‘Tis the season of giving! Treat your guests to a festive Christmas tiramisu made with eggnog. This simple yet indulgent dessert blends two holiday favorites into one show-stopping treat. Creamy, boozy (optional), and full of seasonal spices, it’s perfect for holiday parties and easy to customize to your taste.
Eggnog dessert tiramisu style
If you have extra eggnog after holiday gatherings, this quick eggnog tiramisu is a delicious way to use it. Ready in about 20 minutes (plus chilling time), it layers eggnog-soaked ladyfingers with a light mascarpone and whipped cream filling, finished with cocoa, cinnamon and crunchy pecans.
While eggnog is traditionally a holiday drink, turning it into a dessert gives it new life. This Christmas tiramisu captures the classic flavors of eggnog—nutmeg, cinnamon and cream—combined with the airy texture of ladyfingers. The recipe is flexible: use alcohol-free eggnog for a kid-friendly version or add a splash of rum extract or your favorite liqueur for adults.
This eggnog tiramisu serves about 9–12 people, making it great for a family gathering or potluck. It’s easy to scale and stores well in the refrigerator for several days—or you can freeze it if needed (see storage notes below).
Other desserts using ladyfingers:
- Apple tiramisu
- Raspberry tiramisu
- Pineapple banana split dessert
- Chocolate mousse cake
This festive tiramisu layers ladyfingers quickly soaked in eggnog with a fluffy mascarpone cream. A dusting of cocoa and a sprinkle of cinnamon add depth, and toasted pecans give a pleasant crunch. You can find all ingredients at most grocery stores.
Customize it by adjusting the spices, switching extracts, or adding a shot of espresso to the soaking liquid for a coffee-tinged version. The dessert is forgiving and ideal for preparing a day ahead—tiramisu improves after a night in the fridge as the flavors meld.
Is tiramisu a Christmas dessert?
Tiramisu is an Italian classic commonly enjoyed year-round, but its rich, creamy profile and the ability to incorporate seasonal flavors make it a lovely option for Christmas. In this recipe eggnog replaces or complements espresso, creating a holiday twist on the traditional layers of ladyfingers, mascarpone and whipped cream.
What do you do with too much eggnog?
Leftover eggnog is excellent in desserts. Use it to soak ladyfingers for this tiramisu, fold it into pudding mixes, or replace milk in bread pudding. Other ideas include eggnog pancakes, French toast, ice cream or cake. It also works well in custards or as a flavor boost in vanilla pudding.
What do you need for this eggnog dessert?
To make this eggnog tiramisu you will need:
- ladyfinger cookies (about 18)
- eggnog — homemade or store-bought (alcohol-free for children)
- mascarpone cheese
- whipped cream (homemade or store-bought)
- sugar (if you make whipped cream from scratch)
- cinnamon powder
- cocoa powder
- crushed pecans (optional for texture)
- optional: rum extract, coffee, or liqueur for added flavor
How do you make this Christmas tiramisu?
This recipe is straightforward and quick to assemble:
- Make whipped cream and fold in mascarpone until smooth. Keep chilled. For a shortcut, use whipped topping like cool whip.
- Arrange a layer of ladyfingers in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Lightly dip the ladyfingers in cold eggnog or drizzle eggnog over them with a spoon—don’t soak them too long or they’ll become soggy.
- Spread half the mascarpone-whipped cream mixture evenly over the ladyfingers. Dust with cinnamon and cocoa powder and sprinkle with crushed pecans.
- Add a second layer of soaked ladyfingers, repeat the mascarpone layer, and dust again with cocoa, nutmeg and cinnamon.
- Finish with a generous dusting of cocoa powder and a few decorative dollops of whipped cream. Top with more pecans or chocolate curls if desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight—tiramisu tastes best after chilling so the flavors can meld.
How to decorate eggnog tiramisu?
Classic decorations include dustings of cocoa, ground cinnamon and nutmeg, plus chopped pecans for crunch. You can also add chocolate curls, chips, toasted coconut, or a light sprinkle of gingerbread crumbs or graham cracker crumbs for extra texture and holiday flair.
What other flavors can you add to this eggnog dessert?
Try any of these variations:
- Flavor extracts: rum, almond, or orange
- Add a splash of coffee or espresso to the soaking liquid
- Stir in a liqueur such as rum, brandy or bourbon
- Season with nutmeg, pumpkin spice, or extra cinnamon
What is the history of this eggnog dessert?
Eggnog began as a spiced milk-and-egg drink in England and became popular in the United States. Using eggnog in desserts is a seasonal adaptation that pairs well with creamy textures and warm spices. Eggnog tiramisu borrows the classic tiramisu structure—ladyfingers, mascarpone and whipped cream—swapping or combining espresso with eggnog for a festive result.
How do you store eggnog dessert?
Store tiramisu in an airtight container or tightly covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled preserves texture and flavor.
Can you freeze eggnog tiramisu?
Yes. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Note that the texture of the cream may change slightly after freezing, so chilling rather than freezing is preferred when possible.
Give this eggnog tiramisu a try for your holiday menu—it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing way to enjoy eggnog beyond the glass. Happy holidays!
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Christmas tiramisu eggnog dessert
petro
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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baking dish
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mixing bowl
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hand mixer
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silicone spatula
Ingredients
- 18 ladyfinger cookies
- eggnog (alcohol-free for kid friendly)
- 3 cups whipped cream (plus more to decorate)
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- cinnamon powder
- cocoa powder
- 1 cup crushed pecans
Instructions
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Whip the cream, then fold in the mascarpone. Chill until ready to use.
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Layer ladyfingers in a baking dish and drizzle with eggnog on both sides.
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Spread half the mascarpone-whipped cream mix evenly over the ladyfingers.
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Dust with cinnamon and cocoa powder.
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Sprinkle crushed pecans over the layer.
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Repeat the same steps to create a second layer.
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Finish with cocoa powder and pecans, decorate with whipped cream, and refrigerate at least 4 hours (best overnight) before serving.
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