Spiced Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe

I have to tell you, this Spiced Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe is one of my absolute favorites when the cozy season rolls around. There’s something magical about the way the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices blend with traditional tiramisu elements—it’s like autumn got a delicious upgrade. Whether you’re hosting a fall dinner or just craving a sweet pick-me-up, this recipe hits that lovely balance of comfort and elegance.

What makes this Spiced Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe really stand out is how easy it is to assemble, yet how impressive it looks and tastes. You don’t need fancy equipment or complicated steps, and the results feel like a special treat. Plus, it keeps well, so you can make it ahead and wow your guests or savor it over a few days.

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Spiced Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe relies on a handful of versatile ingredients that come together in harmony. Each plays a key role in balancing flavor, structure, and richness, so it’s worth picking good quality items for the best results.

• Coffee: Strong brew is essential here—it flavors the ladyfingers and cuts through the creamy richness perfectly.
• Cream Cheese: Offers tang and thickness similar to mascarpone, which keeps the pumpkin layer rich but not overly heavy.
• Pumpkin Puree: Goes beyond canned pie filling—choose pure pumpkin to control texture and moisture for creamy layers.
• Pumpkin Spice: A pinch adds warming notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that scream fall in the best way.
• Heavy Cream: Whipped to soft peaks, it lightens the dish and brings that classic tiramisu lift.
• Gelatin: Helps stabilize the whipped cream so your tiramisu slices cleanly and holds shape without collapsing.
• Ladyfingers: The classic sponge base that soaks coffee fast; I recommend using fresh, not stale or overly dry ones for best texture.
• Vanilla Extract & Sugar: These round out the creams with sweetness and aromatic undertones that compliment the pumpkin beautifully.
• Chocolate Shavings & Pumpkin Spice for garnish: Adds sparkle and a hint of bitterness, perfect to finish the dessert with flair.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how versatile this Spiced Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe is. Sometimes I’ll add a splash of bourbon to the coffee for an adult twist, or swap in maple syrup for powdered sugar to deepen the autumn vibe. Feel free to play around until it suits your palate perfectly.

• Variation: One fall, I added a layer of toasted pecans for crunch between the whipped cream and pumpkin layers—it was a total hit!
• Dairy-Free: Try coconut cream whipped with a gelatin substitute and use a dairy-free cream cheese to make it allergen-friendly.
• Spice Level: Adjust the pumpkin spice to your liking or experiment with adding ground ginger or cardamom for a unique spin.
• Coffee Alternatives: Decaf or chai tea can replace coffee for a caffeine-free or differently spiced version that’s equally delicious.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spiced Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Filling

Start by whisking the cream cheese, powdered sugar, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin spice together using a hand mixer. I find that blending these well until smooth gives a creamy base without lumps—plus, it releases the pumpkin spices’ aroma early on. Setting this aside lets the flavors mingle while you prepare the whipped cream.

Step 2: Whip the Cream and Gelatin

Whip the heavy cream, additional powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until it just starts to thicken but isn’t fully stiff yet. Meanwhile, dissolve the gelatin in cold water and warm briefly in the microwave until fully melted. Slowly blend that into the cream, then continue whipping until soft peaks form—this gelatin step helps the tiramisu hold its pretty shape when sliced.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers Like a Pro

Dip ladyfingers briefly into your strong coffee so they soak but don’t turn soggy; a quick full submerge works best here. Arrange a layer of these soaked ladyfingers in your baking dish, then spread half the pumpkin cream cheese mixture over them using an offset spatula for even coverage. Dollop and smooth out half the whipped cream on top, then repeat the layers ending with whipped cream. It’s okay if it’s a little messy—the flavors will shine through!

Step 4: Chill and Garnish

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. This resting time lets the flavors meld and the texture set perfectly. Before serving, sprinkle with pumpkin spice and scatter chocolate shavings for a beautiful, flavorful finish.

How to Serve Spiced Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish this tiramisu with a sprinkle of pumpkin spice for that inviting scent and a generous handful of fine chocolate shavings. It adds a bit of texture plus a lovely bittersweet contrast to the creamy pumpkin layers. Sometimes, I toss on some toasted pecans if I want a bit of crunch and extra autumn vibes.

Side Dishes

This dessert shines on its own, but I like pairing it with a lightly spiced chai or a dark roast coffee to highlight the tiramisu’s coffee-soaked ladyfingers. If you want something savory alongside, simple roasted nuts or a cheese platter with mild cheeses works well to balance sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinner parties, I love layering this tiramisu in individual clear glass jars or mini trifle bowls—it looks stunning and helps with portion control. You can also pipe the whipped cream on top for a fancier finish and add a dusting of edible gold dust or cinnamon sticks for that extra wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and who doesn’t?), cover the tiramisu tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and keep it refrigerated. It actually tastes better a day or two later as flavors continue to meld. Just make sure to keep it chilled, as the cream layers are delicate.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing this tiramisu and honestly, it’s okay but I prefer it fresh or refrigerated. Freezing changes the texture of the cream layers a bit, making them less silky and more icy once thawed. If you want to freeze, do so in single portions for easier thawing and serve within a month.

Reheating

Tiramisu is best enjoyed chilled, so I don’t recommend reheating. Just take it out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving to let it soften slightly and release its full flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s a little unexpected but totally crowd-pleasing, this Spiced Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe should be your go-to. It’s a warm hug of fall flavors with the elegance and comfort of classic tiramisu. I’ve made it countless times for friends and family, and it never fails to impress or bring smiles. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it every autumn—so go ahead, give it a whirl!

Print