Alright, fellow food lovers, gather ’round! I’m absolutely bursting with excitement to share one of my latest kitchen creations: Gingerbread Tiramisu! Picture this: the classic Italian dessert, but with a cozy, spiced twist that’s perfect for the holidays (or any time you’re craving a little warmth!). This isn’t your average dessert; it’s a hug in a bowl!
It all started with a late-night craving and a fridge full of holiday leftovers. I thought, “What if I could combine the creamy, dreamy goodness of tiramisu with the warm, comforting spices of gingerbread?”
The result? Pure delicious magic! The flavors melded together in a way I never expected, creating a dessert that’s both familiar and totally unique. Each bite is a little explosion of cozy goodness.
This Gingerbread Tiramisu isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to get creative in the kitchen and turn every meal into something special. I’m beyond thrilled to share this with you all! Are you ready to embark on this flavor adventure? Let’s do this!
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Gingerbread Tiramisu ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! You can grab everything you need during your normal shopping trip.
- 1 (12-ounce) package ladyfingers: These are the base of our tiramisu, so make sure they’re nice and crisp.
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled: Coffee is essential for that classic tiramisu flavor, and it pairs perfectly with gingerbread spices.
- 1/2 cup dark rum: Adds a little warmth and depth to the coffee. If you prefer, you can substitute with coffee liqueur or even just more coffee.
- 1 (8-ounce) package mascarpone cheese: This is what makes tiramisu so creamy and dreamy.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness, of course!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla enhances all the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: The star of our gingerbread flavor!
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A little goes a long way with cloves, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Another classic gingerbread spice.
- 1 cup heavy cream: For a light and airy whipped cream topping.
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: To sweeten the whipped cream.
- Gingerbread cookies, crushed: For garnish. This Gingerbread Tiramisu looks so elegant with this touch.
- Cocoa powder, for dusting: A classic tiramisu touch that adds a hint of bitterness.
No worries if you don’t have dark rum – I use coffee liqueur all the time in my Gingerbread Tiramisu. It’s a fantastic substitute! This Gingerbread Tiramisu gets its amazing taste from the combination of warm spices and creamy mascarpone. I love adding an extra pinch of cinnamon to my Gingerbread Tiramisu for that extra kick. It adds something special!
Let’s Make Some!
This is my favorite part of making Gingerbread Tiramisu – watch the delicious magic happen! The kids will be just as excited, maybe even as excited as when I make them Egg Muffins with Spinach and Feta!
- Prepare the coffee mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the cooled brewed coffee and dark rum (or coffee liqueur). This is where the ladyfingers get their delicious soak.
- Make the mascarpone cream: In a large bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Make sure there aren’t any lumps!
- Add the spices: Stir in the ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg until well combined. This is where the amazing gingerbread aroma starts to fill your kitchen!
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. This will be our light and airy topping.
- Assemble the tiramisu: Dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture for a few seconds, making sure they’re soaked but not soggy.
- Layer it up: Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of a serving dish. Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture over the ladyfingers.
- Repeat: Add another layer of soaked ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone cream. This is where the magic starts happening!
- Top with whipped cream: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the tiramisu.
- Chill: Cover the tiramisu and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the ladyfingers to soften. In my kitchen, this Gingerbread Tiramisu usually chills overnight for the best taste!
- Garnish: Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder and sprinkle with crushed gingerbread cookies. This Gingerbread Tiramisu should smell absolutely incredible right now!
- Enjoy! Slice and serve. Prepare for happy faces! Don’t worry if your Gingerbread Tiramisu looks a little messy – it’ll still taste incredible!
How to Serve Up This!
People literally do happy dances when this Gingerbread Tiramisu hits the table with a cup of hot cocoa. Here’s how I love to serve this amazing dessert:
- With a warm beverage: Pair it with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced tea for the ultimate cozy experience.
- As a holiday centerpiece: This Christmas Tiramisu makes a stunning addition to any holiday dessert table.
- For a special occasion: This Gingerbread Tiramisu is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! Bring it out for birthdays, anniversaries, or just a cozy night in.
- Individual servings: For a more elegant presentation, layer the tiramisu in individual glasses or ramekins.
