Spiced Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe
I’m so excited to share this Spiced Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe with you—it’s like all the cozy, autumn flavors you love wrapped up in one luscious dessert. The mix of creamy pumpkin-spiced filling, light as air whipped cream, and coffee-soaked ladyfingers gives every bite a comforting yet elegant vibe. Honestly, this recipe has quickly become a go-to for holiday gatherings and chilly weekend treat indulgence.
What I love most is how approachable it is, even if you haven’t made tiramisu before. The pumpkin spice adds this warm depth that pairs exquisitely with the coffee, making it perfect for those crisp fall days or any time you want a twist on a classic dessert. Trust me, once you try this Spiced Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe, it’ll become a staple in your dessert rotation too.
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Flavors: The pumpkin spice perfectly complements the bitter coffee for a harmonious taste.
- Creamy Texture: Combining cream cheese and whipped cream creates a smooth, fluffy filling that isn’t too heavy.
- Easy Assembly: No baking required—just layers of soaking, spreading, and chilling.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Refrigerate overnight to develop flavor and maintain perfect texture.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Spiced Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe depends on ingredients that bring out the richness and creaminess pumpkin lovers crave, while making sure the dessert feels light with every bite. When you’re shopping, quality cream cheese and fresh pumpkin puree will make a difference, and I’ll share tips below on each key ingredient.
- Coffee: Use strongly brewed coffee to infuse depth into the ladyfingers without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Provides tanginess and creaminess, balancing pumpkin sweetness perfectly.
- Pumpkin Puree: Use canned or fresh, but make sure it’s pure pumpkin for the best authentic taste.
- Powdered Sugar: Its fine texture dissolves easily, helping keep fillings silky smooth.
- Pumpkin Spice: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves adds warm aroma and flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Whipped to soft peaks for a light, airy texture that balances the dense cream cheese layer.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all flavors subtly without stealing the show.
- Powdered Gelatin: Stabilizes the whipped cream so your tiramisu holds its shape beautifully after chilling.
- Ladyfingers: Choose fresh and soft, not dry, for optimal coffee absorption and texture.
- Chocolate Shavings & Pumpkin Spice (garnish): Add the perfect finishing touch with a bit of crunch and extra spice.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love playing around with this Spiced Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe to suit whatever mood I’m in or occasion I’m serving it for. It’s super forgiving and invites personalization, so don’t hesitate to make it yours!
- Less Sweet Option: I’ve made it with less powdered sugar when I want to keep it lighter but the pumpkin and spice shine through beautifully still.
- Alcohol Boost: Adding a splash of coffee liqueur or bourbon to the coffee soak adds an adult twist that’s a hit during holiday parties.
- Dairy-Free Version: I’ve swapped cream cheese for a vegan alternative and coconut cream for heavy cream when friends come over with allergies—it’s not quite traditional but still dreamy.
- Extra Spice: For those who adore bold flavors, increasing the pumpkin spice by half a teaspoon amps up the fall vibes without overpowering.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spiced Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Filling
Start by combining cream cheese, powdered sugar, pumpkin spice, and pumpkin puree in a bowl. I like using a hand mixer here because it smooths out the cream cheese perfectly—no lumps! Whisk until the mixture is fully combined and creamy. This step is crucial since a smooth filling keeps the entire dessert luxurious.
Step 2: Whip the Cream and Prepare Gelatin
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until it starts thickening. Meanwhile, blend the powdered gelatin with cold water and microwave for about 10 seconds—just until it dissolves. Slowly stir the dissolved gelatin into the cream while continuing to whip until soft peaks form. This ensures your whipped cream keeps its shape nicely after chilling.
Step 3: Dip and Layer the Ladyfingers
Quickly dip each ladyfinger fully into the strong coffee—don’t soak too long to avoid sogginess—and arrange them evenly at the bottom of your 9 x 13 pan. From experience, dipping too long can lead to a mushy base, so a swift dunk is perfect.
Step 4: Build the Layers
Spread half the pumpkin cream cheese mixture over the ladyfingers with an offset spatula, then dollop and smooth half the whipped cream over the pumpkin layer. Repeat these layers—another row of coffee-dipped ladyfingers, pumpkin cream mixture, and finish with whipped cream on top. Smooth it out nicely for a pretty finish.
Step 5: Chill and Garnish
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight is my favorite—this gives the flavors time to marry and the texture to set perfectly. Before serving, sprinkle pumpkin spice and chocolate shavings on top for that extra pop of color and flavor.
Pro Tips for Making Spiced Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe
- Don’t Over-Soak Ladyfingers: A quick dip in coffee keeps them moist but prevents a soggy dessert.
