Pumpkin Tiramisu

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.