Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe

If you’re a fan of autumn flavors and classic Italian desserts, you are about to fall deeply in love with this delightful Pumpkin Tiramisu. It combines the creamy, luscious texture of traditional tiramisu with the warm, cozy essence of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice, creating a dessert that feels like a hug in every bite. The balance of espresso-dipped ladyfingers and smooth pumpkin mascarpone cream makes this Pumpkin Tiramisu a perfect treat for festive gatherings or a comforting finish to any meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of ingredients, each bringing a unique touch, this Pumpkin Tiramisu is surprisingly simple to compose yet incredibly rewarding. The pumpkin puree adds a velvety sweetness, while the mascarpone cheese and whipped cream offer that rich, airy texture tiramisu is known for. The pumpkin pie spice infuses the dish with inviting autumnal aromas that make every bite memorable.

• 1 cup (240 g) pumpkin puree: Use smooth, canned pumpkin for a consistent texture and vibrant orange color.
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar: Balances the natural earthiness of the pumpkin with sweetness.
• 1 tsp (3 g) pumpkin pie spice: This blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves adds cozy spice notes.
• 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, floral undertones.
• 1 container (8 oz / 227 g) mascarpone cheese (room temperature): The lush, creamy base crucial to tiramisu’s signature richness.
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream: Whipped to add lightness and volume to the cream filling.
• 1½ cups (360 ml) brewed coffee or espresso (cooled): Essential for soaking the ladyfingers and grounding the dish with a bold coffee flavor.
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) maple syrup or coffee liqueur (optional): Adds sweetness and a hint of complexity to the coffee dip.
• 1 package (7 oz / 200 g) ladyfingers (Savoiardi preferred): These delicate cookie biscuits soak up coffee beautifully without falling apart.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting): A final touch that brings bitterness and contrast on top.

How to Make Pumpkin Tiramisu

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Mascarpone Mixture

Start by whisking together the pumpkin puree, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and aromatic. The pumpkin pie spice warms the mixture right up, reminding you of cool fall evenings. Next, blend in the mascarpone cheese, ensuring the mixture becomes creamy and seamless, forming the luscious core of this Pumpkin Tiramisu.

Step 2: Whip the Cream and Fold In

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form—this lightens the richness and gives the filling a delightfully fluffy texture. Gently fold the whipped cream into your pumpkin-mascarpone base with care so the mixture remains airy and smooth, perfectly balancing decadence and lightness.

Step 3: Prepare Your Coffee Dip

Mix the cooled brewed coffee or espresso with the optional maple syrup or coffee liqueur in a shallow dish. This aromatic soak will imbue the ladyfingers with that signature tiramisu flavor. The maple syrup adds a subtle autumn sweetness, complementing the pumpkin perfectly.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers of Pumpkin Tiramisu

Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture—just a second or two to avoid sogginess—and arrange a single layer in your 9×9-inch pan. This careful soaking lets the biscuits absorb moisture but retain some structure. Spread half of the pumpkin cream mixture over this coffee-cuddled base, then repeat the process with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining cream.

Step 5: Chill and Dust with Cocoa

Cover your layered creation and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight—this step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set beautifully. Right before serving, generously dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder for that classic tiramisu finish and a lovely bittersweet balance to the rich cream.

How to Serve Pumpkin Tiramisu

Garnishes

Enhance your Pumpkin Tiramisu with a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or a few delicate cinnamon sticks on the side to elevate presentation and hint at the warm spices inside. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also add visual appeal and an extra touch of indulgence.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or spiced chai, making the Pumpkin Tiramisu the star ending to a cozy brunch or festive dinner. Fresh seasonal fruit like sliced pears or figs can balance the dessert’s richness and add refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping look, serve this Pumpkin Tiramisu in individual glass jars or stemmed dessert glasses to showcase the layered beauty. Alternatively, try a mini version in cupcake liners for a bite-sized treat that’s perfect for parties and gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Pumpkin Tiramisu covered tightly in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days. The creamy texture may settle more over time, so give it a gentle stir before serving if needed.

Freezing

You can freeze Pumpkin Tiramisu, but it’s best to do so before dusting with cocoa powder. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge and dust with cocoa powder just before serving to keep that fresh look and taste.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not recommended. If you’d like to soften the texture a bit after refrigeration, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to bring out the flavors beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Absolutely! If using fresh pumpkin, cook and puree it well to ensure a smooth consistency. Keep in mind the moisture content may vary, and you might need to adjust the sugar slightly to taste.

What if I don’t have mascarpone cheese?

Mascarpone is key for traditional tiramisu creaminess, but a blend of cream cheese and heavy cream can work as a substitute in a pinch. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I make this dessert vegan?

Yes, by using plant-based alternatives for mascarpone and cream, such as cashew cream or coconut cream, and ensuring ladyfingers are vegan-friendly, you can create a vegan version that still celebrates the essence of Pumpkin Tiramisu.

Is espresso necessary, or can I use regular coffee?

Espresso is preferred for its strong, bold flavor that balances the sweetness of the dessert, but strong brewed coffee works just fine. Just make sure it’s cooled before dipping the ladyfingers.

How long does the Pumpkin Tiramisu need to chill?

Chilling for at least 4 hours is essential for the best texture and flavor melding. Overnight resting improves the taste even further, allowing all those cozy pumpkin and coffee notes to harmonize beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Bringing together the comforting flavors of fall with the luscious elegance of tiramisu, Pumpkin Tiramisu is truly a must-try dessert that will wow family and friends. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sweet but sophisticated treat, this recipe offers an irresistible way to welcome the season. I hope you enjoy every creamy, spiced spoonful as much as I do!

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