- Flavor pairings: The warm spices of gingerbread pair perfectly with the bitterness of coffee and cocoa. This Holiday Tiramisu is also delicious with a side of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Creative leftover transformations: If you have any leftover Gingerbread Tiramisu, try using it as a filling for crepes or waffles. This Spiced Tiramisu also works great as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.
I love experimenting with different variations of this Gingerbread dessert. One of my favorites is adding a layer of crushed gingersnap cookies in the middle for extra crunch. For another bold flavor pairing, serve this Gingerbread Tiramisu with Spiced Shrimp with Roasted Honeynut Squash.
FAQs:
Here are some frequently asked questions about this Gingerbread Tiramisu! I’ve experimented with this recipe a ton, so I’ve got you covered!
- Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Gingerbread Tiramisu? Absolutely! This recipe is super easy to follow, even if you’re new to baking. The most important thing is to have fun and don’t be afraid to experiment! This recipe is also far easier than the Gingerbread Spiced Tiramisu – Use Your Noodles.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend making this Gingerbread Tiramisu a day in advance. This allows the flavors to meld together and the ladyfingers to soften, resulting in a more delicious dessert.
- What if I don’t have mascarpone cheese? If you can’t find mascarpone cheese, you can substitute with cream cheese. Just make sure to use full-fat cream cheese for the best results.
- Can I make this without alcohol? Yes, you can easily make this Gingerbread Tiramisu without alcohol. Simply substitute the dark rum with more coffee or coffee extract.
- What if I mess up my Gingerbread Tiramisu? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!) Don’t worry if your tiramisu doesn’t look perfect. The most important thing is that it tastes good! Even if it’s a little messy, it’ll still be delicious.
- How can I prep this Gingerbread Tiramisu for busy weeknights? To save time on busy weeknights, you can prepare the mascarpone cream and whipped cream ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the tiramisu.
- Can I freeze this Gingerbread Tiramisu? I don’t recommend freezing this Gingerbread Tiramisu, as the texture may change. However, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For another winter spiced dessert, check out this Christmas Gingerbread Tiramisu – Burrata and Bubbles recipe, too.
One reader asked me about making this recipe vegan. While I haven’t personally tried it, I found this Gingerbread Tiramisu (Eggless & Vegan) – Crumbs & Caramel vegan alternative for anyone looking to try! If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage!
CONCLUSION:
This Gingerbread Tiramisu brings me so much joy because it’s the perfect combination of classic comfort food and bold, unexpected flavors. It’s a dessert that’s sure to impress your friends and family, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Give this recipe a shot and let me know what you think!
My Gingerbread Tiramisu Flavor Secrets:
- Don’t skimp on the spices: The key to a truly delicious Gingerbread Tiramisu is to use high-quality spices and don’t be afraid to experiment with the amounts.
- Soak the ladyfingers just right: Make sure to soak the ladyfingers long enough so they get nice and soft, but not so long that they become soggy.
- Chill, chill, chill: This Spiced Tiramisu needs time to chill in the refrigerator for the flavors to meld together and the ladyfingers to soften.
I’ve tested a bunch of delicious Gingerbread Tiramisu variations, like adding a layer of crushed gingersnap cookies, using different types of alcohol, and even topping it with a caramel sauce. This Christmas Tiramisu is perfect for holiday gatherings, while the classic version is great for any time of year. If you liked this twist on comfort food, you will absolutely love Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage!
Trust your taste buds and get creative in the kitchen! I’m so excited for you to try this recipe. Get ready for a flavor adventure! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to see what you create! Don’t be afraid to try this Gingerbread Tiramisu, you won’t regret it!
If you want more comfort recipes you can enjoy during the week, you should check out this Egg Muffins with Spinach and Feta. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out this Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage!
Gingerbread Tiramisu
This Gingerbread Tiramisu is a festive twist on a classic Italian dessert, perfect for the holidays. Layers of gingerbread-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone filling, and a dusting of cocoa create a delightful and indulgent treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 package (3 ounces) ladyfingers
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons dark rum (optional)
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, combine the cooled coffee, molasses, and rum (if using).
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, being careful not to soak them completely.
- In a separate bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, sugar, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves until smooth and creamy.
- In a serving dish or individual glasses, layer the soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone mixture. Start with a layer of ladyfingers, followed by a layer of mascarpone cream. Repeat layers.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Before serving, dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder.
Notes
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some finely chopped crystallized ginger on top of the cocoa powder.