
- Pumpkin puree: Choose canned for consistency or drain your fresh puree to avoid watery filling.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream without overpowering.
- Brown sugar: Gives a caramel note to complement pumpkin spice perfectly.
- Pumpkin pie spice: The star for that signature fall flavor punch.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
- Heavy cream (cold): Whipped to fluffy peaks to create that traditional tiramisu texture.
- Ladyfingers: Light and airy, ideal for soaking up coffee but not falling apart.
- Coffee espresso or strong coffee: The bold soaking liquid balancing sweetness and richness.
Variations
I love how versatile this Creamy Pumpkin Tiramisu with Pumpkin Spice Recipe is. Whether you want to amp up the spice, reduce sugar, or make it dairy-free, you’ve got plenty of room to play around. Personalizing it keeps it fresh each time you serve it, and trust me, your friends and family will never get bored.
- Spice it up: I sometimes add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg for an extra cozy kick during the holidays.
- Sugar swaps: Using maple syrup instead of brown sugar adds a lovely depth and works great if you prefer natural sweeteners.
- Dairy-free option: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream and mascarpone with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative—I’ve had great luck with this variation for my lactose-intolerant friends.
- Chocolate lovers: Adding a layer of dark chocolate shavings between the layers is a game-changer if you want something extra indulgent.
How to Make Creamy Pumpkin Tiramisu with Pumpkin Spice Recipe
Step 1: Brew Strong Coffee and Prepare Your Workspace
Start by brewing your espresso or strong coffee — I like to make it just a bit stronger than usual because the ladyfingers soak it up quickly, and you want that bold flavor without it getting watery. Let it cool for a few minutes. While it’s cooling, set up your mixing bowl and utensils—you’ll be getting your hands full with the mascarpone cream soon!
Step 2: Whip Up That Divine Mascarpone Pumpkin Cream
In a large bowl, add the room-temperature mascarpone, both sugars, pumpkin pie spice, and kosher salt. Mix these together with an electric hand mixer until fully combined and smooth. Then stir in the pumpkin puree (remember, use canned or well-drained fresh pumpkin so your cream isn’t runny). Finally, pour in the cold heavy cream and whip everything for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens into a luscious, fluffy cream. Pro tip: Scraping the bowl sides as you mix will help keep the texture super smooth and lump-free.
Step 3: Dip Ladyfingers and Layer Your Tiramisu
Quickly dunk your ladyfingers into the cooled coffee for just 1-2 seconds — you want them soaked but not soggy! Line the bottom of a 13 by 9-inch dish with an even layer of these dipped ladyfingers. Spread half of your pumpkin mascarpone cream evenly over them. Then add a second layer of dipped ladyfingers and top with the rest of the pumpkin cream—this time, I like to pipe it in dollops using a star tip for a pretty presentation.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover your tiramisu tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours. Trust me, the wait is worth it—this resting time lets the flavors meld and the ladyfingers soften to that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture. Before serving, generously dust the top with cocoa powder for an elegant finish.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Pumpkin Tiramisu with Pumpkin Spice Recipe
- Use Room-Temp Mascarpone: It mixes way easier and prevents lumps, which is key to that silky texture you want in the cream.
- Don’t Over-Soak Ladyfingers: Just a quick 1-2 second dip is enough to keep them from turning mushy but still flavorful.
- Chill Overnight If You Can: Overnight rest really allows all those pumpkin spice flavors to shine through and the cream to set perfectly.
- Scrape the Bowl Often: Helps keep the mascarpone mixture smooth and consistent — I learned this the hard way after a few lumpy attempts!
How to Serve Creamy Pumpkin Tiramisu with Pumpkin Spice Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish my tiramisu with a generous dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder paired with a few chocolate shavings. Sometimes, I add a sprinkle of crushed toasted pecans on top for a delightful crunch and nutty contrast. These garnishes really elevate the look and add layers to the flavor, making it extra special for guests.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Pumpkin Tiramisu pairs wonderfully with simple side dishes like spiced apple cider or a warm cup of chai tea. For a holiday spread, I like to serve it alongside lighter pumpkin or butternut squash soup — the contrast between savory and sweet is just dreamy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive occasion, I’ve served this tiramisu in individual glass jars, layered perfectly so everyone gets their own pretty portion. Another fun idea is to use decorative clear bowls topped with edible gold leaf or cinnamon sticks for that extra wow factor at fall parties or Thanksgiving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers covered tightly in the fridge, and honestly, I find the flavors taste even better the next day. The cream firms up nicely, and the pumpkin spice deepens. Just be sure to keep it chilled and consume within 2-3 days for the best experience.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this tiramisu a couple of times by portioning into airtight containers. When thawed overnight in the fridge, it keeps most of its creamy goodness but can get a touch watery depending on your pumpkin puree. So if you try freezing, I recommend using well-drained canned pumpkin to avoid extra liquid.
