This Pumpkin Tiramisu is a fun twist on the classic dessert! It’s creamy, rich, and filled with the cozy flavors of pumpkin and spices. Perfect for fall!
Imagine enjoying each bite while snuggling under a blanket. I love making it ahead of time so the flavors meld perfectly. It’s like autumn in dessert form! 🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: You can use canned pumpkin for convenience, but homemade is always a treat! If you want a twist, try using sweet potato puree instead.
Spices: The mix of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger adds warmth. If you don’t have all of them, pumpkin pie spice is an easy substitute!
Cream Cheese: This gives the dessert its rich texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use mascarpone cheese or a low-fat cream cheese.
Heavy Whipping Cream: For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream if you’re dairy-free.
Ladyfinger Cookies: You can use sponge cake cut into strips if ladyfingers aren’t available. They both soak up the coffee beautifully!
How Do I Make Sure My Tiramisu Sets Perfectly?
Setting your tiramisu is crucial for great texture. Follow these tips:
- Don’t skip refrigerating it overnight; it really helps the flavors mix.
- Be careful not to soak ladyfingers too long in coffee; they should be just soft enough to absorb flavor but firm enough to hold their shape.
- Cover tightly while chilling to keep it fresh and prevent drying out.
With these techniques, you’ll have a delightful Pumpkin Tiramisu every time! Enjoy!
How to Make Pumpkin Tiramisu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pumpkin Mixture:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
For the Cream Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Assembly:
- 24 ladyfinger cookies
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
- Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert will take about 20 to 30 minutes to prepare, plus at least 4 hours (or preferably overnight) in the refrigerator to set. Total time: about 4.5 hours at a minimum!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pumpkin Mixture:
In a medium bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Stir until everything is well blended.
2. Beating the Cream Cheese:
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. This will serve as the base for your filling.
3. Whipping the Cream:
In another bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream, and add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Whip this mixture until stiff peaks form, which means it should stand up well when you lift the beaters out.
4. Combining the Mixtures:
Now, gently fold the pumpkin mixture into the cream cheese mixture until everything is combined. After that, fold in half of the whipped cream to lighten it up, then fold in the remaining whipped cream gently until it’s smooth.
5. Assembling the Layers:
Take half of the ladyfinger cookies and quickly dip them in the cooled coffee, just enough to get them moist but not soggy. Lay them in a single layer in your 9×9 inch dish. Spread half of the pumpkin cream mixture over these ladyfingers evenly.
6. Layering Again:
Next, dip the remaining ladyfingers in the coffee and place them on top of the pumpkin cream layer. Then spread the rest of the pumpkin cream over this layer, smoothing it out nicely.
7. Chill and Set:
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. This helps the flavors meld and the tiramisu to set up properly.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder for a lovely finish. Cut into squares and enjoy your delicious pumpkin tiramisu!
That’s it! You’ve created a delightful dessert that combines the rich, creamy texture of traditional tiramisu with the warmth of fall spices. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pumpkin Puree?
Absolutely! Store-bought canned pumpkin puree is convenient and works great in this recipe. Just make sure to use 100% pumpkin without added spices or sugars for the best results.
How Do I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
For a dairy-free version, try substituting cream cheese and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives such as vegan cream cheese and coconut cream. Just make sure to check the brands for flavors that will complement the pumpkin.
Can I Prepare This Tiramisu in Advance?
Yes, you can! Pumpkin tiramisu actually tastes better after a day in the fridge as the flavors meld together. Just make sure to store it covered tightly to keep it fresh!
What To Do If I Don’t Have Ladyfinger Cookies?
No problem! You can easily substitute with homemade sponge cake cut into strips, or even use graham crackers or shortbread cookies. Just make sure they can still absorb the coffee without becoming too soggy!
