Gingerbread Tiramisu Recipe

If you’re anything like me and love the cozy warmth of holiday flavors with a creamy, dreamy twist, you’re going to absolutely adore this Gingerbread Tiramisu Recipe. It’s a festive spin on the classic Italian dessert, perfectly layered with spicy gingerbread cookies and fluffy eggnog-infused mascarpone cream. Trust me, once you try this, it becomes a holiday staple that you and your friends will rave about for years to come.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Gingerbread Tiramisu Recipe works together to balance that familiar tiramisu creaminess with cozy holiday spices. It’s worth seeking out quality mascarpone and fresh gingerbread cookies to really let those flavors shine.

• Heavy cream: Whipped to stiff peaks, it adds luscious lightness to the filling.
• Egg yolks: They bring richness and help achieve that classic tiramisu texture.
• Powdered sugar: Easily dissolves to sweeten without grit.
• Mascarpone cheese: The star of the show—the creamy base for the filling.
• Eggnog: The signature holiday twist that adds spice and creaminess.
• Gingerbread cookies: Use sturdy ones that soak up liquid but don’t fall apart.
• Coffee: Freshly brewed and hot, it’s the dipping liquid’s backbone.
• Rum extract: Gives the coffee-egg nog mix a little boozy warmth without alcohol.
• Cocoa powder: For dusting the top layer, balancing sweetness with a slight bitterness.
• Crushed gingerbread cookies: A crunchy topping option for texture and extra festivity.

Variations

I love making this Gingerbread Tiramisu Recipe my own by tweaking the flavors here and there—feel free to get creative and adjust it to your taste or dietary needs. The core idea is super flexible.

• Alcohol swap: I sometimes replace rum extract with a splash of bourbon for a richer flavor, but vanilla extract works too if you want to keep it kid-friendly.
• Cookie alternatives: Out of gingerbread? Try speculoos or spiced shortbread cookies to keep those warm autumnal notes.
• Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream and dairy-free mascarpone alternatives to make it vegan-friendly without losing creaminess.
• Extra spice kick: If you like it spicy, add a pinch of freshly grated ginger or cinnamon into the mascarpone mixture to amplify that gingerbread vibe.

How to Make Gingerbread Tiramisu Recipe

Step 1: Whip the Cream to Perfection

Start by whipping your heavy cream until you see stiff peaks form—you want it firm but still smooth. I usually use a hand mixer for this and keep a close eye, so I don’t over-whip and risk turning it into butter (happened once, not fun!). Set it aside once whipped.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Mascarpone Base

In a separate bowl, mix together the egg yolks and powdered sugar until the mixture lightens to a pale yellow—this tells you it’s well combined and fluffy. Then, add the mascarpone cheese and whip again until smooth and silky with no lumps. This step makes the filling irresistibly rich.

Step 3: Fold in the Whipped Cream

Gently fold your whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. Be patient here—folding instead of stirring keeps that airy texture, so your tiramisu ends up light as a cloud. No streaks, no overmixing!

Step 4: Prepare the Coffee Eggnog Dip

Mix hot coffee, rum extract, and eggnog together in a shallow dish. This combo is where the magic of spice and warmth happens—dip your gingerbread cookies quickly so they soak up the flavor but don’t get soggy.

Step 5: Layer Your Tiramisu

Place soaked gingerbread cookies in a 9×9 baking dish in a single layer—you’ll want about 9 cookies per layer, filling visible gaps with smaller pieces if necessary. Spread a generous layer of your creamy filling over the cookies, then repeat the process. You’ll want about 4-5 layers total, finishing with the mascarpone cream on top.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches & Chill

Sift cocoa powder over the top layer of cream, and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some crushed gingerbread cookie crumbs on top for extra crunch. Now, let your masterpiece chill in the fridge for at least 90 minutes—this step makes all the layered flavors meld beautifully.

How to Serve Gingerbread Tiramisu Recipe

Garnishes

I love dusting the top with a generous sift of cocoa powder for a beautiful chocolate bitterness, and I always add some crushed gingerbread cookie crumbs on top to give it that extra festive crunch. Freshly grated nutmeg or a light sprinkle of cinnamon can also make the presentation pop and add aroma.

Side Dishes

This dessert is rich and flavorful on its own, but if you’re serving a holiday meal, I like pairing it with a simple cup of hot espresso or spiced chai tea. For a party, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side complements the gingerbread and cream beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered this tiramisu in individual glass jars—guests love the personal touch, and it shows off those gorgeous layers. You can also add edible gold leaf or little sprigs of fresh rosemary as festive garnishes to wow everyone at your holiday table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container or just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and honestly, the flavors continue to develop after the first day, so it gets even more delicious!

Freezing

Freezing this tiramisu isn’t my go-to, but if you need to, pop it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to a month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge to help the creamy layers regain their texture before serving.

Reheating

Tiramisu is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating it isn’t recommended. If you do want it a bit softer, just let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving—it’ll mellow out perfectly without melting into a mess.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making this Gingerbread Tiramisu Recipe always reminds me of holiday evenings spent laughing with family over dessert. It’s those layers of creamy, spicy, and coffee flavors that bring a smile every time. I can’t recommend enough that you give it a try—it’s not just a recipe; it’s a whole cozy, festive experience that I promise will become a new favorite in your dessert rotation.

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