Dessert

Gingerbread Tiramisu: A Festive Dessert You’ll Love! Recipe

ByHugo Harnd November 15, 2025November 15, 2025

Introduction

Gingerbread Tiramisu is a festive twist on the classic Italian dessert, blending warm spices and rich flavors for a seasonal treat. This layered dessert combines gingerbread cookies with mascarpone cream and coffee, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.

A white plate holds a square three-layer dessert with a white marbled surface underneath. The bottom and middle layers consist of light brown, round-edged cake soaked in a dark liquid, resembling coffee-soaked biscuits. Between these cake layers is a thick creamy yellow custard layer. The top layer is white whipped cream with soft peaks dusted lightly with brown cocoa powder. Sitting on top is a small, upright gingerbread cookie shaped like a smiling person with white icing details on its eyes, mouth, and buttons. In the background, a white cup of dark brown coffee is blurred, and another dessert is slightly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, cold
8 oz (225 g) mascarpone cheese, softened
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
½ tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch of ground nutmeg
1 cup (240 ml) strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
2 tbsp dark rum or Kahlúa (optional)
2 tbsp molasses or maple syrup
30–36 gingerbread cookies or gingersnap cookies
Cocoa powder, for dusting
Whipped cream, for topping
Mini gingerbread men (optional, for decoration)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the mascarpone cream. In a large bowl, beat the cold heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, whisk together mascarpone, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined and fluffy. (Tip: Chill the bowl and beaters first for the lightest texture!)
Step 2: Make the coffee mixture by combining the brewed coffee, rum or Kahlúa if using, and molasses or maple syrup in a shallow dish. Stir well to blend the flavors.
Step 3: Assemble the tiramisu. Quickly dip each gingerbread cookie into the coffee mixture for 1–2 seconds per side, being careful not to soak them. Arrange a layer of dipped cookies in the bottom of an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) dish. Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the cookies. Repeat with another layer of dipped cookies and the remaining cream. Smooth the top and cover the dish.
Step 4: Chill the tiramisu in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, top with whipped cream, a dusting of cocoa powder, and decorate with mini gingerbread men if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a non-alcoholic version, omit the rum or Kahlúa and add a little extra molasses for richness.
Try using maple syrup instead of molasses for a milder sweetness.
Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream to achieve firmer peaks more easily.
Use crunchy gingersnap cookies for extra texture contrast.

Storage

Store the Gingerbread Tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even better the next day. When ready to serve, you can add fresh whipped cream and cocoa powder again if desired. Avoid freezing as the cookies may become soggy upon thawing.

How to Serve

A square slice of layered dessert on a white plate sits on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer consists of a dark brown, textured cookie base, followed by a thick, smooth yellow cream layer. Above this is another layer of the same dark brown cookies, topped again with the yellow cream. The dessert is finished with fluffy white whipped cream sprinkled lightly with cocoa powder. A small gingerbread man cookie with white icing details is placed standing upright in the middle of the whipped cream. A blurred white cup of coffee appears in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this tiramisu benefits from resting in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to fully develop.

What can I substitute for mascarpone cheese?

If mascarpone is unavailable, you can substitute it with a mixture of cream cheese and heavy cream, although the texture and flavor will be slightly different.