There’s something absolutely magical about combining cozy holiday flavors with a classic Italian dessert, and that’s exactly what this Gingerbread Tiramisu Recipe delivers. Imagine layers of spiced gingerbread cookies and coffee-soaked ladyfingers, wrapped in a creamy mascarpone filling laced with cinnamon and molasses—pure winter bliss in every bite!
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Holiday Flavors in Every Bite: This tiramisu infuses warm gingerbread spices that perfectly complement the traditional creamy texture.
Simplicity Meets Elegance: Despite sounding fancy, the recipe uses simple steps and easily found ingredients.
Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert: It needs to chill overnight, so you can prepare it a day in advance, making entertaining stress-free.
Unique Twist on a Classic: If you love classic tiramisu but want something festive and new, this recipe is your go-to.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The beauty of this Gingerbread Tiramisu Recipe lies in its ingredients—each one plays a vital role, from the rich mascarpone giving it creaminess to the gingerbread coffee soak delivering that irresistible spicy aroma.
- Egg Yolks: Provide richness and help create a smooth custard base for the mascarpone mixture.
- Molasses: Adds depth and authentic gingerbread flavor with a touch of sweetness.
- Ground Ginger & Cinnamon: Essential for that warm, spiced character that defines gingerbread desserts.
- Mascarpone: The creamy heart of tiramisu, lending a luscious texture to every layer.
- Heavy Cream: Whipped to stiff peaks to lighten and aerate the mascarpone filling for the perfect mouthfeel.
- Gingerbread Coffee: A special soak that infuses the ladyfingers with spicy coffee flavor; you can substitute with regular strong coffee and add a pinch of ginger and cinnamon.
- Crisp Gingerbread or Gingersnap Cookies: Adds crunch and distinct gingerbread flavor, creating delightful layers in the dessert.
- Lady Fingers: Soaked briefly to add tenderness and soak up the coffee’s fragrant spices.
- Cocoa Powder: For that classic tiramisu dusting, offering just a hint of bittersweet contrast.
How to Make Gingerbread Tiramisu Recipe
Step 1: Create the Gingerbread Mascarpone
Start by whisking egg yolks and sugar over simmering water until the sugar fully dissolves—this slow cooking creates a silky custard without scrambling the eggs. Then, stir in the molasses, warming spices, salt, and vanilla for that iconic gingerbread vibe. Chill this mixture thoroughly before folding in cold mascarpone and whipped cream to create the silky, luscious filling that’s a cornerstone of your tiramisu.
Step 2: Prepare the Coffee Soak and Layer
Mix the sugar into the brewed gingerbread coffee and cool it down—this is what will soak the ladyfingers and infuse them with spicy warmth. Quickly dip the ladyfingers so they absorb just enough liquid without turning soggy. Layer them at the bottom of your pan, then add generous dollops of mascarpone filling. Top with crunchy gingerbread cookies (these stay crisp because we don’t soak them) before repeating your layers for a perfect mosaic of textures and flavors.
Step 3: Top and Chill Overnight
After your final layer of soaked ladyfingers and filling, whip the remaining cream and fold it into the extra mascarpone mixture. Pipe or spoon dollops across the tiramisu, then dust generously with cocoa powder and decorate with more gingerbread cookies. Pop it into the fridge to let all those flavors meld and develop overnight—the waiting is totally worth it!
How to Serve Gingerbread Tiramisu Recipe
Garnishes
For a festive touch, sprinkle extra cocoa powder and top with small gingerbread cookie crumbs or whole gingersnaps. Fresh cranberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a wintery, snowy effect that makes this dessert even more inviting on the table.
Side Dishes
Pair this Gingerbread Tiramisu Recipe with light sides like a citrusy salad or a simple fruit compote to balance its richness. A warm cup of spiced tea or mulled wine complements its flavors perfectly, rounding out a festive meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in glass cups or mason jars to show off the beautiful layers. You can also pipe the mascarpone filling artistically in swirls on top, adding edible gold flakes or mini gingerbread men for a fun holiday centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover your tiramisu tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and store it in the fridge—it stays fresh and delicious for up to three days. The flavors will actually deepen, making it even better the next day!
Freezing
This dessert can be frozen but keep in mind the texture of mascarpone might change slightly. Wrap individual portions well to prevent freezer burn, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Reheating
Since tiramisu is best served chilled, avoid reheating. Simply take it out of the fridge about 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly for the perfect creamy texture.
FAQs
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Can I use regular coffee instead of gingerbread coffee?
Absolutely! If you don’t have gingerbread coffee on hand, use strong brewed coffee and add ground cinnamon, ginger, and a touch of molasses or brown sugar to mimic that spicy sweetness.
