Pumpkin Pie Tiramisu – A Spiced Seasonal Delight in Every Layer
When autumn leaves crunch underfoot and the kitchen air hums with warm spices, this pumpkin pie tiramisu arrives like a whispered invitation to slow down and savor.
Imagine ladyfingers dipped in spiced coffee, layered with a pumpkin-mascarpone cream rich with cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.
The interplay of creamy, airy layers with the earthy pumpkin and spice is what makes this dessert a seasonal treasure.
You need to balance the richness of mascarpone with the velvety pumpkin puree, infusing every bite with cozy warmth.
Here, pumpkin puree, softened mascarpone, and whipped cream are blended with pumpkin pie spice and a hint of vanilla.
The classic Italian ladyfingers soak briefly in espresso enriched with cinnamon and nutmeg, building layers that melt into one another when chilled.
This is a dessert to prepare with patience — allowing each layer to settle gently and flavors to marry fully.

Ingredient Table (for 2, 4, and 6–8 Servings)
Ingredient | 2 Servings | 4 Servings | 6–8 Servings | Alternatives | Use |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ladyfinger biscuits | 8 pcs | 16 pcs | 24 pcs | Vegan sponge fingers | Soak base layers |
Mascarpone cheese | 100 g | 200 g | 300 g | Cream cheese + 1 tbsp cream | Creamy filling |
Heavy cream | ⅓ cup | ⅔ cup | 1 cup | Chilled coconut cream | Whipped into cream base |
Pumpkin purée | ¼ cup | ½ cup | 1 cup | Sweet potato purée | Flavor & body |
Granulated sugar | 2 tbsp | 4 tbsp | ⅓ cup | Maple syrup, honey | Sweetener |
Espresso or strong coffee | ¼ cup | ½ cup | ¾ cup | Decaf or chicory coffee | Soak biscuits |
Pumpkin pie spice | ½ tsp | 1 tsp | 1½ tsp | DIY mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove | Flavor in cream |
Vanilla extract | ½ tsp | 1 tsp | 1½ tsp | Almond extract | Enhance flavor |
Cinnamon powder (for dusting) | ½ tsp | 1 tsp | 1½ tsp | Allspice | Top garnish |
Cooking Tools Needed
- Mixing bowls (for cream and mascarpone blend)
- Electric mixer or hand whisk (for whipping cream)
- Spatula (folding cream gently)
- Wide shallow bowl (for dipping ladyfingers)
- Trifle dish or individual glass jars (for layering)
- Fine sieve (for dusting cinnamon)
How to Make Pumpkin Pie Tiramisu
The art here lies in building layers gently and patiently. Each step nurtures texture and harmony of flavors.
Step 1: Chill Mixing Equipment
Place your mixing bowl and whisk attachments in the fridge for about 10 minutes. Cold tools help whip cream into stable peaks.
Step 2: Whip Heavy Cream
Pour heavy cream and half the sugar into the chilled bowl. Whisk until soft peaks form, then add vanilla extract.
Continue until firm peaks hold shape.
Step 3: Prepare Pumpkin-Mascarpone Mixture
In a separate bowl, stir mascarpone until smooth and creamy. Mix in pumpkin purée, remaining sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Blend gently.
Step 4: Fold Whipped Cream into Pumpkin Mix
Carefully fold whipped cream into pumpkin-mascarpone blend, preserving the airy texture.
Step 5: Soak Ladyfingers
Brew espresso or strong coffee and cool it to room temperature. Quickly dip ladyfingers (1 second each side) to avoid sogginess.
Step 6: First Layer of Ladyfingers
Arrange dipped ladyfingers neatly in the bottom of your trifle dish or glasses.
Step 7: Spread Cream Layer
Spoon half of the pumpkin cream mixture over ladyfingers and smooth with a spatula.
Step 8: Repeat Layers
Add another soaked layer of ladyfingers and top with the remaining cream mixture.
Step 9: Chill and Set
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This resting allows flavors to meld and texture to set.
Step 10: Dust and Serve
Before serving, sift cinnamon powder evenly on top for a warming finish.
Serving Options
Serving Style | Details |
---|---|
Individual Glasses | Layered in small jars or glasses for personal portions |
Large Trifle Dish | Classic shared serving in a wide dish |
Bar Version | Cut into squares for handheld servings (see below) |
How to Convert Pumpkin Pie Tiramisu into Bars
Turning this luscious tiramisu into bars means adding structure and a firmer base while preserving creamy layers.
- Choose a pan: Use an 8×8-inch square pan lined with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Make a firm crust:
Mix 1½ cups finely crushed gluten-free graham crackers or spiced cookies with 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil. Press firmly into the pan’s base. Chill for 20 minutes until set. - Prepare the cream layer:
Add 1½ teaspoons powdered gelatin (or agar powder for vegan) to 2 tablespoons cold water. Let it bloom for 5 minutes, then gently warm until dissolved. Cool slightly. - Mix gelatin into pumpkin mascarpone cream:
Prepare pumpkin-mascarpone cream as usual, then stir in dissolved gelatin quickly but carefully. - Layer bars:
Spread crust evenly. Dip ladyfingers briefly in coffee and arrange over crust. Spread half the pumpkin cream. Add another coffee-dipped layer and the remaining cream. - Dust with cinnamon:
Lightly sprinkle cinnamon powder on top for aroma and color. - Chill overnight:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight for the bars to firm up fully. - Cutting:
Use a sharp, warm knife (dip in hot water and dry) to slice into neat squares. Wipe the knife between cuts for clean edges. - Serving and storage:
Serve chilled. Bars keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days. Wrap leftovers individually to preserve moisture.
Variations to Try
here are some variations.
1. Spiced Pecan Pumpkin Pie Tiramisu
Fold ½ cup toasted pecans into the cream layers for added texture and nutty depth.
2. Maple Pumpkin Pie Tiramisu
Swap granulated sugar for pure maple syrup. Drizzle a little on ladyfingers before layering.
3. Ginger-Chai Infused Tiramisu
Add ½ teaspoon freshly grated ginger to pumpkin cream and use chai-spiced coffee soak.
4. Vegan Pumpkin Pie Tiramisu
Use coconut cream whipped until stiff and vegan cream cheese instead of mascarpone.
Replace ladyfingers with vegan sponge cake, and agar powder instead of gelatin.
5. Citrus Pumpkin Pie Tiramisu
Add 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest to the cream for a bright contrast to spices.
Common Mistakes, Solutions & Prevention
Common Mistake | Why It Happens | How to Fix or Prevent |
---|---|---|
Soggy ladyfingers | Over-soaking in coffee | Dip ladyfingers quickly, about 1 second each side |
Runny cream | Under-whipped cream or warm mascarpone | Chill bowls and ingredients; whip cream to firm peaks |
Bars too soft | No gelatin or insufficient chilling | Add gelatin or agar for bar version; chill overnight |
Storing Tips
- Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days.
- Bars hold texture better when chilled thoroughly.
- Avoid freezing to prevent cream separation.
- Best enjoyed cold to maintain layers and spice balance.
Pumpkin pie tiramisu

Pumpkin pie tiramisu layers spiced pumpkin cream and espresso-soaked ladyfingers for a cozy fall dessert.
Ingredients
- Ladyfinger biscuits – 24 pcs (or vegan sponge fingers)
- Mascarpone cheese – 300 g (or cream cheese + 1 tbsp cream)
- Heavy cream – 1 cup (or coconut cream)
- Pumpkin purée – 1 cup (or sweet potato purée)
- Granulated sugar – ⅓ cup (or maple syrup/honey)
- Espresso or strong coffee – ¾ cup (or decaf)
- Pumpkin pie spice – 1½ tsp (or cinnamon, nutmeg, clove mix)
- Vanilla extract – 1½ tsp (or almond extract)
- Cinnamon powder – 1½ tsp (or allspice)
Instructions
Step‑1 Chill bowl and whip cream with half sugar and vanilla until firm peaks.
Step‑2 Mix mascarpone, pumpkin, sugar, and spice; fold in whipped cream.
Step‑3 Quickly dip ladyfingers in coffee; layer in dish.
Step‑4 Spread half cream mixture, repeat layers.
Step‑5 Dust cinnamon and chill 4+ hours.
Notes
- Dip ladyfingers briefly
- Use chilled ingredients
- Add gelatin for bar version
- Use warm knife to slice bars
Let’s Savor Pumpkin’s Warm Embrace!
This pumpkin pie tiramisu celebrates autumn’s gifts—spices, pumpkin, and creamy textures combined in layers that soothe and delight.
Prepare it slowly, allow each flavor to settle, and share it with those who appreciate thoughtful desserts.
Let this recipe guide your kitchen rhythm this season.