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: It whips more smoothly, avoiding lumps in your pumpkin filling.
- Dissolve Gelatin Completely: Microwaving in short bursts and stirring well avoids clumps in your whipped cream.
- Chill Thoroughly: I’ve learned the flavor and texture really improve after a full night in the fridge, so don’t rush it.
How to Serve Spiced Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe
Garnishes
I almost always finish this tiramisu with a generous sprinkle of extra pumpkin spice and delicate chocolate shavings. Sometimes, if I’m feeling festive, I add a few toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch—they bring a wonderful texture contrast that guests love.
Side Dishes
This really shines as a standalone dessert but pairs beautifully with a warm cup of chai tea or a spiced latte. For a meal pairing, I’ve served it after hearty autumn soups or roasted dinners for a sweet finish that feels indulgent but not overly heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to present this Spiced Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe in individual glass jars or clear parfait cups to show off the beautiful layers. It’s a charming touch for dinner parties or when you want to impress with minimal fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge, and they stay delicious for up to 3 days. The flavor even deepens as it sits, so if you have some leftover, I’d say don’t be shy about letting it rest.
Freezing
Though I haven’t frozen this dessert many times, I’ve tried freezing individual portions wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil. It thaws nicely overnight in the fridge but be aware the texture can soften a bit, so I recommend enjoying fresh if possible.
Reheating
Tiramisu is best served chilled, so I usually skip reheating. If needed, just let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to take off the chill without losing creaminess.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh pumpkin puree works wonderfully—just roast peeled pumpkin chunks until soft, then blend until smooth. Keep it well drained if it’s watery, so your tiramisu layers don’t get soggy.
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What if I don’t have gelatin—can I skip it?
You can omit gelatin, but the whipped cream layer might not hold its shape as well over time. If you skip it, serve the tiramisu sooner and handle gently to avoid collapsing layers.
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How long can I prepare this Spiced Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe in advance?
Making it the day before is ideal, allowing at least 4 hours to overnight chilling for lovely flavor melding and a creamy, firm texture.
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Can I substitute ladyfingers with another cookie?
Savoiardi ladyfingers work best because of their porous texture that absorbs coffee well. If unavailable, sponge cake or a similar light, absorbent cookie can work, though results may vary.
Final Thoughts
This Spiced Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe is one of those rare desserts that feels both nostalgic and fresh every time I make it—whether for holiday dinners or a cozy weekend treat. I’m confident you’ll enjoy the warm spices, creamy layers, and that lovely coffee kick just as much as I do. Give it a try, and I promise your friends and family will be asking you to make it again and again. Mangia!
PrintSpiced Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A festive twist on traditional tiramisu, this Spiced Pumpkin Tiramisu layers luscious pumpkin cream cheese mixture and whipped cream between coffee-soaked ladyfingers, crowned with chocolate shavings and pumpkin spice for a seasonal dessert perfect for fall gatherings.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Pumpkin Mixture
- 1 lb. cream cheese
- 15 oz. pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
Whipped Cream Mixture
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon powdered gelatin (Knox)
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Other Ingredients
- 3 cups strongly brewed coffee
- 2 packages 14 oz. ladyfingers (about 40 ladyfingers)
- Chocolate shavings, for garnish
- Pumpkin spice, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Pumpkin Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, pumpkin spice, and pumpkin puree using a hand mixer until smooth and combined. Set aside.
- Whip Cream Mixture: Using a hand mixer, whisk heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the cream starts to thicken but is not fully firm.
- Dissolve Gelatin: In a small bowl, mix powdered gelatin with cold water and microwave for 10 seconds. Stir until gelatin crystals dissolve completely, then add this mixture to the thickening whipped cream. Continue whisking until soft peaks form and the whipped cream holds its shape.
- Soak Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger fully into the brewed coffee to soak, then evenly arrange a layer covering the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Layer Pumpkin and Whipped Cream: Spread half of the pumpkin cream cheese mixture evenly over the ladyfingers. Then, top with half of the whipped cream. Repeat the layering process with another layer of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, the remaining pumpkin mixture, and finish with the remaining whipped cream.
- Chill: Cover the assembled tiramisu and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the tiramisu with chocolate shavings and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice. Cut into slices and enjoy.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream for the best texture and flavor.
- Ensure gelatin is fully dissolved to avoid any grainy texture in the whipped cream.
- Quickly dip ladyfingers in coffee to prevent them from becoming too soggy, preserving a slight firmness.
- For a less sweet version, reduce powdered sugar slightly to taste.
- This dessert can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance to deepen the flavors.
- Substitute pumpkin spice with a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves if unavailable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg