Christmas Tiramisu: 7 Irresistible Layers of Joy

November 22, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday dessert: *Christmas Tiramisu*! This isn’t just any old tiramisu; it’s a delightful twist that brings the essence of the holiday season right to your table. Just imagine layers of rich mascarpone, creamy whipped goodness, and the cozy flavors of coffee and nutmeg—it’s like a warm hug on a cold winter night!

Every year, as the holiday season rolls around, my family gathers in the kitchen, and I whip up this festive treat. It’s become a cherished tradition that everyone looks forward to. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make, and I promise it’ll impress your guests! Trust me, once you serve this up, you’ll see the joy on everyone’s faces as they dig into this creamy, dreamy dessert. So, let’s dive into making your very own *Christmas Tiramisu*! You won’t regret it!

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to create this heavenly *Christmas Tiramisu*. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in bringing out those festive flavors, so let’s get specific!

6 large egg yolks – These are the base of our luscious filling, adding richness and creaminess.
3/4 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the mixture beautifully, balancing the coffee and cream.
2/3 cup whole milk – This adds a lovely creaminess to the custard layer.
1 cup heavy cream – Whipped to perfection, it gives the tiramisu that airy, dreamy texture.
8 oz mascarpone cheese – The star of the show! This Italian cheese is rich, creamy, and absolutely essential for that authentic flavor.
1 cup brewed coffee, cooled – Use your favorite brew; it adds that deep, rich coffee flavor we all adore.
1/2 cup coffee liqueur – For a festive kick! It enhances the coffee flavor and adds a hint of sweetness.
24 ladyfinger cookies – These delightful cookies soak up the coffee and help create those beautiful layers.
2 tablespoons cocoa powder – Dust this on top for that classic tiramisu finish and a touch of chocolatey goodness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Just a splash to elevate the flavors and bring everything together.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – A sprinkle of nutmeg adds that warm, holiday spice that makes this dessert special.

Gather these ingredients, and you’re already on your way to whipping up a festive masterpiece! Let’s keep the holiday spirit alive in every layer.

How to Prepare Christmas Tiramisu

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get into the fun part: preparing this delightful *Christmas Tiramisu*! Don’t worry; I’ll walk you through every step. Just follow along, and soon you’ll have a festive dessert that will wow your family and friends!

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the 6 large egg yolks and 3/4 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and pale in color. This should take about 2 minutes—just enough time to get those holiday vibes going!
In a small saucepan, gently heat 2/3 cup whole milk until it’s warm but not boiling. Once it’s warm, slowly pour it into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This helps temper the eggs, so they don’t scramble.
Now, cook the combined mixture over low heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens slightly. This usually takes about 5 minutes. You want to see a nice coating on the back of a spoon. Remove it from the heat and let it cool for a bit!
Once your mixture has cooled to room temperature, fold in the 8 oz mascarpone cheese and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Be gentle here! You want to keep it fluffy and airy.
In another bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This is where the magic happens—fluffy cream is key to a light tiramisu!
Carefully fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. Go slow to keep that airy texture intact. You’re building layers of deliciousness!
Next, combine 1 cup brewed coffee (cooled) and 1/2 cup coffee liqueur in a shallow dish. This is where your ladyfingers will take a quick dip, so make sure it’s wide enough!
Now comes the fun part: dip each 24 ladyfinger cookies briefly into the coffee mixture—don’t soak them! Just a quick dip to get them moist. Lay them down in a dish to start creating those beautiful layers.
Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the layer of ladyfingers. Use a spatula to smooth it out evenly. Yum!
Repeat the layers again: another round of dipped ladyfingers followed by the rest of the mascarpone mixture on top. You want to end with that gorgeous creamy layer.
Finally, dust the top with 2 tablespoons cocoa powder and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg for that festive touch. It’s like a sprinkle of holiday magic!
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Overnight is even better if you can wait! This helps all those lovely flavors meld together.

And there you have it! Your *Christmas Tiramisu* is ready to impress. Just remember, patience is key while it chills, but trust me, it’ll be worth the wait!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a festive twist on a classic dessert, perfect for holiday celebrations!
Rich, creamy layers of mascarpone and whipped cream create an indulgent texture.
The combination of coffee and nutmeg brings an enchanting holiday flavor that warms the heart.
Super easy to make with simple steps—no advanced baking skills required!
It can be made ahead of time, giving you more freedom to enjoy the festivities.
Impressive presentation that will wow your guests and make your dessert table shine.
Customizable! You can experiment with flavors or garnishes to make it your own.
Perfect for sharing—this recipe yields enough to feed a crowd (or just keep it all for yourself, no judgment here!).

Tips for Success

Making the perfect *Christmas Tiramisu* is all about attention to detail and a few handy tips! Here are my go-to pieces of advice to ensure your dessert turns out beautifully every time.

