Gingerbread Tiramisu Dessert Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a festive twist on a classic Italian dessert, you’re going to adore this Gingerbread Tiramisu Dessert Recipe. I absolutely love how this version layers spicy gingerbread cookies with creamy mascarpone and the cozy flavor of eggnog—it’s like a holiday party in every bite. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through making this fan-freaking-tastic treat that’ll have your family and friends asking for seconds.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here lies in balancing creamy mascarpone with the spicy gingerbread soaked just right in coffee and eggnog. I like using fresh heavy cream and high-quality mascarpone—it makes all the difference in richness and texture.

• Heavy cream: Whipped to stiff peaks, it adds that gorgeous fluffy texture we all want in tiramisu.
• Egg yolks: They provide richness and body to the mascarpone mixture.
• Powdered sugar: Blends smoothly for sweetness without any grit.
• Mascarpone cheese: The star of tiramisu, creamy and luscious; use fresh for best flavor.
• Eggnog: Adds festive warmth and pairs beautifully with gingerbread spices.
• Gingerbread cookies: I recommend crunchy ones to soak quickly but hold their structure.
• Coffee: Hot and slightly strong to cut through the sweetness and balance flavors.
• Rum extract: For that classic tiramisu boozy hint without overwhelming the gingerbread.
• Cocoa powder and crushed gingerbread cookies (for topping): Adds texture and a beautiful finishing touch.

Variations

I love making this Gingerbread Tiramisu Dessert Recipe my own by swapping out flavors or ingredients depending on the occasion. Feel free to experiment—you’ll find this recipe holds up beautifully with small tweaks.

• Spiked Variation: I once added a splash of actual dark rum instead of rum extract to the coffee mixture for an adult-only version—deliciously boozy and cozy.
• Dairy-Free Option: You can swap mascarpone with a vegan cream cheese and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream to make it friendly for lactose intolerant friends.
• Cookie Swap: If you can’t find gingerbread cookies, spice cookies or speculoos work great too—they soak up the coffee and eggnog nicely.
• Seasonal Twist: In summer, try replacing eggnog with chilled chai tea for a spiced but lighter flavor.

How to Make Gingerbread Tiramisu Dessert Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up Your Cream and Mascarpone Mixture

Start by whipping that heavy cream until you get stiff peaks—you’ll notice it holds its shape when you lift the whisk. Set it aside so it doesn’t go warm. In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolks and powdered sugar together until it lightens in color—that pale yellow is your cue it’s whipped enough. Then add mascarpone cheese to this mix and beat until smooth and clump-free. Finally, fold your whipped cream gently into the mascarpone mixture, being careful not to deflate it too much. I like to use a rubber spatula for this and turn the bowl slowly while folding from the bottom up.

Step 2: Prepare the Coffee and Eggnog Soaking Liquid

Pour your hot coffee into a small bowl, then stir in the rum extract and eggnog. This creates the perfect soaking liquid for the gingerbread cookies—rich, flavorful, and with just a hint of warmth. Be sure it’s hot enough to soften the cookies quickly but not boiling; too hot might make them soggy faster.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Grab a 9×9-inch baking dish and dip each gingerbread cookie one by one into the coffee mixture—quick dips only, about 1-2 seconds—to avoid turning them mushy. Place them snugly in a single layer on the bottom of your dish, which should hold about nine cookies. Then, spread a generous layer of the tiramisu filling over the cookies, smoothing it out evenly. Repeat the process to build 4-5 layers, always ending with a layer of the mascarpone cream on top.

Step 4: Finish and Chill

Sift cocoa powder over the top for that classic tiramisu look, then sprinkle crushed gingerbread cookies for extra crunch and charm. Cover and refrigerate your dessert for at least 90 minutes—this rest time is key for the flavors to meld and layers to set. When it’s ready, you’ll see those gorgeous layers come to life, and the whole kitchen will smell like a cozy holiday dream.

How to Serve Gingerbread Tiramisu Dessert Recipe

Garnishes

For garnish, I love topping the tiramisu with a dusting of cocoa powder and crumbled gingerbread cookies—it adds crunch and a pretty finish. Sometimes, I add a few whole candied ginger pieces for an extra zing and festive look. Fresh mint leaves can also brighten up the dish visually and give a nice contrast in aroma.

Side Dishes

Serving this Gingerbread Tiramisu alongside spiced cider or a hot cup of dark roast coffee rounds out the experience beautifully. If you want something lighter, a simple fruit salad with citrus segments complements the richness of the dessert wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve had great success presenting this tiramisu in individual clear glass jars for parties — everyone loves seeing those luscious layers up close. For a more rustic touch, serve it dolloped on small plates with a sprinkle of crushed gingerbread and a cinnamon stick on the side. It’s always a showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are best stored covered in the fridge. I keep mine tightly wrapped with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing any fridge odors. The texture stays creamy and the gingerbread layers hold up surprisingly well for up to 3 days.

Freezing

If you want to make this ahead of time, I’ve frozen it successfully by wrapping tightly with foil and plastic wrap. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. The texture is slightly softer but still delicious—perfect if you prefer a spoonable, indulgent treat.

Reheating

I don’t recommend heating this tiramisu since it’s best served chilled. If you want it a touch warmer, simply take it out of the fridge 15-20 minutes before serving to take the chill off, which makes the flavors shine even more.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread Tiramisu Dessert Recipe has become my go-to for holiday gatherings because it feels both nostalgic and fresh at once. I love how easy it is to whip together, and how the flavors practically sing on the palate. I promise, once you try this, you’ll find it perfect for impressing your guests without any stress. Go ahead—make it your new seasonal tradition and enjoy every creamy, spicy, dreamy bite!

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