Dreamy Gingerbread Tiramisu Recipe: A Festive Twist on Classic

Sweet memories of winter gatherings dance through my kitchen when crafting this delightful gingerbread tiramisu that blends Italian classic dessert magic with cozy holiday spices.

Warm cinnamon and molasses whisper nostalgic stories while creamy mascarpone layers promise indulgent comfort.

Christmas traditions meet culinary creativity in this unexpected dessert fusion.

Rich espresso soaks delicate ladyfingers, creating a sophisticated twist on traditional recipes.

Seasonal aromas of nutmeg and ginger promise a sensory adventure that feels both familiar and exciting.

Festive textures and intense flavors weave together, inviting you to experience a dessert that celebrates winter’s most cherished moments.

Grab a spoon and let this gingerbread tiramisu transport you to a world of delectable happiness.

Why Gingerbread Tiramisu Brings Holiday Cheer

• Quick and Easy Holiday Dessert: Whip up this gingerbread tiramisu in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy home bakers who want a show-stopping treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Festive Flavor Fusion: Blend the classic Italian tiramisu with warm, spicy gingerbread cookies, creating a unique dessert that captures the cozy essence of holiday baking and delivers an unexpected twist on a traditional favorite.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert in advance and let it chill for 4-8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly – ideal for stress-free entertaining and letting busy hosts spend more time with guests instead of last-minute cooking.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: This dessert appeals to both kids and adults, offering a sophisticated yet familiar taste that combines the rich creaminess of mascarpone with the nostalgic warmth of gingerbread, making it a guaranteed hit at holiday gatherings.

What You’ll Need For Gingerbread Tiramisu

• Heavy Cream: Rich and fluffy base for creating light, airy texture in the dessert.
• Mascarpone Cheese: Smooth Italian cream cheese that provides creamy, luxurious consistency.

• Sugar: Classic sweetener that balances the rich dairy and adds sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Warm flavor enhancer that complements the gingerbread profile.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that adds depth and traditional holiday flavor.
• Ginger: Signature spice that gives a classic gingerbread taste.
• Nutmeg: Subtle, warming spice that adds complexity to the dessert.

• Espresso: Strong coffee base for soaking cookies and adding rich flavor.
• Coffee Liqueur: Optional ingredient for deeper coffee flavor and complexity.
• Gingerbread Cookies: Primary dessert structure and signature flavor element.
• Cocoa Powder or Cinnamon: Decorative topping for final presentation.

Steps To Make Gingerbread Tiramisu Easily

Step 1: Whip the Creamy Cloud

Pour heavy cream into a mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer until it transforms into fluffy, stiff peaks that stand tall and proud. Set this creamy cloud aside for later.

Step 2: Create the Mascarpone Magic

• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground ginger
• Ground nutmeg

Whisk these ingredients together until they blend into a smooth, silky mixture that looks like a winter spice dream.

Step 3: Fold the Dreamy Layers

Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. Use a spatula to create soft, delicate swirls, ensuring the two mixtures become one luxurious cream.

Step 4: Prepare the Coffee Bath

In a shallow dish, mix freshly brewed espresso with coffee liqueur. This will be the flavor-packed bath for the gingerbread cookies.

Step 5: Build the First Cookie Layer

Quickly dip each gingerbread cookie into the coffee mixture, letting it soak for just a moment. Arrange these coffee-kissed cookies in a single layer across the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish.

Step 6: Spread the First Cream Layer

Carefully spread half of the mascarpone cream over the cookie layer, creating a smooth, even blanket of creamy goodness.

Step 7: Create the Second Cookie Layer

Repeat the coffee-dipping process with more gingerbread cookies, laying them carefully over the first cream layer.

Step 8: Add the Final Cream Topping

Spread the remaining mascarpone cream over the second cookie layer, making sure to cover every inch with the luxurious mixture.

Step 9: Chill and Set

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight is best. This allows all the flavors to mingle and the dessert to set perfectly.

Step 10: Serve with Flair

Just before serving, dust the top with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon or cocoa powder. For an extra touch of indulgence, add a dollop of whipped cream on top.

Tip: This dessert is best enjoyed chilled and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Tips For Gingerbread Tiramisu That’s Full Of Flavor

• Whip Cream with Care: Beat heavy cream slowly and steadily to achieve perfect stiff peaks without overbeating, which can make the texture grainy and affect the tiramisu's smoothness.
• Balance Spice Levels: Adjust the cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg quantities to suit your taste preference, ensuring the warming spices complement the coffee and mascarpone without overwhelming the dessert.
• Soak Cookies Quickly: Dip gingerbread cookies briefly in the espresso mixture to prevent them from becoming too soggy, maintaining a delicate texture that holds the layers together.
• Make Ahead Magic: Prepare the tiramisu a day in advance to allow flavors to meld and develop, creating a more complex and rich dessert experience.
• Dietary Adaptation: Substitute regular gingerbread cookies with gluten-free alternatives and use dairy-free mascarpone and whipped cream for a vegan-friendly version that doesn't compromise on taste.