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh eggs and high-quality mascarpone cheese make a world of difference in flavor and creaminess. Don’t skimp on these!
Watch the temperature: When heating the milk, be careful not to let it boil. You want it warm enough to mix with the eggs without scrambling them.
Don’t soak the ladyfingers: A quick dip in the coffee mixture is all you need. If you soak them too long, they’ll become mushy and your dessert will lose that lovely texture.
Chill properly: It’s essential to let your tiramisu chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.
Get creative with layers: Feel free to add a layer of chocolate shavings or even a sprinkle of cinnamon between the mascarpone layers for an extra festive touch!
Don’t rush the folding: When combining the whipped cream with the mascarpone, fold gently. This keeps the mixture light and airy, which is key for that perfect tiramisu texture.
Garnish just before serving: If you’re using cocoa powder or any garnishes, do this right before serving to keep it looking fresh and beautiful.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating a *Christmas Tiramisu* that’s not just tasty but a true showstopper at any holiday gathering!

Variations

One of the best things about *Christmas Tiramisu* is how easily it can be customized to suit your taste or to impress your guests with something uniquely festive! Here are some fun variations to try:

Chocolate Hazelnut: Swap the coffee liqueur for hazelnut liqueur and add a few tablespoons of cocoa powder to the mascarpone mixture for a rich, nutty flavor. You can even sprinkle some crushed hazelnuts between the layers for added crunch!
Spiced Pumpkin: Add 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree and a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the mascarpone mixture. This gives your tiramisu a lovely autumn twist that’s perfect for holiday gatherings!
Citrus Delight: Incorporate some orange or lemon zest into the mascarpone layer. It adds a bright, zesty flavor that cuts through the richness beautifully. A splash of orange liqueur can enhance this variation even more!
Matcha Green Tea: For a unique spin, mix in 2 tablespoons of matcha powder into the mascarpone and replace the coffee with a matcha latte mixture. This not only creates a stunning green dessert but also adds a lovely earthy flavor.
Caramel Pecan: Drizzle caramel sauce between the layers and fold in some finely chopped pecans into the mascarpone mix. It gives a sweet and nutty flavor that’s simply irresistible!
Minty Fresh: Add a few drops of mint extract to the mascarpone mixture and use peppermint liqueur instead of coffee liqueur. Top with crushed candy canes for a festive crunch and a pop of color!

With these variations, you can make your *Christmas Tiramisu* a delightful surprise each year or even for different holiday celebrations. Get creative and let your taste buds lead the way!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now, let’s talk about how to store your delightful *Christmas Tiramisu* because, trust me, you’ll want to keep those leftovers for a special treat later! Proper storage is key to maintaining that creamy texture and rich flavors.

First things first, if you have any leftovers (which I’m sure you will, because it serves 8!), cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps prevent any unwanted odors from the fridge from sneaking in and affecting your delicious dessert. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Now, here’s the thing: *Christmas Tiramisu* is best enjoyed chilled, straight from the fridge. So, no need to heat it up! In fact, reheating can change the texture and make it less enjoyable. The creamy layers might lose their fluffiness, and we definitely don’t want that!

If you happen to have a big batch that you want to store for a longer period, you can freeze it! Just slice it into individual servings, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and then pop them into an airtight container or a freezer bag. It’ll stay good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Trust me, it’ll still taste fantastic!

So, whether you’re savoring it fresh or saving it for later, your *Christmas Tiramisu* will be ready to delight your taste buds whenever the craving strikes!

Nutritional Information

Now, I know you’re curious about the nutritional details of this luscious *Christmas Tiramisu*! Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving. Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in:

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 350
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 90mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 25g
Protein: 6g

With these rich and creamy layers, it’s definitely a treat worth savoring during the holiday season! Enjoy every bite, and remember that it’s all about balance—especially when it comes to festive desserts like this one!

FAQs

Can I make *Christmas Tiramisu* ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it a day in advance. The flavors meld beautifully as it chills, so it’s actually better after a night in the fridge. Just remember to cover it well to keep it fresh!

What can I use instead of coffee liqueur?
If you’d prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can simply omit the coffee liqueur and use an extra splash of brewed coffee instead. It’ll still taste fantastic! You can also try a flavored syrup like hazelnut for an extra twist.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
While mascarpone is traditional for *Christmas Tiramisu*, you could substitute it with a mixture of cream cheese and heavy cream if you’re in a pinch. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will differ a bit from the classic version!

How do I know when my tiramisu is ready to serve?
Your *Christmas Tiramisu* should chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. When you’re ready to serve, it should be firm yet creamy. Just a gentle press should reveal that delightful softness!

Can I freeze *Christmas Tiramisu*?
Yes, you can! Just slice it into portions and wrap each slice tightly before placing them in an airtight container. It’ll keep for up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before enjoying!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.