Spiced Pumpkin Tiramisu – A Fall Twist on the Italian Classic

Introduction to Spiced Pumpkin Tiramisu

Tiramisu is one of the most beloved Italian desserts—a dreamy combination of coffee-soaked ladyfingers layered with creamy mascarpone and dusted with cocoa. But what happens when you take this elegant dessert and give it a seasonal twist? You get spiced pumpkin tiramisu, a cozy, fall-inspired version that’s just as decadent as the original but infused with the warm, comforting flavors of autumn.

In this variation, pumpkin purée and pumpkin spice blend seamlessly into the creamy mascarpone filling, creating layers of velvety sweetness with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The traditional coffee-soaked ladyfingers remain, grounding the dessert with a bold flavor that balances the pumpkin’s richness.

The result is a dessert that’s both sophisticated and seasonal—perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday parties, or any time you want to wow guests with something special.

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Why Spiced Pumpkin Tiramisu Is a Must-Try Dessert

Pumpkin pie often steals the show at fall gatherings, but this tiramisu offers a fresh alternative while still celebrating the flavors of the season. Here’s why it’s worth making:

1. A Unique Seasonal Dessert

Instead of the usual pies and cakes, pumpkin tiramisu stands out as something unexpected yet familiar.

2. Perfect Flavor Balance

The earthiness of pumpkin and warmth of spices pair beautifully with coffee and cocoa, creating layers of flavor that surprise and delight with every bite.

3. No-Bake Simplicity

Like classic tiramisu, this dessert requires no oven time. It’s assembled in layers and chilled, making it stress-free for holiday prep.

4. Elegant Yet Comforting

It feels fancy enough for dinner parties but still delivers the cozy, comforting flavors of fall.

5. Make-Ahead Friendly

Since tiramisu gets better as it chills, you can make it a day or two ahead—leaving you free to focus on other holiday dishes.

This dessert is proof that pumpkin can be so much more than pie—it’s a versatile flavor that shines when paired with coffee and cream.

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Health Benefits of Pumpkin in Tiramisu

While tiramisu isn’t exactly a “health food,” the addition of pumpkin does bring some surprising nutritional perks.

Pumpkin’s Nutritional Highlights:

• Rich in Vitamin A → Supports healthy vision and boosts immunity.
• High in Fiber → Aids digestion and helps keep you feeling full.
• Packed with Antioxidants → Beta-carotene helps fight free radicals in the body.
• Low in Calories → Adds volume and texture without heaviness.

Spices in Pumpkin Tiramisu:

• Cinnamon → May help regulate blood sugar levels.
• Nutmeg → Contains antioxidants and has a naturally warming quality.
• Cloves → Anti-inflammatory and rich in manganese.
• Ginger → Supports digestion and immune function.

Coffee and Cocoa Benefits:

• Coffee → Rich in antioxidants, boosts energy, and adds bold depth of flavor.
• Cocoa → Contains flavonoids that support heart health.

Together, these ingredients create a dessert that’s indulgent but not without its benefits—especially when enjoyed in moderation.

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Key Ingredients for Spiced Pumpkin Tiramisu

The magic of this dessert comes from layering just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Pumpkin Mascarpone Cream

• Pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling) → Adds earthy sweetness.
• Mascarpone cheese → Creamy, velvety base of tiramisu.
• Heavy cream → Whipped into the filling for lightness.
• Sugar → Balances the pumpkin’s natural earthiness.
• Pumpkin pie spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger) → Warm fall flavor.
• Vanilla extract → Enhances sweetness.

Ladyfingers Layer

• Ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi) → Classic tiramisu base.
• Strong brewed coffee or espresso → For soaking.
• Optional liqueur (Kahlúa, amaretto, or rum) → Adds depth and complexity.

Finishing Touches

• Cocoa powder → Traditional dusting on top.
• Chocolate shavings or cinnamon → Optional garnish.

These ingredients come together in layers of creamy, spiced filling and coffee-soaked cookies, finished with a dusting of cocoa that makes it unmistakably tiramisu.

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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Spiced Pumpkin Tiramisu

This dessert might look fancy, but the process is straightforward. Here’s how to put it together:

Step 1: Brew the Coffee

• Make 1 ½ cups of strong coffee or espresso.
• Let it cool slightly, then stir in 1–2 tablespoons of liqueur if using.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Mascarpone Cream

• In a bowl, whisk together:
  • 1 cup pumpkin purée
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• In a separate bowl, beat 1 cup heavy cream until soft peaks form.
• Gently fold the whipped cream and 8 ounces mascarpone into the pumpkin mixture until smooth.

Step 3: Soak the Ladyfingers

• Dip each ladyfinger quickly into the coffee mixture (don’t soak too long or they’ll fall apart).
• Arrange in a single layer in your serving dish.

Step 4: Layer the Dessert

• Spread half of the pumpkin mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers.
• Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers, then top with the remaining cream.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

• Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
• Before serving, dust generously with cocoa powder and garnish with cinnamon or chocolate shavings.

The chilling process allows the flavors to meld together, creating that signature tiramisu texture and taste.

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