![Pumpkin Tiramisu](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.foodandwine.com/thmb/mNNOSmMHoVAU_NSMHB4hurvOeyg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/201411-xl-pumpkin-tiramisu-7909d161d5024dc5885571790257afee.jpg)
Tiramisu is a timeless dessert that we've given a seasonal spin for fall. This no-bake recipe ditches the usual eggs altogether in favor of another creamy ingredient: pumpkin purée. Brown sugar and spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg are mixed with the pumpkin for a warming flavor before combining with mascarpone cheese and heavy cream to form a light and luscious filling. Thanks to the traditional coffee-dipped ladyfingers, this dessert tastes much like a pumpkin spice latte.
Frequently asked questions
What is tiramisu and how do you make it?
Tiramisu is an Italian dessert that features layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, sweetened mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder. While there are many variations on classic tiramisu (including this autumnal version), our traditional recipe starts by combining mascarpone cheese, egg yolks, and sugar until they’re creamy and homogenous, then folding in beaten, glossy egg whites to form the filling. Coffee-dipped ladyfingers are arranged in a single layer in a baking dish, then topped with the prepared mascarpone filling. Repeat this process until all of the ingredients are used up. Add a final dusting of cocoa powder before covering and chilling the dessert for a few hours.
What is a substitute for alcohol in tiramisu?
Tiramisu is traditionally made with a sweet liquor such as marsala wine, dark rum, cognac, or brandy, which gives this no-bake dessert a kick. The ladyfingers are soaked in a combination of alcohol and freshly brewed espresso or coffee, then layered with sweetened mascarpone cream. If you want to keep this dessert alcohol-free, leave it out altogether and just increase the amount of coffee that you use for dipping.
What is the best biscuit for tiramisu?
This mid-20th century Italian dessert is traditionally made with ladyfingers, which are a dry sponge cake biscuit and intended to be soaked or dipped in liquid. For a traditional tiramisu, they’re dipped in a bath of warm espresso, which helps them to soften into a luscious bite.
Note from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen
Let the mascarpone, heavy cream, and pumpkin purée come to room temperature for 30 minutes, so it’s easier to mix them together for a smooth, creamy filling.
Make ahead
Tiramisu is perfect for entertaining because not only does it easily feed a crowd, the flavor improves when it has time to sit. Once assembled, you’ll cover and refrigerate the tiramisu overnight, allowing the ladyfingers to soften and the flavors to meld. The tiramisu can be refrigerated for 2 days.
Ingredients
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1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
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1/2 cup light brown sugar
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3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
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3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
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Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 1/2 cups mascarpone cheese
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2 1/2 cups heavy cream
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2 cups brewed coffee, cooled
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2 (7-ounce) packages dry ladyfingers
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Chocolate shavings and candied ginger, for garnish
Directions
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In a large bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree with the brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg and 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar. Add the mascarpone and 1 1/2 cups of the heavy cream. Using an electric mixer, beat the pumpkin mixture at medium speed until soft peaks form; do not overbeat.
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In a medium bowl, whisk the brewed coffee with 2 tablespoons of the granulated sugar until it’s dissolved. Dip both sides of six ladyfingers in the coffee and arrange them in a single layer in a 4-quart trifle dish. Spread 1 cup of the pumpkin mousse on top. Repeat the layering five more times, ending with a layer of the pumpkin mousse. Cover and refrigerate the tiramisu overnight.
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In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the remaining 1 cup of cream with the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar until soft peaks form. Dollop the whipped cream over the tiramisu, garnish with shaved chocolate and candied ginger and serve.