Name: Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 8 h
Yield: 12 servings

Creamy Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu – No Bake Fall Dessert

Pumpkin spice tiramisu fuses classic Italian layers with fall pumpkin magic creating mascarpone-pumpkin cream that melts in mouth between coffee-soaked ladyfingers. Pumpkin puree blends seamlessly into whipped mascarpone while pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon infuse every layer with warm autumn comfort. Spiced coffee soak transforms traditional coffee dip into pumpkin-spiced perfection perfect Thanksgiving centerpiece or holiday potluck showstopper requiring no oven just chill time for set.

Why Pumpkin Tiramisu Works Perfectly

Pumpkin puree provides natural thickness eliminating extra stabilizers. Room temperature mascarpone whips smoothly preventing lumps. Pumpkin pie spice in both cream and coffee creates layered flavor. 24-hour chill develops flavors while stabilizing layers. Cornstarch stabilizes whipped cream maintaining structure days later.

Perfect Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu

Prep Time: 30 Minutes Chill Time: 8+ Hours Serves: 12 Generous Portions

No-bake pumpkin mascarpone tiramisu with spiced coffee ladyfinger soak.

Pumpkin Mascarpone Cream:

16 oz mascarpone cheese, room temperature
1 cup pumpkin puree (NOT pie filling)
1½ cups heavy whipping cream, cold
¾ cup powdered sugar, divided
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 Tbsp cornstarch

Spiced Coffee Soak:

1½ cups strong brewed coffee, cooled
¼ cup dark rum or bourbon (optional)
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
2 Tbsp brown sugar

Assembly:

40 ladyfingers (savoiardi)
½ cup crushed gingersnaps or graham crackers
Cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Make Spiced Coffee Soak:

Whisk cooled coffee, rum, pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar until dissolved.
Pour into shallow dish. Set aside for dipping.

Whip Mascarpone Cream:

Beat cold heavy cream, ½ cup powdered sugar, cornstarch, vanilla to stiff peaks.
In separate bowl, mix room temp mascarpone, pumpkin puree, remaining powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon until smooth.
Gently fold whipped cream into pumpkin mascarpone until no streaks remain.

First Layer Ladyfingers:

Line 9×13 dish with plastic wrap. Dip ladyfingers quickly (1 second each side) into coffee mixture.
Arrange single layer covering bottom completely. Break pieces to fit edges.

Layer & Chill:

Spread half pumpkin mascarpone cream evenly over ladyfingers.
Repeat dipping second layer ladyfingers, arrange over cream.
Spread remaining cream. Cover tightly, chill minimum 8 hours (24 best).

Serve Perfectly:

Invert onto serving platter using plastic wrap handles.
Sprinkle crushed gingersnaps, dust cinnamon generously.
Cut with sharp knife dipped hot water. Serve chilled.

Fall Tip: Room temperature mascarpone prevents lumps. Quick coffee dip prevents sogginess. 24-hour chill maximum flavor.

Mastering Mascarpone Technique

Mascarpone Temperature Critical

Room temperature (68°F) whips smoothly. Cold lumps permanently. Microwave 10-second bursts if needed. Italian mascarpone superior creaminess.

Whipped Cream Stabilization

Cornstarch prevents weep overnight. Cold bowl/whisks maximum volume. Stiff peaks essential structure. Don’t overwhip turns butter.

Folding Technique Perfect

Whipped cream into mascarpone preserves air. Rubber spatula bottom-to-top motion. No streaks = perfect emulsion.

Perfect Coffee Soak Balance

Ladyfinger Dipping Precision

1 second each side maximum absorption. Fork prevents breakage. Quick dip maintains structure. Soggy = disaster.

Spice Infusion Method

Pumpkin pie spice in coffee layers flavor. Brown sugar dissolves smoothly. Dark rum deepens without alcohol taste. Coffee ice cubes prevent dilution.

Ladyfinger Selection

Savoiardi Italian ladyfingers perfect crispness. Avoid soft sponge cake. Alessi or imported brands superior.

Expert Assembly Tips

Plastic wrap essential:

Line dish completely with overhang handles. Easy unmolding no cracks. Saran premium cling works best.

Layering perfection:

Break ladyfinger ends fill gaps. Offset second layer maximum coverage. Smooth cream with offset spatula.

Chilling strategy:

Minimum 8 hours, 24 hours flavor peak. Cover tightly prevents skin. Coldest fridge shelf best.

Unmolding pro:

Run hot water over plastic wrap 10 seconds. Gentle tug handles lifts perfectly. Sharp knife hot water slices clean.

Presentation perfect:

Gingersnap dust before slicing. Fresh cinnamon microplane final touch. Rosemary sprigs autumn garnish.

Fall Dessert Variations

Pumpkin Cheesecake Tiramisu

8 oz cream cheese + 8 oz mascarpone. Extra ¼ cup sugar. Tangier profile.

Chocolate Pumpkin Tiramisu

¼ cup cocoa powder in cream layer. Chocolate ganache drizzle. Decadent upgrade.

Gingersnap Crust Version

Gingersnap crust bottom layer. No ladyfingers first layer. Crunch contrast.

Boozy Pumpkin Spice

2 Tbsp pumpkin liqueur coffee soak. Spiced rum double amount. Adult indulgence.

Mini Tiramisu Cups

Shot glasses parfait style. 3 ladyfinger pieces per cup. Individual serving perfection.

Make-Ahead & Storage Guide

Component Prep

Cream prepare 2 days ahead airtight. Coffee soak 24 hours flavor infusion. Ladyfingers room temp storage.

Freezer Strategy

Assembled freezes perfectly 2 months. Thaw refrigerator 12 hours. Gingersnap dust post-thaw.

Serving Timeline

Prep day before serving maximum flavor. Slice day-of presentation. Leftovers 4 days refrigerated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mascarpone unavailable?

8 oz cream cheese + 8 oz heavy cream whipped. Flavor close approximation. Italian authenticity sacrificed.

Ladyfingers substitute?

Sponge cake cubes brief soak. Savoiardi superior structure. Avoid regular cake soaks excessively.

Alcohol-free version?

Omit rum entirely. Increase coffee + 1 tsp vanilla. Pumpkin syrup 1 Tbsp alternative.

Grainy mascarpone texture?

Insufficient room temperature. Remake small batch. Strain through sieve rescue. Prevention superior.

Weeping after 24 hours?

Insufficient cornstarch. Whipped cream overbeaten. Cold serving prevents melt.