Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu with Mascarpone Cream
A fall-inspired twist on classic tiramisu featuring pumpkin puree and warm spices layered with mascarpone cream. This italian-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers ladyfinger cookies, pumpkin puree, mascarpone cheese into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 24 pieces ladyfinger cookies
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup, cooled espresso or strong coffee
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 2 tbsp for dusting cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp (optional) dark rum
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup pumpkin puree, 8 oz mascarpone cheese, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin-mascarpone mixture until well combined.
- Step 3: Pour 1 cup cooled espresso or strong coffee mixed with 2 tbsp dark rum (optional) into a shallow dish. Quickly dip each of the 24 ladyfinger cookies into the coffee mixture for 1-2 seconds, making sure not to soak.
- Step 4: Arrange half of the dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of an 8x8 inch dish, then spread half of the pumpkin mascarpone cream over the cookies evenly.
- Step 5: Repeat the layering with the remaining dipped ladyfingers and the rest of the pumpkin mascarpone cream.
- Step 6: Cover the tiramisu and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
- Step 7: Before serving, dust the top with 2 tbsp cocoa powder using a fine mesh sieve to create a light, even layer.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu with Mascarpone Cream take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (20 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu with Mascarpone Cream?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu with Mascarpone Cream?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu with Mascarpone Cream for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu with Mascarpone Cream?
Italian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
