Name: Christmas Gingerbread Tiramisu Recipe: A Festive Dessert Fusion Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups warm coffee; ½ cup granulated sugar, divided; 2 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided; 2 cups mascarpone cheese, softened; ¼ cup molasses (not blackstrap); ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 cups heavy cream; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 28-32 ladyfingers; ⅓ cup crushed gingersnaps; Gingerbread man cookies (optional, for decoration)

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Introduction

This Christmas Gingerbread Tiramisu is a festive twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining warm spices and rich flavors perfect for the holiday season. Layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, spiced mascarpone, and crunchy gingersnaps create a delightful fusion that will impress your guests.

A white plate holds a square piece of tiramisu with three visible layers: the bottom layer is a light brown soaked cake, the middle layer is a darker sponge soaked with coffee, and the top layer is white creamy mascarpone dusted with cocoa powder. Part of the tiramisu is bitten, showing these layers clearly, and small crumbs are scattered around it. Next to the tiramisu, there is a brown gingerbread cookie shaped like a smiling man with white icing details. The plate is set on a deep red table with Christmas decorations around, including small candles, pine branches, and gold and white ornaments. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ cups warm coffee
½ cup granulated sugar, divided
2 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
2 cups mascarpone cheese, softened
¼ cup molasses (not blackstrap)
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups heavy cream
28-32 ladyfingers
⅓ cup crushed gingersnaps
Gingerbread man cookies (optional, for decoration)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the coffee syrup by heating the warm coffee, 6 tablespoons of sugar, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, molasses, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ground ginger, and nutmeg. Mix until smooth and well blended.
Step 3: Using an electric mixer or a whisk, whip the heavy cream with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar until medium peaks form.
Step 4: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, being careful not to overmix to maintain a light texture.
Step 5: Quickly dip each ladyfinger on both sides into the cooled coffee syrup. Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers at the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan, trimming to fit if needed.
Step 6: Spread one-third of the mascarpone mixture evenly over the ladyfingers using an offset spatula.
Step 7: Sprinkle a layer of crushed gingersnaps over the mascarpone layer.
Step 8: Repeat dipping ladyfingers in coffee syrup and layering over the gingersnaps. Spread another third of the mascarpone mixture on top.
Step 9: Scoop the remaining mascarpone mixture into a piping bag and pipe dollops evenly over the top layer for a festive presentation.
Step 10: Refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, add a splash of coffee liqueur to the coffee syrup before dipping ladyfingers.
Molasses adds a rich flavor, but you can substitute with dark corn syrup if unavailable.
Use gingerbread man cookies as a decorative garnish to enhance the festive look.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar slightly in the coffee syrup and whipped cream.

Storage

Store the tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled until ready to serve. When reheating, it’s best enjoyed cold, but if necessary, let it stand at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds a square slice of tiramisu with a bite taken out, showing two layers of coffee-soaked cake and a thick middle layer of creamy white mascarpone. The top layer is dusted with cocoa powder unevenly spread. Around the tiramisu are scattered crumbs and a small dusting of cocoa powder. To the left of the tiramisu, there is a decorated gingerbread cookie shaped like a smiling person with white icing details. Near the plate, small golden decorative pieces and green pine branches add a festive touch, along with two lit candles in amber holders. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this tiramisu ahead of time?

Yes, this tiramisu benefits from sitting overnight in the refrigerator as it allows the flavors to develop fully and the layers to set beautifully.

Can I use a different type of cookie instead of ladyfingers?

You can substitute ladyfingers with sponge cake slices or even gingerbread cookies for a more intense seasonal flavor, but dipping time in coffee syrup may need adjustment to avoid sogginess.