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Is it safe to use raw egg yolks in the mascarpone filling?
This recipe uses a gentle heat bath to cook the egg yolks with sugar, making them safe by dissolving the sugar and slightly cooking the eggs. Just be sure to whisk constantly and carefully monitor temperature for best safety.
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Can I substitute mascarpone with cream cheese?
You can, but mascarpone has a sweeter, creamier texture that’s ideal here. If using cream cheese, soften it and add a little heavy cream or whipped cream to lighten the texture.
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How long should the Gingerbread Tiramisu chill before serving?
Chilling overnight, about 8-12 hours, allows the flavors to meld perfectly. If you’re short on time, even 4 hours will do, but the full 24 hours recommended gives the best depth of flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that wraps you up in all the warmth and joy of the holidays, you absolutely must try this Gingerbread Tiramisu Recipe. It’s creamy, comforting, and filled with festive spice that feels like a hug in dessert form. Trust me, once you make it, this recipe will become a beloved seasonal tradition you’ll want to share year after year.
Print
Gingerbread Tiramisu Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes + overnight chill
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Gingerbread Tiramisu is a festive twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining spiced gingerbread flavors with creamy mascarpone and rich coffee-soaked lady fingers. Layers of gingerbread cookies and a luscious ginger-spiced mascarpone cream create a cozy, indulgent treat perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Gingerbread Mascarpone
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1/3 cup + 3 tbsp (104g) granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp molasses
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 12 oz mascarpone, cold
- 2 cups heavy cream, divided
Cookies and Soak
- Crisp gingerbread or gingersnap cookies (Pepperidge Farm gingerman cookies recommended)
- 2 cups strong brewed gingerbread coffee (or unflavored coffee)
- 1 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 7oz package lady fingers
For Garnish
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Gingerbread Mascarpone: Fill a pot with a couple of inches of water and set it over medium heat to create a gentle simmer. In a heat-safe bowl that can sit over the pot without touching the water, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until smooth.
- Cook the Egg Mixture: Place the bowl over the simmering water and whisk continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved, which should take about 5 minutes. Test by rubbing a bit between your fingers to ensure no granules remain.
- Add Flavorings and Chill: Remove the bowl from the heat and quickly whisk in the molasses, ground ginger, cinnamon, kosher salt, and vanilla extract. To cool the mixture rapidly, either place the bowl in the refrigerator or nestle it within a larger bowl filled with ice, whisking occasionally. Chill until completely cold, about 5 minutes.
- Incorporate the Mascarpone: Whisk the cold mascarpone cheese into the chilled egg mixture until smooth and combined.
- Whip the Cream: In a clean bowl with a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream to stiff peaks.
- Combine Cream and Mascarpone: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until combined, resulting in a fairly thin, creamy filling.
- Make the Coffee Soak: Stir the granulated sugar into the brewed gingerbread coffee and allow it to cool completely before assembling the tiramisu.
- Assemble the First Layer: Briefly dunk the lady fingers (about one second) into the cooled gingerbread coffee. Arrange them in a single layer to fully cover the bottom of an 8×8-inch pan, cutting fingers as necessary.
- Add Mascarpone Filling and Cookies: Using a large ice cream scoop or a 1/4 cup measuring cup, spread five full scoops of the mascarpone filling evenly over the lady fingers. Then, place a layer of crisp gingerbread cookies on top without soaking them.
- Continue Layering: Add another five scoops of mascarpone filling over the gingerbread cookies and spread evenly. Add another layer of coffee-soaked lady fingers on top.
- Top with Remaining Filling: Spread 3-4 scoops of mascarpone filling over the last layer of lady fingers, leaving about 1 cup of filling remaining.
- Whip Remaining Cream: Whip the remaining 1/2 cup of heavy cream to stiff peaks and gently fold it into the leftover mascarpone filling. Transfer this mixture into a piping bag.
- Pipe and Garnish: Pipe dollops of the whipped filling over the surface of the tiramisu. Dust the top with cocoa powder and decorate with additional gingerbread cookies as desired.
- Chill the Tiramisu: Refrigerate the assembled tiramisu for at least overnight or preferably 24 hours to allow the flavors to fully meld and the dessert to set.
- Serve: Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy the festive, creamy dessert!
Notes
- Use high-quality gingerbread coffee for an authentic ginger flavor; options include Starbucks, Death Wish Coffee, or seasonal Trader Joe’s versions.
- The chilling step for the egg yolk mixture is important for safety and for texture; do not rush this step.
- When dipping lady fingers, immerse them only briefly to avoid sogginess.
- This tiramisu is best served after chilling for a full 24 hours for optimal flavor development.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.