How To Store Gingerbread Tiramisu Properly

• Protect your gingerbread tiramisu by storing it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Keep the dessert chilled to maintain its creamy texture and prevent mascarpone from spoiling.
• Avoid freezing this dessert, as the delicate layers and moisture-soaked cookies will break down and lose their delightful texture when thawed.

Tasty Matches With Gingerbread Tiramisu

• Match Warm Mulled Wine: Complement the rich, spicy gingerbread tiramisu with a glass of warm mulled wine, enhancing the dessert's cozy winter flavors and adding a delightful aromatic depth.
• Pair Dark Roasted Coffee: Serve alongside a smooth, dark roasted espresso or cappuccino to highlight the coffee undertones in the tiramisu and provide a perfect bitter contrast to the sweet creamy layers.
• Combine Spiced Rum: Drizzle a small amount of spiced rum around the dessert plate, creating a harmonious blend of warming spices that echo the ginger and cinnamon notes in the tiramisu.
• Enhance with Caramel Liqueur: Add a small shot of caramel liqueur on the side, which will beautifully complement the dessert's creamy texture and amplify its warm, sweet characteristics.

Gingerbread Tiramisu Recipe Variations

• Spiced Rum Gingerbread Fusion: Replace coffee liqueur with dark spiced rum for a warm, rich flavor profile that enhances the gingerbread's natural spiciness.
• Peppermint Holiday Version: Infuse the mascarpone mixture with peppermint extract and garnish with crushed candy canes for a festive winter dessert experience.
• Chocolate Ginger Indulgence: Fold melted dark chocolate into the mascarpone mixture and sprinkle cocoa-dusted grated chocolate between layers for an intense chocolate-ginger combination.
• Maple Walnut Celebration: Swap sugar with maple syrup and fold in chopped toasted walnuts between layers for a nutty, caramel-like depth to the traditional recipe.

FAQs About Gingerbread Tiramisu

• What makes this Gingerbread Tiramisu different from traditional tiramisu?

This version replaces ladyfingers with gingerbread cookies, adding a warm, spicy holiday twist that brings extra flavor and festive cheer to the classic Italian dessert.

• Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! This tiramisu actually gets better when prepared in advance. Refrigerating for 4-8 hours allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more delicious and creamy dessert.

• Is coffee liqueur necessary for the recipe?

Not at all. You can skip the coffee liqueur and use pure espresso or strong coffee. The liqueur adds depth, but the dessert will still be delicious without it.

• What are the key spices that give this dessert its unique flavor?

Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg are the star spices that transform this tiramisu into a holiday-inspired treat, providing warmth and complexity to the creamy mascarpone mixture.

Gingerbread Tiramisu Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Gingerbread Tiramisu weaves Italian elegance with festive warmth, blending espresso-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone. Spiced layers create a delightful holiday dessert that welcomes winter celebrations with rich, comforting indulgence.

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Ingredients

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Key Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) mascarpone cheese, softened
• 2024 gingerbread cookies (soft or crisp, depending on preference)
• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled

Dairy and Cream Components:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
• ⅓ cup (67 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) coffee liqueur (optional)

Spices and Flavoring:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Garnish:

• Ground cinnamon or cocoa powder (for dusting)
• Whipped cream (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

1. Whip the heavy cream until it forms sturdy, voluminous peaks, creating a light and airy base for the dessert.
2. Blend mascarpone cheese with sugar, vanilla extract, and warm spices of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg until the mixture becomes silky and homogeneous.
3. Delicately incorporate the whipped cream into the spiced mascarpone, folding gently to maintain the mixture’s ethereal texture.
4. Prepare a coffee bath by combining espresso and coffee liqueur in a shallow container, creating a rich, aromatic liquid for soaking.
5. Swiftly immerse each gingerbread cookie into the coffee mixture, ensuring a quick dip to prevent sogginess, then arrange them as the first layer in a serving dish.
6. Generously spread half of the mascarpone cream over the initial cookie layer, covering every corner with the luxurious mixture.
7. Create a second layer by repeating the cookie-dipping process and topping with the remaining mascarpone cream.
8. Seal the dessert and allow it to rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, enabling the flavors to meld and intensify.
9. Prior to serving, dust the surface with a delicate layer of cinnamon or cocoa powder, and optionally crown with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Soften mascarpone at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing to ensure silky texture.
• Swap traditional ladyfingers with gluten-free gingerbread cookies for a celiac-friendly dessert option.
• Control coffee intensity by adjusting espresso strength or using decaf for caffeine-sensitive guests.
• Enhance flavor complexity by briefly warming spices like cinnamon and ginger before incorporating into mascarpone mixture, which releases deeper aromatic compounds.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg