There’s something magical about the flavors of fall, and pumpkin is undoubtedly the star of the season. As someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, I’m always on the lookout for desserts that capture the essence of autumn without requiring hours of effort. That’s why I fell in love with this No Bake Pumpkin Tiramisu. It’s a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining the creamy, coffee-soaked layers we all adore with the warm, spiced flavors of pumpkin.
What makes this recipe even better is that it doesn’t require any baking. Yes, you read that right—no oven, no fuss, just pure indulgence. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or simply treating yourself to a sweet escape, this dessert is sure to impress. It’s rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced, making it the ultimate fall treat. Let’s dive into what you’ll need and how to make it!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Ladyfingers: These delicate, sponge-like cookies are the foundation of any tiramisu. They soak up the coffee and pumpkin mixture beautifully, creating a soft, flavorful base for the dessert.
Pumpkin Puree: The star of the show! Pumpkin puree adds a rich, earthy sweetness to the dessert. Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added sugars and spices.
Mascarpone Cheese: This creamy, slightly tangy Italian cheese is essential for the tiramisu filling. It’s smooth and luxurious, blending perfectly with the pumpkin and spices.
Heavy Cream: Whipped to stiff peaks, heavy cream adds lightness and volume to the filling, balancing the richness of the mascarpone and pumpkin.
Sugar: A touch of sugar sweetens the filling and balances the bitterness of the coffee. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: This blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves brings warmth and depth to the dessert, enhancing the pumpkin flavor.
Strong Brewed Coffee: Coffee is a classic tiramisu ingredient, and it pairs surprisingly well with pumpkin. Use freshly brewed coffee for the best flavor.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a subtle sweetness and depth to the filling.
Cocoa Powder: A dusting of cocoa powder on top adds a hint of chocolatey bitterness, balancing the sweetness of the dessert.
Ingredients List
- 24 ladyfingers
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
How to Make No Bake Pumpkin Tiramisu
Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Mixture
In a shallow dish, combine the cooled brewed coffee with a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. Stir well to infuse the coffee with the warm, spiced flavor. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, mascarpone cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Assemble the Tiramisu
Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, ensuring they’re moist but not soggy. Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers at the bottom of your serving dish. Spread half of the pumpkin filling over the ladyfingers, smoothing it into an even layer. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining pumpkin filling.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover the tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to set. Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder for a finishing touch.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Since this dessert is no-bake, the quality of your ingredients will shine through. Opt for fresh mascarpone and pure pumpkin puree.
- Don’t Over-Soak the Ladyfingers: Dip them quickly to avoid a soggy texture. They should be moist but still hold their shape.
- Chill Thoroughly: Patience is key! Letting the tiramisu chill for several hours ensures the layers set properly and the flavors develop fully.
- Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice to suit your taste. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
- Serve Cold: This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s better when made a day in advance. The flavors have more time to meld, and the dessert sets perfectly.
Can I use whipped topping instead of heavy cream?
While heavy cream is recommended for its richness, you can use whipped topping as a shortcut. Just fold it into the pumpkin mixture gently.
Is there a substitute for mascarpone cheese?
If you can’t find mascarpone, cream cheese can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly tangier.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free ladyfingers, which are available at most grocery stores.
How long does this dessert last in the fridge?
It will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Enjoy this No Bake Pumpkin Tiramisu as a delightful celebration of fall flavors—it’s a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat!