Festive Gingerbread Tiramisu Recipe

Whip Up Jolly Gingerbread Tiramisu Recipe: Holiday Magic!

Sweet layers of creamy mascarpone dance with classic tiramisu flavors in this festive gingerbread tiramisu recipe that brings holiday magic to your dessert table.

Warm spices mingle with delicate coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creating a decadent treat that feels both familiar and exciting.

The rich gingerbread notes weave through each silky bite, offering a delightful twist on the traditional Italian classic.

Smooth mascarpone cream becomes a velvety canvas for robust espresso and warm cinnamon.

Delicate ladyfingers absorb the deep coffee essence, transforming into tender, flavor-packed layers.

Elegant yet approachable, this dessert promises to be the star of any seasonal gathering.

Prepare to dazzle your guests with a show-stopping finale that blends comfort and sophistication in every spoonful.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 345 kcal

Servings: 9

What’s In Gingerbread Tiramisu

For Coffee Base:
  • Espresso: Rich, aromatic base that infuses deep coffee flavor into the dessert.
  • Coffee Liqueur: Optional ingredient that adds sophisticated warmth and depth to the coffee soak.
For Cream Components:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates light, airy texture that provides silky smoothness to the dessert.
  • Mascarpone Cheese: Creamy Italian cheese that delivers luxurious richness and smooth consistency.
For Sweetening and Spicing:
  • Granulated Sugar: Balances flavors and adds subtle sweetness to the cream mixture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall dessert flavor with warm, comforting undertones.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Provides warm, spicy note that complements gingerbread's natural flavor.
  • Ground Ginger: Adds sharp, zesty kick that intensifies the gingerbread's characteristic taste.
  • Ground Nutmeg: Contributes subtle, earthy warmth that rounds out the spice profile.
For Assembly:
  • Gingerbread Cookies: Soft, spicy base that soaks up coffee mixture and creates layered texture.
  • Cocoa Powder or Cinnamon: Optional garnish for elegant finishing touch and additional flavor dimension.

Tools For Gingerbread Tiramisu Layers

  • Mixing bowl: Essential for whipping cream and blending mascarpone mixture.
  • Whisk: Perfect for smoothly combining mascarpone, sugar, and spices.
  • Electric mixer or hand mixer: Helps create stiff whipped cream quickly.
  • 9×9-inch dish: Ideal for layering cookies and mascarpone cream.
  • Shallow dish: Needed for dipping gingerbread cookies in coffee mixture.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Spatula: Great for gently folding cream and spreading mascarpone layers.
  • Sifter or fine strainer: Helpful for dusting cinnamon or cocoa powder on top.

Step-By-Step Guide To Gingerbread Tiramisu

  • Whip Up the Cream

Beat heavy cream until it forms beautiful, stiff peaks that stand tall and proud. Set this fluffy cloud aside for later magic.

  • Create Creamy Mascarpone Base

In a fresh bowl, blend mascarpone with sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg until silky smooth like a winter dream.

  • Marry the Cream and Mascarpone

Gently fold the whipped cream into the spiced mascarpone mixture, creating a luxurious, airy filling that’ll make taste buds dance.

  • Prepare Coffee Dipping Station

Mix espresso with coffee liqueur in a shallow dish, ready to give those gingerbread cookies a flavor-packed splash.

  • Build Your Delicious Layers

Quickly dunk gingerbread cookies into the coffee mixture and arrange them across the bottom of your serving dish. Spread half the mascarpone cream over the cookies.

  • Repeat and Chill

Add another layer of coffee-kissed cookies, then cover with remaining mascarpone cream. Seal the dish and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.

  • Final Touch

Before serving, dust the top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder. Add a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

Flavor Tips & Sweet Swaps

  • Chilling Technique: Let the tiramisu rest in the refrigerator overnight to allow flavors to meld and develop a rich, complex taste profile.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert 1-2 days in advance for stress-free entertaining and enhanced flavor depth.
  • Gluten-Free Swap: Replace traditional gingerbread cookies with gluten-free ginger cookies or gluten-free ladyfingers to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Booze-Free Option: Skip the coffee liqueur and use additional espresso or strong coffee for a family-friendly version that's equally delicious.
  • Decorative Finish: Garnish with crushed gingersnap cookies, candied ginger pieces, or chocolate shavings for an extra festive and visually appealing presentation.

Serve Gingerbread Tiramisu With Style

  • Cozy Holiday Dessert Display: Serve this gingerbread tiramisu on a festive ceramic platter with a sprinkle of crushed gingersnap cookies around the edges for extra crunch and visual appeal.
  • Elegant Coffee Pairing: Accompany the dessert with a small shot of espresso or cappuccino, allowing guests to enjoy the complementary coffee flavors and enhance the overall tasting experience.
  • Garnish Galore: Top each individual serving with a delicate candied ginger slice, a light dusting of cocoa powder, and a small mint leaf to add sophisticated texture and a pop of color that elevates the presentation.
  • Winter Celebration Centerpiece: Create a stunning holiday dessert table by placing the tiramisu alongside other seasonal treats like spiced nuts, peppermint bark, and cinnamon cookies, creating an inviting and festive spread that will impress guests and capture the warmth of the season.

Plan And Keep Gingerbread Tiramisu Fresh

  • Quick Chilling Strategy: Refrigerate the tiramisu for minimum 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and layers to set perfectly, creating a rich and creamy dessert experience.
  • Advance Preparation Magic: Make this dessert 1-2 days before serving, which enhances the taste and reduces last-minute kitchen stress while delivering maximum flavor complexity.
  • Smart Storage Solutions: Keep the tiramisu covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator, maintaining freshness for up to 3-4 days without compromising texture or taste.
  • Freezing Friendly Tip: Wrap individual portions or the entire dessert in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in the freezer for up to 2 weeks – perfect for make-ahead entertaining or unexpected sweet cravings.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Festive Gingerbread Tiramisu Recipe

Festive Gingerbread Tiramisu Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Classic Italian tiramisu meets holiday spirit in this gingerbread-infused dessert. Creamy mascarpone layers intertwine with spiced gingerbread cookies, creating a festive twist on the beloved Italian treat that delights winter palates.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2024 gingerbread cookies (soft or crisp)
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml/12 fl oz) brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
  • 8 oz (226 g) mascarpone cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) heavy whipping cream
  • ⅓ cup (67 g/2.4 oz) granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml/1 fl oz) coffee liqueur (optional)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • Ground cinnamon or cocoa powder (for dusting)
  • Whipped cream (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Cream Preparation: Whip heavy cream into robust, voluminous peaks, establishing a light, airy foundation for the dessert.
  2. Mascarpone Fusion: Blend mascarpone cheese with sugar, vanilla extract, and warm spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg) until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
  3. Layering Foundation: Gently fold whipped cream into spiced mascarpone, preserving the mixture’s delicate, ethereal texture.
  4. Coffee Infusion: Create a robust coffee bath by combining espresso and coffee liqueur in a shallow container for cookie soaking.
  5. Assembly Technique: Swiftly dip gingerbread cookies into coffee mixture, quickly layering them in the serving dish to prevent saturation, then cover with half the mascarpone cream, ensuring complete coverage.
  6. Secondary Layer: Repeat cookie-dipping process, topping with remaining mascarpone cream to complete the dessert structure.
  7. Flavor Development: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for a minimum of 4 hours, ideally overnight, allowing flavors to harmonize and intensify.
  8. Elegant Presentation: Before serving, dust the surface with cinnamon or cocoa powder, and optionally garnish with a delicate dollop of fresh whipped cream for an sophisticated finish.

Notes

  • Maintain Cream Stability: Whip heavy cream just until stiff peaks form to prevent deflation and ensure a light, airy texture.
  • Spice Blending Technique: Thoroughly mix mascarpone with spices at room temperature to distribute flavors evenly and create a smooth, consistent cream.
  • Prevent Soggy Cookies: Dip gingerbread cookies quickly in coffee mixture, allowing minimal absorption to maintain their structural integrity and prevent mushiness.
  • Flavor Development Strategy: Refrigerate tiramisu for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow spices and coffee to meld, intensifying the dessert’s complex flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 345
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 75 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star