Gingerbread Tiramisu Dessert Recipe

If you’re looking for a holiday twist on a classic favorite, you’re in for a treat with this Gingerbread Tiramisu Dessert Recipe. I absolutely love how this dessert combines the cozy, warm spices of gingerbread with the creamy, dreamy layers of tiramisu. When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became a seasonal staple in my house—everyone just goes crazy for it! Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to nail it perfectly every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Gingerbread Tiramisu Dessert Recipe might surprise you a bit with the addition of eggnog and gingerbread cookies, but that’s what makes it so festive and delicious! These ingredients work beautifully together to create those rich, layered flavors that make tiramisu irresistible.

• Heavy Cream: Whipped for that light, fluffy texture that balances the dessert.
• Egg Yolks: They add richness and help create a silky mascarpone mixture.
• Powdered Sugar: For smooth sweetness—easy to blend in without grittiness.
• Mascarpone Cheese: The star creamy component—make sure it’s fresh and at room temperature.
• Eggnog: Brings that classic holiday flair and creamy depth to the soaking liquid.
• Gingerbread Cookies: The foundation—soft enough to soak but sturdy enough to hold layers.
• Coffee: Hot and strong—is the classic tiramisu soak plus the perfect balance to the sweet spices.
• Rum Extract: Adds a boozy warmth without overpowering the dessert.
• Cocoa Powder: For dusting—classic tiramisu finish with a hint of bitterness.
• Crushed Gingerbread Cookies: To sprinkle on top for extra texture and spice.

Variations

While I love the classic approach, you can really have fun with this Gingerbread Tiramisu Dessert Recipe by making it your own. I’ve found that little tweaks can pleasantly surprise your taste buds or adapt this dessert to different occasions or dietary needs.

• Dairy-Free Version: I once swapped mascarpone for a cashew cream and coconut whipped cream, and the result was surprisingly close and totally delicious!
• Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of cloves or nutmeg to the soaking liquid can amp up the holiday spice flavor even more.
• Boozy Boost: For grown-up get-togethers, I add a splash of actual rum or bourbon to the coffee soak instead of just rum extract.
• Fruit Twist: Layering in thin slices of poached pears or crystallized ginger can add an exciting twist.

How to Make Gingerbread Tiramisu Dessert Recipe

Step 1: Whip the Cream to Perfection

This step is all about texture. Using a hand mixer, whip your heavy cream until you see stiff peaks forming—meaning when you lift the beaters, the cream holds firm without collapsing. This will give your tiramisu that luscious, airy feel. I always chill my bowl and beaters beforehand, which helps the cream whip faster and hold better.

Step 2: Make the Mascarpone Mixture

Next, mix your egg yolks and powdered sugar until the color lightens and the texture smooths out—this takes a few minutes, but it’s worth it for that silky base. Then, fold in the mascarpone cheese until there are no clumps. Be gentle when incorporating the whipped cream you made in Step 1—fold, don’t stir—to keep the mixture light and fluffy.

Step 3: Prepare the Coffee Soak

In a small bowl, combine hot coffee, rum extract, and eggnog. This soak is what gives the gingerbread cookies their irresistible moistness and holiday flavor. Be sure to mix it well so the flavors marry nicely. The first time I tried this, I forgot to mix the rum extract and noticed some harsh bites, so don’t skip this step!

Step 4: Layering Your Gingerbread Tiramisu

Dip each gingerbread cookie quickly but thoroughly into the coffee mixture—don’t let them soak too long or they’ll get mushy. Arrange a single layer in your 9×9 baking dish (about 9 cookies). Next, spread a layer of the mascarpone cream mixture over the cookies. Repeat layers, aiming for about 4-5 cookie layers. The last layer should be creamy mascarpone—it makes for a gorgeous finish.

Step 5: Finish and Chill

Dust the top generously with cocoa powder and sprinkle crushed gingerbread cookies for that extra crunch and spice kick. Pop it in the fridge to chill for at least an hour and a half—this rest time lets all the flavors meld and the textures set perfectly. I usually make this the day before to give it plenty of time to mellow.

How to Serve Gingerbread Tiramisu Dessert Recipe

Garnishes

I love dusting the top with extra cocoa powder combined with crushed gingerbread cookies because it adds that perfect balance of bitterness and spice crunch. If I’m feeling festive, a sprinkle of finely chopped candied ginger or a few whole cloves for garnish not only looks pretty but ups the holiday vibes.

Side Dishes

This dessert is the star, so I usually keep sides light. A simple cup of hot spiced tea or a smooth latte pairs beautifully—especially when you want to emphasize the warm gingerbread notes. If it’s a holiday party, I like serving it alongside a small fruit platter with fresh berries to cut through the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this tiramisu in individual glass jars or clear cups so guests can admire those pretty layers. You can also make it in a trifle bowl for a striking centerpiece dessert. Adding a sprig of fresh rosemary or a cinnamon stick as a garnish always steals the show at holiday dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once assembled, I cover the tiramisu tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days—though it rarely lasts that long in my house! The flavors actually deepen with time, so leftovers get better as they sit.

Freezing

I have frozen this dessert a couple of times when hosting big family gatherings. Freezing can affect the texture slightly, especially the whipped cream component, causing it to lose some fluffiness. Still, it’s a great option if you want to prep well in advance—just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed cold, so I don’t recommend reheating. However, if you want to bring out the coffee notes a bit, serving it with a warm coffee or hot chocolate on the side works wonderfully. Just scoop directly from the fridge for that cool, refreshing texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread Tiramisu Dessert Recipe quickly became one of my favorite holiday treats because it’s so easy to pull together but feels incredibly special. It’s the perfect balance of festive spices, creamy layers, and that cozy coffee kick that sends you right into the holiday spirit. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your seasonal dessert rotation. So grab those gingerbread cookies, whip up your cream, and prepare to impress everyone at your next gathering!

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