Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu Recipe

Indulge in the delightful blend of autumn warmth and Italian elegance with this Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu Recipe. The creamy, silky layers infused with pumpkin and warm spices transform the classic tiramisu into a fall sensation that’s both sophisticated and comforting. The contrast between the coffee-soaked ladyfingers and the velvety pumpkin mascarpone creates a dessert that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or special autumn meals. You’ll learn how to balance these flavors perfectly while creating a showstopping dessert that celebrates the best of the season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu brilliantly marries the beloved autumn pumpkin spice flavors with the sophisticated charm of traditional tiramisu. The contrast between the soft, coffee-soaked ladyfingers and the silky pumpkin-infused mascarpone creates a textural masterpiece that melts in your mouth with each bite. What makes this dessert truly special is how the warm notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger complement the rich espresso undertones rather than competing with them.

Unlike many complex desserts, this pumpkin tiramisu recipe comes together without any baking required—just simple assembly and chilling time. It’s also ideal for make-ahead preparation, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully overnight. Whether you’re an experienced tiramisu maker or trying it for the first time, the straightforward process yields impressive results that will have everyone asking for your secret fall dessert recipe.

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Cream:

• 16 oz (450g) mascarpone cheese, softened at room temperature
• 1 cup (245g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Coffee Mixture:

• 1 1/2 cups (355ml) strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
• 1/4 cup (60ml) coffee liqueur (optional)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For Assembly:

• 24-30 Italian ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice for dusting
• Optional: Cinnamon sticks and star anise for garnish

The pumpkin puree should be pure canned pumpkin without added spices or sugar. For the best flavor in this pumpkin spice tiramisu, use fresh, high-quality mascarpone cheese and authentic Italian ladyfingers, which have the perfect texture for soaking up the coffee mixture without becoming soggy.

Pro Tips

Master the Dipping Technique: The key to perfect pumpkin spice tiramisu is properly soaking the ladyfingers. Dip each cookie quickly—about 1-2 seconds per side—into the coffee mixture. Too long and they’ll become soggy; too short and they’ll remain dry. You want them saturated but still holding their shape when you transfer them to the dish.

Temperature Matters for Mascarpone: Always bring your mascarpone to room temperature before mixing to achieve that silky-smooth texture. Cold mascarpone can become lumpy when mixed with other ingredients. If you’re in a hurry, cut it into smaller pieces to speed up the warming process, but never microwave it.

Create Clear Layers: For that stunning tiramisu presentation, keep your layers distinct and even. Use an offset spatula to spread the pumpkin cream in smooth, level layers. When dusting with cocoa powder between layers, use a fine-mesh sieve for even distribution, and apply it immediately after spreading the cream so it adheres properly. This attention to detail will make your pumpkin tiramisu both delicious and visually impressive.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Mixture
Brew 1½ cups of strong coffee or espresso and allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, stir in 2 tablespoons of sugar and the coffee liqueur if using. Transfer to a shallow dish wide enough to fit the ladyfingers. The cooling step is crucial—hot coffee will dissolve your ladyfingers instantly!

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Cream
In a large mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the pumpkin puree, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat at medium speed until the mixture is perfectly combined and silky smooth. Take care not to overbeat, as mascarpone can curdle if mixed too vigorously. You’ll know it’s ready when it holds soft peaks and has a uniform color.

Step 3: Begin Assembly
Select a 9×13-inch baking dish or a comparable serving dish for your Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, about 1-2 seconds per side—just long enough to soak but not so long that they fall apart. Arrange them in a single layer on the bottom of your dish, breaking some if needed to fit and cover the entire surface.

Step 4: Create the First Layer
Spread half of the pumpkin mascarpone mixture evenly over the soaked ladyfingers. Use an offset spatula to create a smooth, even layer. Dust lightly with a mixture of cocoa powder and pumpkin pie spice using a fine-mesh sieve. This middle dusting adds both flavor and visual appeal to your pumpkin tiramisu.

Step 5: Complete the Layers
Repeat the process with a second layer of coffee-dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining pumpkin mascarpone mixture. Smooth the top carefully for a professional finish. Generously dust the top with the remaining cocoa powder and pumpkin spice mixture, creating a beautiful finish that hints at the fall flavors within.

Step 6: Chill and Serve
Cover your Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu with plastic wrap, being careful not to let it touch the surface. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, though overnight is ideal to allow the flavors to meld and the ladyfingers to soften to the perfect texture. Before serving, garnish with cinnamon sticks or star anise for an elegant presentation that showcases this seasonal dessert’s autumn inspiration.

Variations

Gingerbread Pumpkin Tiramisu: Enhance the fall spice profile by replacing regular ladyfingers with gingerbread cookies and adding 2 tablespoons of molasses to the pumpkin cream. This variation intensifies the warm, spicy notes in the pumpkin spice tiramisu, creating an even more festive dessert perfect for holiday gatherings. The ginger cookies add a delightful textural contrast while complementing the pumpkin beautifully.

Dairy-Free Adaptation: Create a plant-based version by substituting the mascarpone with a mixture of dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream (the solid part from a can of coconut milk refrigerated overnight). This adaptation maintains the creamy texture while making the pumpkin tiramisu recipe accessible to those avoiding dairy. The subtle coconut flavor adds an interesting dimension that works surprisingly well with the pumpkin and spices.

Individual Servings: Transform this dessert into elegant individual portions by assembling in clear glass tumblers or mason jars. Layer mini ladyfingers with the pumpkin cream for personal pumpkin spice tiramisu servings that are perfect for dinner parties. This presentation allows for beautiful visible layers and makes serving effortless.

Storage and Serving

This Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, covered tightly with plastic wrap. The flavors actually improve after the first 24 hours as they have time to meld together. However, for the best texture, avoid freezing this dessert as it can affect the creamy consistency of the mascarpone mixture.

For an elegant presentation, serve your pumpkin tiramisu on chilled dessert plates and garnish each slice with a light dusting of additional pumpkin pie spice or a small cinnamon stick. For a more indulgent experience, pair with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side. This dessert pairs beautifully with a cup of strong espresso, spiced chai tea, or even a small glass of dessert wine like Vin Santo—the traditional Italian accompaniment to tiramisu. For special occasions, consider a drizzle of caramel sauce over each serving for added luxury.

FAQs

Can I make this Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu without alcohol?
Absolutely! The coffee liqueur is optional. Simply omit it from the coffee mixture and proceed with the recipe as written. The pumpkin spice tiramisu will still have plenty of flavor from the espresso, pumpkin, and spices.

How far in advance can I make this dessert?
This tiramisu can be made up to 2 days in advance. In fact, making it a day ahead is ideal as it gives the flavors time to develop and the ladyfingers to soften to the perfect texture.

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?
Yes, but ensure it’s drained well to remove excess liquid. Homemade puree sometimes contains more moisture than commercial varieties, which could make your pumpkin tiramisu recipe too soft.

Why did my mascarpone mixture curdle?
Mascarpone can curdle if beaten too vigorously or if it’s too cold when mixed. Always use room temperature mascarpone and mix gently until just combined.

Are there any shortcuts for this recipe?
For a quicker version, use premade pumpkin pie filling (adjusting sugar accordingly) and instant espresso powder dissolved in hot water instead of brewed coffee. While not quite the same as the full recipe, it still creates a delicious pumpkin spice tiramisu with less preparation time.

Conclusion

This Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu is comfort food at its finest — a sophisticated transformation of a classic Italian dessert into a celebration of autumn flavors. It’s the kind of dish that bridges the gap between everyday treats and special occasion indulgences, perfect for everything from family gatherings to holiday festivities. The harmonious blend of creamy pumpkin, warm spices, and coffee-soaked ladyfingers creates a memorable dessert experience that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re a longtime tiramisu lover or new to this Italian classic, this seasonal twist is sure to become a fall favorite in your recipe collection.

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