If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly captures the cozy essence of fall with a sophisticated twist, look no further than this Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu Trifle Recipe. It layers creamy mascarpone and pumpkin-spiced goodness with chai-soaked ladyfingers, creating an irresistible combination that feels both indulgent and homey. Every spoonful delivers warmth, spice, and a texture contrast that makes this trifle a standout treat for gatherings or simply treating yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu Trifle Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role — from the luscious pumpkin and mascarpone mixture to the chai tea soak that infuses the ladyfingers with cozy flavors. Together, these ingredients bring vibrant color, creamy texture, and a perfect balance of fall spices.
- 1½ cups canned pumpkin purée: Gives the trifle its rich, autumnal flavor and silky texture.
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese: Adds decadent creaminess that’s essential for tiramisu.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling gently without graininess.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Provides a warm, floral note lifting the pumpkin’s earthiness.
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that defines the fall flavor.
- 1½ cups heavy cream (whipped to soft peaks): Lightens the filling for that airy, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- 1 cup brewed chai tea (cooled): The fragrant soak that infuses ladyfingers with spice and depth.
- 2 tbsp maple syrup: Sweetens the chai soak naturally with its caramel undertones.
- 1–2 packs ladyfingers (savoiardi): The classic tiramisu base, perfect for soaking up flavors.
- Optional: crushed gingersnaps or cinnamon for topping: Adds a crunchy finish with an extra hit of spice.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu Trifle Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Mascarpone Filling
In a medium bowl, beat together pumpkin purée, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice until completely smooth. This creates a luscious, spiced cream base that’s rich but balanced. Gently fold in the whipped heavy cream to keep the mixture light and airy — this will be the velvety layer that makes each bite dreamy.
Step 2: Make the Chai Soak
Combine the brewed chai tea and maple syrup in a shallow dish. This cozy soak brings warmth and sweetness to the ladyfingers, infusing the trifle with big, welcoming fall flavors. Make sure the chai tea is fully cooled to keep the ladyfingers from getting soggy too quickly.
Step 3: Layer the Ladyfingers
Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the chai mixture—just a brief dip to capture flavor without turning them to mush. Layer them evenly in your trifle dish to form the base of your dessert. This step locks in that tender, spiced texture so each forkful feels perfectly moist yet structured.
Step 4: Add the Pumpkin Filling Layers
Spread a generous layer of the pumpkin mascarpone mixture over the soaked ladyfingers. Alternate with additional dipped ladyfingers and pumpkin filling until your dish is full. This layering not only looks stunning but ensures every bite has that beautiful harmony of spice, cream, and cake.
Step 5: Chill and Finish
Refrigerate the trifle for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to let the flavors marry and the dessert firm up into a lush, sliceable form. Just before serving, dust the top with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or crushed gingersnaps for added texture and a burst of seasonal spice.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu Trifle Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu Trifle Recipe, adorn the top with a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg, freshly grated nutmeg if you’re feeling fancy, or a scattering of crushed gingersnaps for crunch. A few whole ladyfingers or a sprig of fresh mint can add a charming touch and a pop of color, making your dessert as beautiful as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
This trifle shines on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides like spiced whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For a festive event, consider serving alongside a warm apple cider or a cup of chai tea to echo the trifle’s flavors and create a cohesive fall feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t limit yourself to a traditional trifle dish! Try serving this Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu Trifle Recipe in individual glass jars for easy portioning and a charming presentation. Layering in clear glasses showcases the beautiful strata of pumpkin cream and chai-soaked ladyfingers, making each serving a mini work of art that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu Trifle Recipe actually benefits from resting, so leftover servings stored covered in the refrigerator will taste even better after a day or two. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain the creamy texture and prevent the ladyfingers from drying out.
Freezing
While traditional tiramisu components don’t always freeze well, this trifle can be frozen if necessary. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and a layer of foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best results. Keep in mind that texture may soften slightly after freezing.
Reheating
It’s best to enjoy this trifle chilled, so reheating is not recommended. The dessert’s charm lies in its cool, creamy layers and delicate spices. Serve straight from the fridge and savor the refreshing contrast of the creamy filling against the spiced cake.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, roast and puree it until smooth before using it in place of canned pumpkin purée. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture to keep the filling from becoming too watery.
Is it possible to make this trifle dairy-free?
You can swap mascarpone for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor might change slightly, but it will still be a delightful fall dessert.
How long can I prepare the Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu Trifle Recipe in advance?
This trifle is perfectly suited to being made a day ahead. In fact, chilling it overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert for busy holiday gatherings.
Can I substitute the chai tea with regular black tea?
Regular black tea can work in a pinch, but the spices in chai tea complement the pumpkin spice flavors perfectly, so for the best taste experience, chai is recommended.
What are some variations to customize this recipe?
Feel free to add a splash of bourbon or rum to the chai soak for an adult twist, or layer in some caramel sauce between layers for extra indulgence. You can also experiment with different spices like cardamom or cloves to tweak the flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about this Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu Trifle Recipe that brings comfort and elegance to any dessert table. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply craving a cozy treat, this trifle’s rich layers of pumpkin, spices, and creamy mascarpone are sure to seduce your taste buds. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes a seasonal favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
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Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu Trifle Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 10 to 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu Trifle is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining the warm, cozy flavors of pumpkin and chai tea with creamy mascarpone and delicate ladyfingers. Perfect for fall gatherings, this no-bake trifle layers spiced pumpkin mascarpone cream with chai-soaked ladyfingers, topped with optional cinnamon or crushed gingersnaps for extra texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Mascarpone Cream
- 1½ cups canned pumpkin purée
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1½ cups heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks
Chai Tea Soak
- 1 cup brewed chai tea, cooled
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
Assembly
- 1–2 packs ladyfingers (savoiardi)
- Optional: crushed gingersnaps or cinnamon for topping
Instructions
- Prepare Pumpkin Mascarpone Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat together the pumpkin purée, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped heavy cream to create a light, fluffy texture.
- Make Chai Tea Soak: Combine the cooled brewed chai tea with the maple syrup in a shallow dish, stirring to blend the flavors evenly. This will be used to soak the ladyfingers and infuse them with a spiced sweetness.
- Layer Ladyfingers: Briefly dip each ladyfinger into the chai tea soak, just enough to moisten without making them soggy. Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of a trifle dish or large serving bowl.
- Add Pumpkin Filling: Spread a generous layer of the pumpkin mascarpone cream over the soaked ladyfingers. Continue alternating layers of chai-soaked ladyfingers and pumpkin cream until the dish is filled, finishing with a layer of the pumpkin cream on top.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the trifle and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set. Before serving, dust the top with cinnamon or sprinkle crushed gingersnaps for added texture and spice.
Notes
- Use soft but firm ladyfingers to prevent them from becoming overly soggy.
- For a stronger chai flavor, brew chai tea stronger than usual or soak ladyfingers slightly longer.
- Make sure the pumpkin mascarpone mixture is smooth and not overmixed to maintain a light texture.
- This dessert can be prepared a day ahead to enhance flavor development.
- Optional toppings like crushed gingersnaps or a cinnamon sprinkle add delightful crunch and aroma.
