Thanksgiving Tiramisu Recipe

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It’s that special time of the year when we pause to reflect on our blessings and gather around tables laden with the bountiful harvests of our efforts, both in the fields and in the kitchens. Amidst the traditional lineup of turkey, stuffing, and various pies, there lies an opportunity to surprise and delight your guests with a dessert that bridges the richness of tradition with a burst of inventive flavor – the Thanksgiving Tiramisu.

How to make Thanksgiving Tiramisu

Thanksgiving Tiramisu is a seasonal twist on the classic Italian dessert, tiramisu, that incorporates flavors commonly associated with Thanksgiving. Traditional tiramisu consists of layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, cocoa powder, and sometimes a bit of alcohol. For a Thanksgiving version, the recipe is often adapted to feature flavors such as pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and even maple syrup to capture the essence of the holiday.

Ingredients:

For the Pumpkin Mascarpone Cream:

• 1 cup (240g) mascarpone cheese at room temperature
• 3/4 cup (180g) canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
• 3 large eggs, separated
• A pinch of salt

For the Coffee Layer:

• 1 1/2 cups (360ml) strong brewed coffee, cooled
• 1/4 cup (60ml) coffee liqueur (optional)

For Assembly:

• Approximately 24 ladyfingers (Savoiardi)
• Cocoa powder for dusting
• Optional: whipped cream and grated chocolate for topping

Instructions:

Prepare the Pumpkin Mascarpone Cream:

1. In a large bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, pumpkin puree, sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix until well combined.
2. In another bowl, beat egg yolks until creamy and pale. Gently fold the yolks into the mascarpone-pumpkin mixture.
3. In a separate clean, dry bowl, beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the egg whites into the pumpkin mascarpone mixture until just combined, being careful not to deflate the mixture.

Prepare the Coffee Mixture:

1. Combine the cooled coffee and coffee liqueur (if using) in a shallow dish.

Assemble the Tiramisu:

1. Briefly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, ensuring not to soak them as they can become too soggy. Arrange a single layer on the bottom of your serving dish.
2. Spread half of the pumpkin mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers.
3. Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers, then top with the remaining mascarpone pumpkin cream. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Chill and Serve:

1. Cover and refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours, or overnight, which allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
2. Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder, and if desired, garnish with whipped cream and grated chocolate.

Tips for Success:

• Selecting Ingredients: Use high-quality mascarpone for the best flavor and texture. The cream should be rich and creamy, not grainy.
• Dipping Ladyfingers: Quickly dip the ladyfingers in the coffee mixture to prevent them from absorbing too much liquid and becoming too soggy. A quick dip on each side should be sufficient.
• Whipping Egg Whites: To help achieve stiff peaks, ensure your bowl and beaters are clean and completely dry before whipping the egg whites.
• Chill Time: It is crucial to allow the tiramisu to chill and set. This not only helps the layers firm up but also gives the flavors time to develop.
• Serving: For a visually appealing presentation that shows off the layers, consider serving the tiramisu in clear glasses or a trifle dish.
• Safety Note: Since this recipe calls for raw eggs, using pasteurized eggs can reduce the risk of salmonella. Alternatively, you can make a custard with the egg yolks by tempering them with heated sugar and a bit of milk, then heating the mixture to 160°F (71°C) to kill any potential bacteria.

What to serve with

Thanksgiving Tiramisu, with its rich layers of coffee and spiced pumpkin flavor, is an indulgent dessert perfect for the festive holiday meal. To complement this twist on a classic Italian dessert, consider pairing it with various beverages and light dessert options that enhance its rich flavor profile while maintaining the balance of your meal.

Beverages

1. Coffee:

• Espresso or Americano: A classic choice that complements the coffee flavor in the Thanksgiving Tiramisu.
• Cappuccino or Latte: This is for guests who prefer milder coffee with a creamy texture that echoes the dessert’s mascarpone layers.

2. Dessert Wines:

• Vin Santo: This Italian dessert wine with its nutty, caramel notes pairs beautifully with tiramisu.
• Port: A ruby or tawny port can accent the sweet and rich aspects of the dessert.

3. Tea:

• Chai: With its own array of spices, a warm chai can accentuate the pumpkin spice in the tiramisu.
• Earl Grey: The subtle citrus notes provide a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy and spicy dessert.

Light Desserts

Balance the richness of tiramisu with lighter dessert options that will clean the palate without overwhelming it.

1. Fresh Fruit Platter: A simple platter of sliced seasonal fruits, such as apples, pears, and grapes, can offer a fresh, light ending to the meal.

2. Sorbet: A lemon or raspberry sorbet provides a refreshing, tangy finish that cleanses the palate, readying it for the next flavorful bite of tiramisu.

Digestifs

End the meal with a small offering of a digestif to aid digestion and provide a smooth ending to your feast.

1. Amaro: This herbal liqueur from Italy is excellent for settling the stomach after a hearty meal.

2. Grappa: Grappa, a grape-based pomace brandy of Italian origin, is robust but can be a perfect higher-proof finish to a rich meal.

Nuts and Cheese

Offering a small board of nuts and cheeses can also complement the flavors in Thanksgiving Tiramisu, particularly:

1. Nuts: Almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts; these can be lightly salted or candied, depending on preference.

2. Cheeses: Mild cheeses like Brie or Camembert or a slice of aged Parmesan can add a savoury touch that contrasts nicely with the dessert.

Ingredients Substitutes

Thanksgiving Tiramisu introduces a delightful twist to the classic Italian dessert, incorporating flavors symbolic of the holiday season. However, to accommodate various dietary preferences, availability issues, or simply to play with different flavor profiles, you might need ingredient substitutes.

Ladyfingers (Savoiardi):

Substitute: Sponge cake or angel food cake can be an excellent alternative to ladyfingers, sliced into fingers or layers. For a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free ladyfingers or make a gluten-free sponge cake.

Mascarpone Cheese:

Substitute: A mixture of cream cheese (full fat for the best texture) with a bit of heavy cream or sour cream can mimic the texture and tanginess of mascarpone. To achieve a similar consistency and flavor, blend 8 ounces of cream cheese with ¼ cup of heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of sour cream.

Espresso or Strong Brewed Coffee:

Substitute: Not everyone enjoys the taste of coffee or may want to avoid caffeine. A chicory coffee alternative provides a similar depth without caffeine. For a non-coffee version that still ties in beautifully with fall flavors, consider using a strong brewed spiced chai or apple cider reduced by half to concentrate the flavor.

Pumpkin Puree and Spice Mix:

Substitute: When pumpkin puree is not available, sweet potato puree is a great alternative. It delivers a similar texture and sweetness with a slight difference in flavor. If you don’t have a premixed spice blend, you can make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon each of nutmeg, ginger, and allspice for every cup of pumpkin or sweet potato puree.

Eggs:

Substitute (for raw egg concerns or vegan options): In traditional tiramisu, eggs are used raw, which might not be suitable for everyone. For a version without raw eggs, you can make a custard using cornstarch and your preferred milk (dairy or plant-based) as thickeners. About 2 tablespoons of cornstarch dissolved in a little bit of milk, then added to 2 cups of heated milk with sugar, can create a thickened base to which you can add your mascarpone substitute.

Sugar:

Substitute: For a refined sugar-free version, you can use equal amounts of coconut sugar or a liquid sweetener like maple syrup. Keep in mind that using liquid sweeteners will slightly alter the consistency, so you might need to adjust other liquid ingredients accordingly.

Alcohol (typically rum, marsala, or brandy):

Substitute: Alcohol enhances the flavor profile, but it can be omitted or replaced with a non-alcoholic option. For a non-alcoholic substitute, consider using rum or almond extract mixed with apple juice or more of your coffee/chai/apple cider liquid. Use a teaspoon of extract per ¼ cups of liquid to impart the flavor without the alcohol content.

Final Thoughts

By thoughtfully selecting substitutes, you can create a Thanksgiving Tiramisu that caters to various dietary needs and preferences while still delivering the essence and delight of the original concept. 

More Tiramisu Recipes:

• Trader Joe’s Tiramisu Recipe