Gingerbread Tiramisu Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a cozy, festive twist on a classic dessert, you’re going to adore this Gingerbread Tiramisu Recipe. It’s like all your holiday favorites rolled into one creamy, dreamy treat—spiced gingerbread, rich mascarpone, and a splash of eggnog that’ll have you coming back for seconds (and thirds). Seriously, I love this recipe because it’s surprisingly easy, yet feels fancy enough to wow guests or make your family’s dessert game next-level. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to make it a smooth success in your kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Gingerbread Tiramisu Recipe works together to create that unique balance between creamy, spiced, and just a little boozy. I always recommend using fresh mascarpone and good quality gingerbread cookies because those little details really shine through.

• Heavy cream: Whipped to fluffy perfection to keep the tiramisu light and airy.
• Egg yolks: Give richness and help create that custardy texture we all love in tiramisu.
• Powdered sugar: Dissolves easily into the mixture, adding gentle sweetness.
• Mascarpone cheese: The star of traditional tiramisu; creamy and tangy, it’s a must-have.
• Eggnog: Brings that festive holiday vibe, adding smooth spice and creaminess.
• Gingerbread cookies: Use sturdy ones that hold up when dipped but still soak up flavor.
• Coffee: Freshly brewed and hot — it’s vital for dipping the cookies just right.
• Rum extract: Adds that warm, classic tiramisu touch without the extra alcohol intensity.
• Cocoa powder: Perfect for dusting the finished dessert with a little chocolatey contrast.
• Crushed gingerbread cookies: Adds crunch and a beautiful finishing touch on top.

Variations

I love how versatile this Gingerbread Tiramisu Recipe is—you can play around with flavors and textures depending on the occasion or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to customize it a bit; that’s part of the fun!

• Alcohol-Free Version: I once made this without rum extract for a kid-friendly party—it still tasted amazing, just drop the rum extract and maybe add a little vanilla instead.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of ground cloves or cinnamon to the mascarpone mixture to dial up the holiday spices even more.
• Cookie Swap: Tried this with chai-spiced or molasses cookies when I ran out of gingerbread—worked wonderfully and gave a nice flavor twist.
• Layering Fun: For a more decadent touch, drizzle some caramel or chocolate sauce between layers before spreading the filling.

How to Make Gingerbread Tiramisu Recipe

Step 1: Whip the Cream to Stiff Peaks

Start by whipping your heavy cream with a hand mixer until you get stiff peaks—this means when you lift the beaters, the cream holds its shape without collapsing. This step is crucial because it gives the tiramisu its light, airy texture. Don’t rush it; over-whipping turns it grainy, and under-whipping makes the dessert dense.

Step 2: Mix Egg Yolks, Sugar, and Mascarpone

In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks and powdered sugar until the color lightens to a pale yellow—that’s your cue that enough air has been incorporated. Then gently whip in the mascarpone cheese until smooth and clump-free. This silky base is what makes every bite irresistible.

Step 3: Fold in Whipped Cream

Carefully fold the whipped cream into the egg and mascarpone mixture. Folding gently is key here—you want to combine everything without deflating those fluffy whipped cream peaks. Use a spatula and slow, sweeping motions just until no streaks are left.

Step 4: Prepare the Dipping Mixture and Dip Cookies

Mix the hot coffee, eggnog, and rum extract together in a small bowl. When dipping your gingerbread cookies, be quick—dip just long enough for them to soak a little but not so long that they turn mushy. This balance makes the layers perfect—soft but still holding their shape.

Step 5: Layer Your Tiramisu

Place a single layer of dipped gingerbread cookies in the bottom of your 9×9 inch dish—about nine cookies should cover it. Spread an even layer of the tiramisu filling over the cookies. Keep repeating these layers—cookies, filling—until you reach the top of the dish, finishing with a layer of filling.

Step 6: Add Toppings and Chill

Dust the top generously with cocoa powder using a fine sifter, then sprinkle crushed gingerbread cookies on top for extra texture and visual appeal. Pop it in the fridge for at least 90 minutes—or longer if you can wait! Chilling lets all the flavors meld beautifully and the tiramisu set perfectly.

How to Serve Gingerbread Tiramisu Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a dusting of cocoa powder and some crumbled gingerbread cookies on top—that crunch is a lovely contrast. Sometimes I’ll add a few festive sprigs of fresh mint or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted nuts when serving company; it elevates the look and adds another yummy texture.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with light sides like a fresh winter citrus salad or spiced roasted nuts. I find that keeping the sides fresh and bright helps balance the richness of the tiramisu.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I love serving this tiramisu in individual glass jars or clear cups so everyone can see the beautiful, layered dessert. It feels special and you can make individual portions ahead of time, which is a lifesaver!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers—which is rare in my house—I cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh and creamy for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen after a day, so sometimes I purposely make it a day ahead!

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze tiramisu because the whipped cream texture can suffer, but if you must, freeze it in airtight individual containers. Thaw slowly in the fridge overnight before serving to keep it tasting as fresh as possible.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed cold, so I don’t recommend reheating. Just take it out of the fridge a few minutes before serving to take the chill off and enjoy the creamy layers at their best.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread Tiramisu Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite holiday desserts because it blends comforting seasonal flavors with that luscious tiramisu texture I can’t get enough of. Whenever I serve it, people are always surprised by how easy it is to make yet how impressive it tastes. I hope you try it and love it just as much as my family and I do—trust me, it’s a sweet celebration in every spoonful!

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