No-Bake Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe

Dreamy No-Bake Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe for Fall Gatherings

Decadent no-bake pumpkin tiramisu captures the essence of autumn’s most beloved flavors in a creamy, dreamy dessert.

Layers of mascarpone and spiced pumpkin meld together like a sweet symphony.

Delicate ladyfingers soak up rich espresso, creating a luxurious texture that melts on your tongue.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of warmth and indulgence.

Cold desserts can sometimes feel predictable, but this recipe breaks all the rules.

Mascarpone cheese and pumpkin puree dance in a delightful culinary embrace that screams comfort.

You’ll want to savor every single spoonful of this irresistible treat.

Why No-Bake Pumpkin Tiramisu Is A Fall Favorite

  • Craft a Seasonal Showstopper: Create a stunning dessert that captures the essence of autumn with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Savor No-Stress Preparation: Assemble layers of creamy pumpkin and mascarpone without turning on the oven, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert in advance and let it chill, allowing flavors to develop and giving you more time to enjoy with family and friends during gatherings or holiday celebrations.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Blend classic tiramisu with seasonal pumpkin spice, delivering a crowd-pleasing dessert that combines familiar Italian techniques with cozy fall flavors everyone will adore.

Everything In No-Bake Pumpkin Tiramisu

Base Ingredients:
  • Mascarpone Cheese: A rich and creamy Italian cheese that provides a smooth and luxurious texture to the tiramisu.
  • Pumpkin Puree: A seasonal ingredient that adds a warm, earthy flavor and vibrant orange color to the dessert.
  • Ladyfinger Cookies: Light and delicate sponge cookies that create the classic tiramisu base and absorb the espresso.
Sweeteners and Spices:
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the flavors of the pumpkin and mascarpone.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: A blend of warm spices that enhances the autumn-inspired profile of the dessert.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a subtle depth and aromatic complexity to the overall flavor.
Liquid and Cream Components:
  • Espresso, Strong: A bold coffee that moistens the ladyfingers and adds a rich, intense flavor contrast.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a light and airy texture when whipped, making the filling smooth and luxurious.
Garnish and Finishing Touches:
  • Cocoa Powder, Dark: Dusted on top to add a bitter chocolate note and classic tiramisu presentation.
  • Pecans, Crushed: Provides a nutty crunch and additional texture to the dessert.
  • Dark Chocolate, Grated: Adds a sophisticated chocolate element and visual appeal to the final dish.

How To Make No-Bake Pumpkin Tiramisu With Ease

Step 1: Whip Creamy Mascarpone Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk mascarpone cheese until it becomes silky smooth with no bumpy bits. Work those whisking muscles to create a luxurious foundation for your dessert.

Step 2: Create Pumpkin Flavor Profile

Blend in the following ingredients into the mascarpone:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Granulated sugar
  • Pumpkin pie spice
  • Vanilla extract

Mix everything until the color is completely uniform and the mixture looks gorgeous and inviting.

Step 3: Whip Fluffy Cream

In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream until it forms stiff, beautiful peaks. The cream should stand up tall and look like delicate clouds.

Step 4: Combine Cream and Pumpkin Mixture

Gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mascarpone mixture. Be careful to keep the airy texture while creating a smooth, dreamy filling.

Step 5: Prepare Espresso Dip

Brew a strong batch of espresso and let it cool slightly. This will be your ladyfinger cookie bath.

Step 6: Create First Cookie Layer

Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso. Don’t soak them – just a quick splash to add moisture and coffee flavor. Arrange these cookies in a single layer across the bottom of your serving dish.

Step 7: Add First Cream Layer

Spread half of the pumpkin mascarpone mixture evenly over the ladyfingers. Use a spatula to create a smooth, even surface.

Step 8: Build Second Layer

Repeat the process with another set of espresso-dipped ladyfingers, then cover with the remaining pumpkin mascarpone mixture.

Step 9: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows all those incredible flavors to mingle and develop.

Step 10: Decorate and Serve

Before serving, add these gorgeous toppings:
  • Dust generously with cocoa powder
  • Sprinkle crushed pecans
  • Grate some dark chocolate on top

Slice and serve this autumn-inspired masterpiece chilled, and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!

Helpful Tips For No-Bake Pumpkin Tiramisu Success

  • Prevent Soggy Ladyfingers: Dip cookies quickly in espresso, avoiding over-saturation to maintain their delicate texture and prevent a mushy dessert.
  • Maintain Cream Volume: Fold whipped cream gently into the pumpkin mixture using a figure-eight motion to preserve its light and airy consistency.
  • Chill for Optimal Flavor: Refrigerate tiramisu for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing flavors to meld and develop a rich, harmonious taste.
  • Control Espresso Strength: Use strong, freshly brewed espresso for intense coffee flavor that complements the pumpkin and mascarpone.
  • Smooth Surface Technique: Use an offset spatula to create even, smooth layers when spreading the pumpkin mascarpone mixture for a professional presentation.

