Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Gingerbread Tiramisu elevates a beloved classic with warm spices and holiday character. The flavors feel familiar yet exciting, blending creamy mascarpone with gingerbread’s aromatic sweetness. It’s a no-bake dessert, which means minimal effort and no worrying about oven timing during busy seasons. The flavors deepen as it chills, making it an ideal make-ahead dish. You can choose to make it lighter or richer depending on the cookies you use and how heavily you spice the soaking mixture. Whether served in a large dish or elegant individual cups, this tiramisu stands out as a festive, crowd-pleasing dessert
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Gingerbread Tiramisu – A Festive Twist on a Classic Italian Dessert
- Total Time: 4 hrs 20 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive twist on classic tiramisu made with gingerbread cookies, spiced coffee, and a creamy mascarpone filling for a cozy holiday dessert.
Ingredients
- 24–30 gingerbread cookies (or gingersnaps)
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 2 tbsp molasses
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder or crushed gingerbread for topping
Instructions
- Whisk cooled coffee with molasses, cinnamon, and nutmeg; set aside.
- In a bowl, beat egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick.
- Add mascarpone and mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream and vanilla to stiff peaks.
- Fold whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.
- In another bowl, beat egg whites to soft peaks and gently fold into the filling.
- Dip each gingerbread cookie briefly into the spiced coffee mixture.
- Arrange a layer of dipped cookies in the bottom of an 8×8 dish.
- Spread half the mascarpone filling over the cookie layer.
- Repeat with another layer of dipped cookies and remaining filling.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Dust with cocoa powder or crushed gingerbread before serving.
Notes
- Do not oversoak cookies; a quick dip keeps them from getting mushy.
- Chill overnight for best texture and flavor.
- Replace coffee with chai for a caffeine-free option.
- Use pasteurized eggs if concerned about raw eggs.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Gingerbread or ginger cookies
These serve as the base layer, providing warm spice and a tender texture once soaked.
Mascarpone cheese
The heart of the cream layer, offering a luxurious, silky texture that pairs beautifully with bold spices.
Heavy cream
Whipped to add lightness and volume to the mascarpone mixture.
Sugar
Sweetens the cream and balances the earthy spices in the gingerbread.
Vanilla extract
Adds gentle aromatic depth to the mascarpone filling.
Espresso or strong coffee
Provides rich flavor when soaking the gingerbread or cookies, echoing the traditional tiramisu foundation.
Ground cinnamon
Pairs seamlessly with the gingerbread flavors and enhances warmth.
Ground nutmeg
Adds a subtle spice that complements both the coffee and the cream.
Molasses (optional)
A small amount stirred into the soaking mixture or cream intensifies the gingerbread flavor.
Cocoa powder
Used for dusting the top, adding classic tiramisu elegance and slight bitterness to balance sweetness.
Directions
- Prepare the coffee or espresso and allow it to cool slightly. Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of molasses if desired.
- In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- In another bowl, beat mascarpone with sugar and vanilla until smooth. Fold the whipped cream gently into the mascarpone mixture to create a light, creamy filling.
- Dip gingerbread slices or ginger cookies briefly into the coffee mixture — they should soften without becoming soggy.
- Arrange a layer of soaked cookies in the bottom of a baking dish or individual cups.
- Spread a generous layer of mascarpone cream over the cookies.
- Repeat layering until you reach the top, finishing with a final layer of cream.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
- Dust with cocoa powder just before serving.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 8–10 people. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, and chilling requires at least 4 hours, though overnight chilling yields the best texture and flavor.
Storage/reheating
Store Gingerbread Tiramisu in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep it covered to preserve moisture and prevent absorbing other refrigerator odors. This dessert is not suited for freezing due to the mascarpone and cream texture.
Variations and Customizations
Eggnog Tiramisu
Replace part of the heavy cream with eggnog for a holiday-forward flavor.
Spiked Gingerbread Tiramisu
Add a splash of rum, bourbon, or coffee liqueur to the soaking mixture for a spirited version.
Chocolate Gingerbread Tiramisu
Layer with grated dark chocolate or drizzle melted chocolate between layers.
Orange-Spiced Version
Add orange zest to the cream for a bright, citrusy contrast to warm spices.
Pumpkin-Gingerbread Tiramisu
Fold a few spoonfuls of pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie spice into the cream.
Caramel Drizzle Finish
Add thin ribbons of caramel between layers or over the top.
No-Coffee Version
Use milk with cinnamon and vanilla for a coffee-free, kid-friendly recipe.
Speculoos Cookie Twist
Swap gingerbread for speculoos cookies for deeper spice notes.
Nutty Variation
Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for texture.
Individual Serving Cups
Assemble in small glasses or jars for an elegant presentation.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought gingerbread?
Yes, it works wonderfully and saves time.
2. Can I replace mascarpone with cream cheese?
You can, though the texture will be slightly firmer and tangier.
3. Does the coffee flavor overpower the dessert?
No; it complements the spices and adds depth without dominating.
4. How long can it chill?
Overnight chilling is ideal; it enhances flavor and texture.
5. Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes, simply omit any liqueurs and use plain spiced coffee.
6. Can I use whipped topping instead of cream?
Freshly whipped cream produces the best texture, but whipped topping can be substituted.
7. What if my cookies get too soggy?
Dip them more quickly — just a brief touch into the liquid is enough.
8. Can I freeze gingerbread tiramisu?
Freezing is not recommended due to mascarpone’s delicate texture.
9. Can I add more spices?
Absolutely — adjust cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to taste.
10. What should I serve it with?
It pairs beautifully with coffee, mulled cider, or a simple herbal tea.
Conclusion
Gingerbread Tiramisu transforms a classic Italian dessert into a festive, warmly spiced showstopper. Creamy, aromatic, and beautifully layered, it captures the essence of the holiday season while remaining incredibly simple to prepare. The melding of gingerbread and mascarpone feels both comforting and elegant, making this dessert a standout choice for gatherings or cozy winter nights at home. With its no-bake convenience and deeply satisfying flavor, Gingerbread Tiramisu is a recipe worth revisiting every year.
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