If you love the cozy warmth of holiday spices combined with the elegance of a classic Italian dessert, then the No-Bake Gingerbread Tiramisu in a Glass: 5 Irresistible Holiday Layers Recipe is about to become your new festive favorite. This dessert beautifully layers gingerbread cookies soaked in spiced coffee with a luxuriously creamy mascarpone mixture that captures the spirit of the season in every spoonful. Each layer adds a burst of flavor and texture, making it a show-stopping treat that’s as simple to assemble as it is delightful to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that marry together harmoniously to create layers of rich flavors and silky textures. The spices bring warmth, the mascarpone lends creaminess, and the gingerbread cookies provide that signature holiday crunch—all working in perfect balance.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Whipped to stiff peaks, it adds airy lightness to the creamy layers.
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened: The heart of the tiramisu, giving it a velvety richness.
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the mascarpone mixture just right without overpowering the spices.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and a warm, soothing aroma.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Brings the distinctive gingerbread zing that makes this dessert pop.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses traditional holiday spice warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty, spicy hint essential to gingerbread goodness.
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled: Provides the perfect bittersweet base for soaking the cookies.
- 1 tablespoon molasses: Deepens the coffee flavor with that classic dark sweetness typical of gingerbread.
- 12 gingerbread cookies, crushed or broken: The star layer delivering crunch and spice with every bite.
- Cocoa powder or cinnamon, for dusting: Adds a finishing touch with an inviting scent and visual appeal.
How to Make No-Bake Gingerbread Tiramisu in a Glass: 5 Irresistible Holiday Layers Recipe
Step 1: Whip the Cream to Stiff Peaks
Begin by whipping your heavy cream in a large bowl until it forms stiff peaks. This step is crucial because the light, airy whipped cream will be folded into the mascarpone mixture to create that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes this tiramisu so irresistible.
Step 2: Prepare the Mascarpone Mixture
Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk together the softened mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg until you achieve a smooth and creamy blend. This spice blend is what truly makes this dessert feel festive and cozy, balancing sweet and spicy in every bite.
Step 3: Fold the Whipped Cream Into the Mascarpone
Gently fold the whipped cream into your mascarpone-spice mixture, taking care not to deflate the fluffy cream. This results in a delicate, silky filling that feels light but decadently creamy, perfect for layering.
Step 4: Mix Coffee and Molasses for Soaking
Next, combine the cooled brewed coffee with molasses in a small bowl. The molasses lends a rich, robust sweetness that pairs perfectly with the gingerbread cookies, ensuring every bite bursts with holiday flavor. This soaking liquid brings moisture and depth to your tiramisu layers.
Step 5: Dip the Gingerbread Cookies
Quickly dip your crushed or broken gingerbread cookies into the coffee-molasses mixture, being careful not to soak them too long or they will become soggy. The goal is to soften them just enough to meld smoothly with the cream without losing their delightful crumbly texture.
Step 6: Build the Layers in Glasses
Begin layering by placing some dipped gingerbread cookies at the bottom of your serving glasses. Top them with a generous spoonful of the mascarpone cream. Repeat the layers until the glasses are filled—usually about five layers total. This assembly is what makes the No-Bake Gingerbread Tiramisu in a Glass: 5 Irresistible Holiday Layers Recipe so visually stunning and tasty.
Step 7: Dust With Cocoa Powder or Cinnamon
Finish the top with a dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon. This not only adds a beautiful presentation but also enhances the dessert’s aroma and flavor, tying all the components together nicely.
Step 8: Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate your completed tiramisus for at least one hour, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the layers to firm up just enough for the perfect spoonful. This no-bake step makes it an easy dessert to prepare ahead and enjoy later.
How to Serve No-Bake Gingerbread Tiramisu in a Glass: 5 Irresistible Holiday Layers Recipe
Garnishes
Top with a sprig of fresh mint, a cinnamon stick, or even a few grated gingerbread crumbs for added texture and festive flair. These little additions elevate the presentation and offer a delightful welcome for your guests even before the first bite.
