This Pumpkin Chai Tiramisu is a cozy twist on the classic dessert! Creamy layers of mascarpone meet pumpkin spice and chai flavors that are simply irresistible.
It’s perfect for fall gatherings or any time you want a sweet treat. I love making this dessert ahead of time, letting the flavors blend while I indulge in a good book! 📚🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chai Tea: Strong brewed chai tea gives this dessert its warm spice. If you don’t have chai, regular black tea with added spices (like cinnamon and cardamom) can work as a substitute. I love using loose leaf tea for extra flavor!
Pumpkin Purée: The recipe calls for canned pumpkin, which is super convenient. If you want a fresher option, you can use homemade roasted pumpkin purée. Just steam or roast pumpkin flesh until soft, blend it smooth, and use as needed.
Mascarpone Cheese: Essential for that creamy texture, mascarpone can be pricey. You can replace it with a mix of cream cheese and heavy cream (2 parts cream cheese to 1 part heavy cream) for a similar taste.
Ladyfinger Cookies: These are light and airy, creating layers in tiramisu. If you can’t find them, sponge cake cut into strips is a good alternative. Look for something that soaks up the tea without falling apart.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Whipped Cream?
Whipping cream to stiff peaks is essential for a light and fluffy filling. Here’s a simple way to do it:
- Start with cold cream; it whips better that way. I usually chill my mixing bowl too!
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed and whip until soft peaks form.
- Then, increase speed to high until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as it can turn grainy!
Perfect whipped cream adds a delightful texture to the tiramisu, making it creamy and luxurious.
How to Make Pumpkin Chai Tiramisu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Base:
- 1 cup strong brewed chai tea, cooled
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice blend
- 3 tablespoons sugar, divided
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For Assembly:
- 24 ladyfinger cookies
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Pumpkin Chai Tiramisu takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll then need to refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to let the flavors develop. Total time is around 4 to 24 hours, depending on your chilling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chai Mixture:
Start by brewing a cup of strong chai tea and letting it cool. In a shallow dish, mix the cooled chai tea with 1 tablespoon of sugar and the pumpkin spice blend. Stir everything together and set it aside to soak the ladyfingers later.
2. Make the Pumpkin Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened mascarpone cheese with the pumpkin puree and the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. No lumps allowed!
3. Whip the Cream:
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the beaters out, the peaks will hold their shape. It shouldn’t be runny at all!
4. Combine Fillings:
Carefully fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin-mascarpone mixture. Use a spatula and gently mix until everything is well incorporated. Aim for a light and fluffy texture—this filling is the star of the dessert!
5. Soak the Ladyfingers:
Take each ladyfinger and dip it briefly into the chai-pumpkin tea mixture. Don’t let them soak; just a quick dip is perfect to add flavor without falling apart!
6. Layer the Dessert:
Start by arranging a layer of the soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of a serving dish or square pan. Spread half of your creamy pumpkin filling over this layer. Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers on top, followed by the rest of the pumpkin filling.
7. Chill and Set:
Cover your tiramisu and place it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait! The longer it chills, the better the flavors meld together.
8. Serve:
Before serving, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder for a delicious finish. Finally, slice and serve chilled. Enjoy every creamy, spiced, and delightful bite of this seasonal treat!
Can I Use Regular Tea Instead of Chai?
Yes! If you don’t have chai, you can substitute with a strong brewed black tea. To mimic the spice, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom to the tea.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover tiramisu in an airtight container in the fridge. It can stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just be prepared for it to become even creamier as it sits!
Can I Add More Pumpkin Spice Flavor?
Absolutely! If you love that pumpkin spice flavor, feel free to increase the pumpkin spice blend to taste. Just remember to adjust the sugar accordingly if you’re adding a significant amount to maintain the balance.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Look for gluten-free ladyfinger cookies or sponge cake to make the dessert gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients are also labeled gluten-free.
