Published October 24, 2023. Last updated November 2, 2023 By Elizabeth Lindemann   /  This post may contain affiliate links.Jump to Recipe – Print
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Introducing a fall twist on a decadent classic: Pumpkin Chai Tiramisu! This easy recipe features pumpkin puree added to the cream mixture, and ladyfingers dipped into chai concentrate instead of espresso (and a bit of spiced rum if you’re so inclined!). This autumn-inspired pumpkin tiramisu is perfect for all your fall gatherings, and – dare I say it? – an excellent alternative to pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving dessert (especially because it can be made a day or two in advance). The mascarpone cream mixture also happens to be egg-free, and no baking required!
If you’re looking for a festive fall dessert to add to your repertoire, look no further! Pumpkin chai tiramisu is perfect for any occasion – Thanksgiving, halloween, Christmas, or any time that fall baking mood strikes.
But here’s the thing about tiramisu – there’s no actual baking involved. At all. I’m all about a no-bake dessert! And since it can be made in advance (and is actually BETTER if served after 24 hours or so), you’ll be thrilled at how easy and stress-free, yet impressive, this tiramisu is.
Tiramisu, translated, means “pick-me-up.” An appropriate name not only for how delicious it is – sure to cheer anyone up! – but also for the small amount of caffeine and, optionally, alcohol, there is in it. In this case, espresso is swapped out for chai concentrate, and marsala wine is swapped out for spiced rum.
It’s cold and creamy and decadent yet light tasting – perfect for a post-feast treat when you think you can’t possibly eat another bite. I promise you’ll be able to find room in that full belly for this deliciousness!
Ingredients and Substitutions for Pumpkin Chai Tiramisu
Pumpkin Puree – I always recommend Libby’s canned pumpkin puree. I don’t recommend organic, which can be too watery. Make sure not to use pumpkin pie filling – just the plain puree.
Mascarpone cheese – this is similar to cream cheese, which can also be used if you can’t find Mascarpone.
Heavy whipping cream
Sugar
Maple Syrup
Ladyfingers – these delicate cookies can usually be found at any grocery store, and you can also buy them on Amazon. I got the Goya brand, but they are also available where the Italian foods are in your store, or where the other cookies are.
Chai Concentrate – feel free to use espresso here instead, as is traditional.
Spiced rum (optional) – or another libation of choice – pumpkin, coffee, or chai liquor, whisky or brandy, or marsala wine, which is more traditional.
Cocoa Powder
Pumpkin pie spice mix – I like to make my own pumpkin spice mix; it’s so much cheaper!
Bittersweet Chocolate (optional) – this is for shaving on top of the finished tiramisu before serving, which adds flavor and is beautiful, especially when shaved over individual servings on plates. I used Ghiradelli 60% cacoa bars.
How to make Pumpkin Chai Tiramisu
I recommend mixing all the different parts together, then beginning assembly – it will come together in mere minutes!
In one bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, mascarpone cheese, sugar, and maple syrup. Then fold the two together. In a small bowl, mix pumpkin pie spice mix and cocoa powder. Finally, in a shallow bowl, mix the chai concentrate and rum, if using.
Whip cream to soft peaks.
Mix pumpkin, mascarpone, sugar, and maple syrup.
Fold together.
Mix pumpkin pie spice mix and cocoa powder.
Now, you’ll assemble the pumpkin tiramisu. Dust the bottom of an 8-inch by 8-inch baking pan with the half of the cocoa powder and pumpkin spice mix (I use a small mesh sieve to do this, tapping the side with a spoon). Dip about half of the ladyfingers in the chai concentrate mixture, then add to the baking pan in a single layer, cutting down to size if necessary. Spread half the cream mixture on top. Repeat with the remaining ladyfingers and cream. Then dust the top with the remaining pumpkin spice cocoa mixture.
Dust bottom of pan with cocoa pumpkin spice mix.
Dip ladyfingers in chai and add a layer.
Spread half the cream mixture.
Repeat, then dust the top with the rest of the cocoa mixture.
What other pan sizes can I use if I don’t have an 8×8?
While an 8×8 pan works perfectly for the ingredient amounts in this pumpkin tiramisu recipe, it’s easy to use another size pan or dish.
A 9-inch circle pan works well, though you have to kind of piece together the ladyfingers a bit more. A loaf pan is great, especially if you make two or do more than two layers. A larger pan, such as a 9×13, works well if you make a larger batch of tiramisu. And I’ve also seen individual servings of tiramisu made in custard cups or small ramekins, as well!
Where can I buy chai concentrate?
You can likely find chai concentrate at any grocery store with the other tea products. I love the Tazo brand, which is widely available. Trader Joe’s also makes a great chai concentrate, which is a bit more concentrated and makes it perfect for this recipe.
You can also make your own! Masala and Chai has a great tutorial for how to make your own chai concentrate.
How can I make tiramisu sweeter?
Tiramisu is generally not too sweet, as is the case with this pumpkin recipe. However, if you have a sweet tooth, it’s easy to opt for a sweeter version! Just add more sugar and/or maple syrup to the whipped cream mixture. And if you like, you can use a sweeter or milk chocolate bar to shave on top. You can also drizzle it with maple syrup.
That said, I surveyed everyone I served this tiramisu to and asked if they thought it needed to be sweeter, and no one said it did.
Tips and Tricks for Pumpkin Tiramisu
You can use the extra pumpkin and chai concentrate from this recipe to make Chai Pumpkin Bread!
Don’t soak the ladyfingers for too long in the chai concentrate mixture, otherwise they may fall apart and disintegrate. I dipped mine for 2-3 seconds for each side, which left them intact but with enough flavor.
Make this pumpkin tiramisu 24-48 hours in advance. It will stay good for about 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
While I haven’t tried myself, sources say tiramisu can be frozen for a maximum of three months.
Other Pumpkin Dessert Recipes
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Pumpkin Chai Tiramisu
This Pumpkin Chai Tiramisu is a festive fall twist on a classic! Pumpkin puree is whipped into the cream mixture, with chai concentrate used instead of traditional espresso to dip the ladyfingers into. Optionally, you can add a little bit of spiced rum to the chai mixture for a boozy oomph of flavor. This is a great dessert to make for Thanksgiving or other holiday celebrations!
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Course: DessertCuisine: Italian
Servings: 9 servings
Calories: 371kcal
Author: Elizabeth Lindemann
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InstructionsIn a medium bowl, whip the 1 cup heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. In another bowl, beat together the 1 cup pumpkin puree, ⅓ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and 8 oz. mascarpone cheese until smooth and well combined. Fold the two mixtures together gently until combined. In a shallow bowl, mix together the 1 cup chai concentrate and 2-4 tablespoons spiced rum, if using. In a small bowl, mix together the 2 tablespoons cocoa powder and the 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice. Sift half of the cocoa powder the pumpkin pie spice mix onto the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish (see notes for alternative sizes). I use a small mesh sieve for this and tap the rim lightly with a spoon. Dip half of the 24 ladyfingers into the chai concentrate briefly (soaking for too long will result in a soggy texture). Place in a single layer, rounded-side-up, on top of the dusted baking dish. Feel free to break them in half to fit, if needed. Spread half of the pumpkin cream mixture on top. Repeat with the remaining ladyfingers, and the rest of the pumpkin cream mixture. Dust the top layer by sifting the remaining half of the cocoa powder and pumpkin pie spice mixture. For best results, cover with plastic wrap (or alternative) and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, but preferably overnight, or up to 48 hours. Before serving, dust with bittersweet chocolate shavings if desired. Cut into 9 slices (3 slices x3 slices in a square pan) and serve.
Notes
For the chai concentrate, you can easily find this in most grocery stores in the tea section. I love the Tazo brand, and Trader Joe’s also makes a wonderful blend that’s extra concentrated and flavor-packed. You can also make your own chai concentrate.
The rum is completely optional. Traditionally, marsala wine is used in tiramisu. Whisky, brandy, pumpkin or coffee liquor, or other librations may be used as well.
Be careful not to soak the ladyfingers for too long. They will disintegrate easily. I dipped each side for 2-3 seconds each before layering in the baking pan.
This tiramisu recipe has no eggs in the cream mixture. Traditionally, raw egg yolks (around 4) are beaten into the mascarpone cheese mixture. While the pumpkin puree helps add some creaminess to the mixture without the eggs, you can certainly feel free to add the egg yolks into this mixture for a boost of creamy rich texture. Keep in mind: Ladyfingers DO usually have eggs as a main ingredient, so you’ll need an alternative to traditional ladyfingers if you want an egg-free recipe. Here’s a recipe that uses homemade egg-free/vegan ladyfingers.
This recipe is not too sweet. When I served it, I took votes to see if it needed more sugar and no one said it did! That said, if you prefer a sweeter tiramisu, feel free to bring the amount of sugar up to a half a cup instead of a third.
NutritionServing: 1slice | Calories: 371kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 67mg | Potassium: 153mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 5142IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 2mg
Nutrition Information DisclaimerThe provided nutrition information is my best estimate and does not include any added sodium from seasoning to taste, any optional ingredients, and it does not take brands into account. I use an automatic API to calculate this information. Feel free to calculate it yourself using one of these tools:
Very Well Fit Nutrition Information Calculator