Yummy Variations On No-Bake Pumpkin Tiramisu

  • Maple Pecan Pumpkin Tiramisu: Replace espresso with maple syrup, add toasted pecans between layers, and sprinkle candied pecans on top for a nutty autumn flavor profile.
  • Chai Spiced Pumpkin Tiramisu: Swap espresso with strong chai tea, incorporate additional warming spices like cardamom and ginger into the mascarpone mixture, garnish with cinnamon stick.
  • Bourbon Pumpkin Tiramisu: Mix a splash of bourbon into the espresso for dipping ladyfingers, add bourbon-soaked raisins between layers, dust with bourbon-infused cocoa powder.

What Pairs Well With No-Bake Pumpkin Tiramisu

  • Elevate Espresso Harmony: Pair a bold, dark roast espresso alongside the tiramisu to amplify the coffee undertones and complement the dessert's rich, creamy texture.
  • Spice-Infused Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied dessert wine like Moscato d'Asti or a spiced port that echoes the pumpkin pie spices and balances the mascarpone's creaminess.
  • Nutty Whiskey Companion: Choose a smooth bourbon or whiskey with caramel and vanilla notes that harmonize with the pecans and dark chocolate garnish, creating a warm autumn flavor profile.
  • Cinnamon Chai Counterpoint: Serve a spiced chai tea that mirrors the pumpkin pie spice, offering a complementary warmth and aromatic complexity to the dessert's delicate layers.

Keep No-Bake Pumpkin Tiramisu Tasting Great

  • Transfer the no-bake pumpkin tiramisu to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to preserve its creamy texture and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Keep the dessert refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, maintaining its optimal flavor and consistency by storing it in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
  • Wrap the tiramisu tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 weeks, ensuring you place it in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
  • Remove the frozen tiramisu from the freezer and let it defrost slowly in the refrigerator overnight, allowing it to return to its original creamy texture without compromising the delicate layers.

FAQs For No-Bake Pumpkin Tiramisu

  • Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso?

Yes, dissolve 2-3 tablespoons of instant coffee in hot water as a quick espresso substitute, ensuring strong flavor intensity for the ladyfingers.

  • Is mascarpone cheese necessary for this recipe?

Absolutely. Mascarpone provides the creamy, rich texture essential to traditional tiramisu and cannot be easily replaced without compromising the dessert’s authentic taste and consistency.

  • How do I know if my ladyfingers are properly dipped?

Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso for 1-2 seconds, ensuring they’re lightly moistened but not falling apart or overly soggy, which would make the dessert mushy.

Print
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No-Bake Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe

No-Bake Pumpkin Tiramisu Recipe


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4.5 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Silky no-bake pumpkin tiramisu merges Italian classic with autumn’s warm spices, creating a dreamy dessert that dances between creamy layers and rich seasonal flavors. Seasonal ingredients and simple techniques promise a delightful treat you’ll savor with each luxurious spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 oz mascarpone cheese
  • 15 oz pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 package ladyfinger cookies
  • 1/2 cup strong brewed espresso

Spices and Flavoring:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Garnish:

  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp crushed pecans
  • 1 tbsp grated dark chocolate

Instructions

  1. Whisk mascarpone cheese in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
  2. Fold pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract into the mascarpone, blending until fully incorporated and uniform in color.
  3. In a separate chilled bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, creating a light and airy texture.
  4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mascarpone mixture, maintaining the volume and creating a silky smooth filling.
  5. Quickly dip each ladyfinger cookie into the strong espresso, ensuring they are lightly saturated but not soggy.
  6. Layer the espresso-dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of a rectangular serving dish, creating a uniform base.
  7. Spread half of the pumpkin mascarpone mixture evenly over the ladyfinger layer, using a spatula to create a smooth surface.
  8. Repeat the layering process with another set of espresso-dipped ladyfingers and the remaining pumpkin mascarpone mixture.
  9. Refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and set.
  10. Before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder, sprinkle crushed pecans, and garnish with grated dark chocolate.
  11. Slice and serve chilled, enjoying the rich autumn-inspired dessert.

Notes

  • Choose instant espresso for a more intense coffee flavor that deeply penetrates the ladyfingers without making them soggy.
  • Ensure mascarpone cheese is at room temperature to achieve a smoother, lump-free mixture when whisking.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap traditional ladyfingers with gluten-free alternatives or use almond sponge cake slices.
  • Chill the mixing bowl and whisk before whipping cream to help achieve faster and more stable stiff peaks.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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