Reheating
This dessert is best served cold, so I don’t recommend reheating. Instead, just let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to take the chill off before digging in—this helps the flavors open up without losing that luscious texture.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh pumpkin puree for this recipe?
You can, but you need to be careful. Fresh pumpkin puree often contains more water, which can make the filling runny. If you want to use fresh, make sure to cook it down and drain off as much liquid as possible before using it in this Creamy Pumpkin Tiramisu with Pumpkin Spice Recipe.
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Do I have to use espresso coffee, or can I use regular coffee?
Espresso or very strong coffee works best because it holds up to the creamy layers without getting lost or too watery. If you only have regular coffee, brew it strong and let it cool completely before dipping your ladyfingers.
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How long should I chill the tiramisu before serving?
I recommend chilling for at least 4 hours, but if you can let it rest overnight, even better. This resting time allows the flavors to meld perfectly and the ladyfingers to soften without becoming mushy.
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Can I make this tiramisu dairy-free?
Yes! Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and mascarpone for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. I’ve tried this with good results, and it’s a fantastic option if you have dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Pumpkin Tiramisu with Pumpkin Spice Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to fall desserts because it’s rich, comforting, and just plain fun to make. I love how it brings two classic favorites together in a way that feels fresh and special. If you haven’t tried pumpkin tiramisu before, you’re truly in for a treat—I promise you’ll want to make it again and again, especially once you see how easy it is to impress your friends and family with it. Give it a go, and I hope it becomes a beloved staple in your seasonal dessert lineup!
PrintCreamy Pumpkin Tiramisu with Pumpkin Spice Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Description
This Creamy Pumpkin Tiramisu combines the classic Italian dessert with the cozy flavors of pumpkin spice, creating a luscious and festive treat perfect for autumn. Layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers alternate with a rich, velvety mascarpone and pumpkin cream mixture, lightly spiced and chilled to perfection, making for a decadent yet refreshing dessert.
Ingredients
Mascarpone Cream
- 15.87 oz Mascarpone cheese
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup 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, cold
Other Ingredients
- 28 Ladyfingers
- 2 cups Coffee (espresso or strong brewed), cooled
- Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare Coffee: Brew espresso or strong coffee and allow it to cool completely for a few minutes. Set aside for dipping ladyfingers later.
- Mix Mascarpone Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, brown sugar, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Use an electric mixer to blend until smooth and well incorporated.
- Add Pumpkin Puree: Fold in the pumpkin puree to the mascarpone mixture and mix until evenly combined, ensuring a consistent pumpkin flavor throughout the cream.
- Whip Heavy Cream: Pour cold heavy cream into the mixture and whip using the electric mixer for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture thickens into a creamy, fluffy consistency suitable for layering.
- Dip Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee (about 1-2 seconds) to soak slightly without becoming soggy, then arrange an even layer at the bottom of a 13 by 9 inch baking dish.
- Layer Cream: Spread half of the mascarpone pumpkin cream evenly over the coffee-soaked ladyfingers, smoothing with a spatula to create an even layer.
- Add Second Ladyfinger Layer: Dip the remaining ladyfingers in coffee and place them over the cream layer to create the second structural layer.
- Pipe Remaining Cream: Transfer the remaining mascarpone cream into a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe dollops across the second ladyfinger layer, adding texture and extra creaminess.
- Chill: Cover the assembled tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and ladyfingers to soften thoroughly.
- Serve: Before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder to give a classic tiramisu finish, then slice and enjoy this creamy pumpkin delight.
Notes
- Use room-temperature mascarpone cheese to ensure a lump-free, smooth cream mixture.
- Avoid fresh pumpkin puree as it can make the filling watery; rely on canned or well-drained pureed pumpkin for best results.
- High-fat mascarpone cheese is crucial for a stable, creamy filling.
- Let the tiramisu chill at least 3 hours, but ideally overnight, to allow proper flavor absorption and texture.
- Scrape down the bowl sides during mixing to maintain a homogeneous, lump-free cream.
- Opt for the highest quality ingredients possible to elevate the flavor and texture of your dessert.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg