Easy Gingerbread Tiramisu Recipe for Holiday Dessert

If you love classic tiramisu but want a festive twist for the holidays, this easy gingerbread tiramisu is the perfect dessert. With layers of spiced gingerbread cookies, coffee-soaked goodness, and fluffy mascarpone cream, it delivers all the richness of traditional tiramisu—wrapped in warm Christmas flavor.

Best of all, this holiday tiramisu dessert is completely no-bake and can be made ahead, making it ideal for Christmas parties, holiday dinners, and stress-free entertaining.


Why Gingerbread Tiramisu Is Perfect for the Holidays

This dessert feels special without being complicated:

  • No baking required
  • Make-ahead friendly
  • Classic tiramisu flavor with a holiday twist
  • Soft, creamy, spiced layers
  • Beautiful presentation for entertaining

It’s a crowd-pleaser that tastes nostalgic and elegant at the same time.


Gingerbread Meets Classic Tiramisu

Instead of ladyfingers, this recipe uses gingerbread cookies or soft gingerbread cake slices. They soak up the coffee beautifully while adding warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and molasses.

The result is a Christmas tiramisu that’s cozy, rich, and perfectly balanced.


Ingredients

You’ll need simple holiday pantry staples:

  • Mascarpone cheese
  • Heavy whipping cream
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Gingerbread cookies or gingerbread cake
  • Brewed coffee or espresso (cooled)
  • Molasses
  • Ground ginger
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Cocoa powder (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Brew coffee and allow it to cool completely. Stir in molasses and set aside.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat mascarpone with powdered sugar, vanilla, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
  4. Gently fold whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until light and fluffy.
  5. Quickly dip gingerbread cookies into the coffee mixture (do not soak).
  6. Arrange a layer of cookies in the bottom of a serving dish.
  7. Spread a layer of mascarpone cream on top.
  8. Repeat layers, finishing with cream on top.
  9. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  10. Dust with cocoa powder before serving.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

This no bake gingerbread dessert is even better the next day:

  • Refrigerate up to 48 hours before serving
  • Keeps well for 3–4 days
  • Best served chilled

Flavor Variations

Customize your gingerbread tiramisu easily:

Orange Gingerbread Tiramisu
Add orange zest to the cream layer.

Eggnog Tiramisu
Replace part of the cream with eggnog.

Chocolate Gingerbread Tiramisu
Add shaved dark chocolate between layers.

Kid-Friendly Version
Use decaf coffee or hot cocoa instead.


Tips for Perfect Layers

  • Dip cookies briefly to avoid sogginess
  • Chill long enough for clean slices
  • Use room-temperature mascarpone
  • Sift cocoa powder evenly on top

Serving Suggestions

Serve this gingerbread tiramisu recipe with:

  • Hot coffee or espresso
  • Mulled wine or holiday cocktails
  • Fresh berries for contrast

It’s rich, so small slices go a long way.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Over-soaking gingerbread
  • Overmixing mascarpone
  • Skipping chill time
  • Using warm coffee

Why This Recipe Works

This dessert balances sweetness, spice, and creaminess beautifully. The gingerbread adds warmth, while the mascarpone keeps it classic and luxurious.


Final Thoughts

This easy gingerbread tiramisu recipe for holiday dessert is everything you want in a Christmas treat—festive, creamy, and completely stress-free. It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert that looks impressive and tastes unforgettable.

Once you try it, it will become a new holiday tradition.

Easy Gingerbread Tiramisu

A festive no-bake tiramisu made with gingerbread cookies and spiced mascarpone cream.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz mascarpone cheese room temperature
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 cups brewed coffee cooled
  • 1 tbsp molasses
  • 24 gingerbread cookies

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Serving dish

Method
 

  1. Whip cream and prepare mascarpone mixture.
  2. Dip gingerbread cookies in coffee and layer with cream.
  3. Chill and dust with cocoa before serving.

Notes

Best chilled overnight for optimal flavor.