Side Dishes
This tiramisu is a perfect finish to a holiday meal, but if you want to complement it, try serving alongside lightly spiced poached pears or a warm mulled wine to keep the seasonal theme alive. The sweetness and spice interplay beautifully in any pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the tiramisu in clear mini mason jars or elegant stemmed glasses to let the five irresistible layers shine through, making it as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. You could even turn it into a tasting party by offering several mini versions with different dustings or toppings to personalize the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This dessert holds up well for up to 2 days, allowing the flavors to deepen even further. Just be sure to cover it tightly to keep the cream fresh.
Freezing
While traditionally tiramisu isn’t usually frozen, this no-bake gingerbread version can be frozen for up to one month if tightly sealed. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve the texture and flavors.
Reheating
Because this is a chilled dessert, reheating is not recommended. Best enjoyed cold straight from the fridge, it’s a refreshing and indulgent end to any holiday meal.
FAQs
Can I make this No-Bake Gingerbread Tiramisu in a Glass: 5 Irresistible Holiday Layers Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe benefits from a few hours of chilling, so preparing it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld perfectly and makes your holiday entertaining much easier.
What if I don’t have gingerbread cookies; can I substitute something else?
You can substitute with spiced ginger snap cookies or even a sturdy speculoos cookie to retain that signature spicy crunch and hold up well when dipped in coffee.
Is there a non-alcoholic way to enhance the coffee soaking liquid?
Yes, adding a splash of molasses as shown here creates depth without alcohol, but for an adult twist, feel free to add a tablespoon of your favorite spiced rum or coffee liqueur.
How important is it not to soak the cookies too long?
It’s quite important. Quick dipping allows the cookies to absorb moisture without turning mushy, preserving the delightful contrast between crunchy and creamy layers in each bite.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just multiply the ingredients accordingly and assemble in larger or more glasses. This dessert is very forgiving and perfect for holiday gatherings.
Final Thoughts
If you want to capture the magic of the holidays in a dessert, the No-Bake Gingerbread Tiramisu in a Glass: 5 Irresistible Holiday Layers Recipe is your ticket to festive bliss. Its effortless assembly combined with the rich marriage of creamy mascarpone, spiced gingerbread, and coffee-soaked layers makes it a recipe you’ll come back to year after year. Go ahead and treat yourself and your loved ones to these delightful layers of holiday happiness—you deserve it!
Print
No-Bake Gingerbread Tiramisu in a Glass: 5 Irresistible Holiday Layers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This No-Bake Gingerbread Tiramisu in a Glass is a festive twist on the classic Italian dessert, perfect for the holiday season. Featuring layers of creamy mascarpone whipped with warm ginger and spices, soaked gingerbread cookies, and a coffee-molasses mixture, this dessert offers a delightful blend of cozy flavors and creamy textures without any baking required.
Ingredients
Cream Layer
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Coffee Mixture
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 tablespoon molasses
Base
- 12 gingerbread cookies, crushed or broken
Garnish
- Cocoa powder or cinnamon, for dusting
Instructions
- Whip Cream: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then set aside to maintain its volume and light texture.
- Prepare Mascarpone Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until smooth and well combined, forming the flavorful base of the cream layer.
- Fold Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until the mixture is light and creamy, ensuring it stays fluffy and airy for an ideal tiramisu texture.
- Mix Coffee and Molasses: In a small bowl, combine the cooled strong brewed coffee with molasses, creating a rich, spiced soak for the gingerbread cookies.
- Soak Cookies: Quickly dip pieces of the gingerbread cookies into the coffee-molasses mixture, being careful not to soak them completely to avoid sogginess.
- Layer Dessert: In serving glasses, layer the dipped gingerbread cookie pieces and mascarpone cream alternately, repeating the process until the glasses are filled, building the signature tiramisu layers.
- Garnish: Finish each glass with a light dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon for added aroma and festive appeal.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled tiramisu glasses for at least 1 hour before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and the dessert to set for optimal taste and texture.
Notes
- Use cooled coffee to prevent melting the whipped cream mixture.
- Avoid soaking the gingerbread cookies too long to maintain some crunch and structure.
- This dessert can be prepared a day in advance for enhanced flavor.
- For a non-alcoholic version, ensure the molasses and spices are used instead of traditional liquor-soaking methods.
- Substitute gingerbread cookies with ginger snaps if preferred.
