Nothing says holiday magic like the scent of coffee and cinnamon filling the kitchen while we prep our Christmas tiramisu. This isn’t just any dessert—it’s our family’s edible holiday hug, layered with memories and festive flavors. I still remember my aunt Lucia teaching me to dip those ladyfingers just right, warning me not to turn them into soggy messes! Now, this Christmas tiramisu recipe holiday dessert has become our signature treat, sitting proudly between the gingerbread house and fruitcake at every December gathering. The peppermint crunch on top? That’s my little rebellious twist that makes everyone ask for seconds. Trust me, once you try this creamy, coffee-kissed masterpiece, you’ll understand why it disappears faster than wrapping paper on Christmas morning.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Tiramisu Recipe Holiday Dessert
Let me tell you why this dessert has become my holiday must-make every year:
- No oven required – When your kitchen’s already overflowing with baking sheets and roasting pans, this no-bake wonder saves the day
- Festive flavors that sing – The cinnamon, nutmeg, and peppermint turn classic tiramisu into pure holiday magic
- Make-ahead lifesaver – Whip it up in the morning (or even the night before!) so you’re not scrambling when guests arrive
- Crowd-pleasing charm – Even fruitcake skeptics can’t resist coming back for another spoonful
Honestly? The hardest part is resisting the urge to sneak spoonfuls from the fridge before serving time!
Ingredients for Christmas Tiramisu Recipe Holiday Dessert
Gather these simple ingredients – you probably have most in your pantry already!
- For the base: 24 ladyfinger cookies (the crisp kind, not soft)
- For soaking: 1 1/2 cups strong brewed coffee, completely cooled (I use dark roast)
- Optional kick: 1/4 cup coffee liqueur (we love Kahlúa for this)
- Creamy magic: 16 oz mascarpone cheese at room temperature
- Sweetness: 3/4 cup powdered sugar (sifted if lumpy)
- Flavor boosters: 1 tsp vanilla extract + 1/2 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- For fluffiness: 1 cup heavy whipping cream, very cold
- Festive finish: 2 tbsp cocoa powder + 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
No coffee liqueur? Just use extra brewed coffee – it’ll still taste amazing. For gluten-free, seek out GF ladyfingers (they crisp up beautifully). If mascarpone feels stiff, let it sit on the counter for 30 minutes before mixing – lumpy mascarpone is the enemy of smooth cream! Dairy-free? Try coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream, though the texture will be slightly different. And if peppermint isn’t your thing, candied orange zest makes a gorgeous holiday alternative. For gluten-free, seek out GF ladyfingers (they crisp up beautifully).
How to Make Christmas Tiramisu Recipe Holiday Dessert
Let’s create some holiday magic! Follow these steps for foolproof festive tiramisu:
- Prep your coffee bath – Combine cooled coffee and liqueur (if using) in a wide, shallow bowl. This ensures quick, even dipping.
- Whip the mascarpone mixture – In a large bowl, beat mascarpone with powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until silky smooth (about 2 minutes with electric mixer).
- Fold in the clouds – In another chilled bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold into mascarpone mixture in three additions, keeping it light and airy.
- Dip with discipline – Quickly dip each ladyfinger into coffee mixture (1-2 seconds per side max!) – they should absorb moisture but not disintegrate.
- Build your masterpiece – Arrange one layer of dipped ladyfingers in your 9×9 dish (see layering tips below).
- Chill for magic – Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight is better!) to let flavors meld and texture set perfectly.
Layering the Dessert
For picture-perfect layers: Start with 12 dipped ladyfingers in your 9×9 glass dish (they should fit snugly). Spread half the cream mixture evenly – an offset spatula works wonders. Repeat with remaining ladyfingers and cream. Pro tip: Leave 1/2-inch border around edges to prevent soggy sides. The layers will settle slightly during chilling.
Decorating Tips
Make it festive! Use a fine-mesh sieve to dust cocoa powder in holiday shapes (try a stencil cut from parchment). For peppermint, sprinkle some right before serving to maintain crunch. Or create a “peppermint dust” border by crushing candies extra fine with a rolling pin. Or create a “peppermint dust” border by crushing candies extra fine with a rolling pin.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Tiramisu Recipe Holiday Dessert
After making this holiday tiramisu more times than I can count, here are my hard-won secrets for perfection:
- Ladyfinger discipline – Set a timer if you must! One-one-thousand, flip, one-one-thousand – that’s all the soaking time they need. Any longer and you’ll have mush instead of lovely layers.
- Chill is crucial – I know it’s tempting to sneak a taste early, but that 4-hour minimum chill lets the flavors marry and the cream set properly. Overnight? Even better!
- Cold cream whips best – I pop my mixing bowl in the freezer for 15 minutes before whipping. Stable peaks mean your layers won’t slump.
- Room temp mascarpone – Take it out when you start brewing coffee. Cold mascarpone = lumpy disaster.
Follow these and your tiramisu will be the star of the dessert table!
Serving & Storing Christmas Tiramisu
Here’s how to keep your Christmas tiramisu looking and tasting its best! Serve it straight from the fridge – that cool temperature makes the flavors shine and keeps the cream perfectly set. Add the peppermint sprinkles or cocoa dusting right before serving so they stay crisp. Leftovers? Cover tightly with plastic wrap (press it right against the surface) and they’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days – if they last that long!
Christmas Tiramisu Recipe Holiday Dessert Nutrition
Just so you know what you’re indulging in (because who counts calories at Christmas?), here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving – keep in mind these are estimates based on exact ingredients I use. Each generous slice packs about 380 calories with 25g of that dreamy fat (hey, it’s the holidays!), 32g carbs, and 6g protein. The sugar comes in around 22g – mostly from the natural sweetness of mascarpone and those festive peppermint sprinkles. Now go enjoy your slice (or two) guilt-free! Now go enjoy your slice (or two) guilt-free!
FAQs About Christmas Tiramisu Recipe Holiday Dessert
Can I make this ahead for Christmas dinner? Absolutely! In fact, I insist you do. This dessert improves with time – make it 1-2 days before serving. The flavors meld beautifully, and you’ll thank yourself for one less thing to prep on the big day. Just hold off on the peppermint topping until serving time.
What can I use instead of coffee liqueur? No worries! Use extra strong coffee with a teaspoon of vanilla extract for depth. My aunt swears by orange juice for a festive twist – just reduce the coffee slightly so it’s not too liquidy. My aunt swears by orange juice for a festive twist – just reduce the coffee slightly so it’s not too liquidy.
Help! My ladyfingers turn to mush. Been there! The secret is the “dip and flip” method: one quick second per side in the coffee mixture. Think “in and out” like you’re swiping a credit card. And always use crisp, fresh ladyfingers – stale ones absorb too fast.
Can kids eat this? Of course! Just skip the liqueur and use all coffee (or even warm milk with a touch of cocoa for little ones). The peppermint topping makes it extra special for them.
Share Your Holiday Creation
I’d love to see your Christmas tiramisu masterpieces! Snap a photo of your festive layers and tag me – nothing makes me happier than seeing your holiday dessert tables. Did your family go crazy for the peppermint crunch like mine does? Drop a comment below and tell me all about it!
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Magical Christmas Tiramisu Recipe That Steals Hearts
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive twist on the classic Italian dessert, perfect for Christmas celebrations. Layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, and holiday flavors create a memorable treat.
Ingredients
- 24 ladyfinger cookies
- 1 1/2 cups strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1/4 cup coffee liqueur (optional)
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Mix coffee and coffee liqueur in a shallow bowl.
- Beat mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
- Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold into mascarpone mixture.
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into coffee mixture and layer in a 9×9 dish.
- Spread half the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers.
- Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and remaining cream.
- Dust with cocoa powder and sprinkle with crushed peppermint.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
- For alcohol-free version, omit coffee liqueur.
- Make ahead for easier serving.
- Store covered in refrigerator up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/9 of recipe
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: christmas tiramisu, holiday dessert, festive dessert, no-bake christmas recipe