Pin This festive twist on classic tiramisu combines the rich flavors of eggnog with espresso-soaked ladyfingers for a holiday dessert that's sure to impress. Individual serving cups make these elegant treats perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings during the winter season.
I created this recipe three years ago when looking for a special Christmas Eve dessert, and it's become our family's most requested holiday treat. My mother-in-law even asked for the recipe after claiming she "doesn't like tiramisu!"
Ingredients
- Heavy cream: creates the light, airy texture that makes tiramisu so irresistible. Always use cold cream for the best whipping results.
- Mascarpone cheese: provides that signature tiramisu richness. Look for Italian imported brands for authentic flavor.
- Eggnog: infuses holiday spirit into every bite. Choose a high-quality store-bought version or use homemade.
- Powdered sugar: sweetens without grittiness. Sift first if you notice any lumps.
- Ground nutmeg: adds warm spice notes. Fresh grated nutmeg offers superior flavor if available.
- Vanilla extract: enhances all the other flavors. Pure extract rather than imitation makes a noticeable difference.
- Ladyfingers: form the foundation. Italian savoiardi have the ideal texture but packaged ladyfingers work well too.
- Espresso: provides the classic coffee flavor. Brew it strong and allow it to cool completely before using.
- Dark rum or bourbon: adds complexity but remains optional. Choose your favorite or omit for alcohol-free version.
- Cocoa powder and additional nutmeg: create the beautiful dusted finish that makes these cups visually stunning.
Instructions
- Whip the cream:
- Begin with very cold heavy cream in a clean, chilled bowl. Whip on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 2-3 minutes. The cream should hold its shape when you lift the beater but still look smooth and not grainy.
- Create the eggnog mixture:
- In a separate bowl, combine room temperature mascarpone, eggnog, powdered sugar, nutmeg, and vanilla. Beat until perfectly smooth with no lumps, about 1-2 minutes. The mascarpone must be at room temperature to prevent lumps from forming.
- Combine the creams:
- Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture in three additions. Maintain a light touch to preserve the air bubbles that create the fluffy texture. The final mixture should be smooth, light, and hold soft peaks.
- Prepare the soaking liquid:
- Mix cooled espresso with rum or bourbon in a shallow dish wide enough to dip the ladyfingers. The coffee should be completely cool to prevent the ladyfingers from becoming soggy.
- Dip the ladyfingers:
- Quickly roll each ladyfinger in the espresso mixture, allowing just 1-2 seconds of contact. The ladyfingers should absorb some liquid but remain somewhat firm in the center. Break or cut them as needed to fit your serving cups.
- Create the first layer:
- Place the soaked ladyfingers in a single layer at the bottom of each serving cup, breaking them as needed to fit. Then spoon or pipe about 2-3 tablespoons of the eggnog cream mixture over the ladyfingers, creating an even layer.
- Add the second layer:
- Repeat the process with remaining ladyfingers, dipping them in the coffee mixture before placing on top of the first cream layer. Top with the remaining eggnog cream, dividing equally among the cups and creating a smooth surface.
- Chill thoroughly:
- Cover each cup with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the ladyfingers to soften to the perfect texture.
Pin The nutmeg in this recipe is truly the secret ingredient that transforms ordinary tiramisu into a holiday masterpiece. I remember the first time I served these at our family Christmas gathering. My uncle, who claims to dislike both coffee and eggnog, ate two servings and asked for the recipe. The way the warm spice complements the creamy mascarpone creates a flavor combination that's absolutely magical during the holiday season.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
These eggnog tiramisu cups actually improve with time in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen and meld together beautifully as they sit. You can make them up to 2 days in advance, keeping them covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Wait to dust with cocoa powder until just before serving for the most attractive presentation. Leftover cups will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, though the texture is best within the first 48 hours.
Creative Variations
While the classic recipe is perfect for most occasions, you can easily customize these tiramisu cups to suit your preferences or ingredients on hand. Replace the rum with amaretto or Kahlúa for a different flavor profile. For a chocolate-eggnog version, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the mascarpone mixture. You could also layer in crushed gingerbread cookies instead of some of the ladyfingers for an extra festive twist. For a dairy-free option, substitute the mascarpone with dairy-free cream cheese and use coconut-based eggnog.
Serving Suggestions
These elegant individual tiramisu cups shine as the star of a dessert table. Serve them alongside small cups of espresso or spiced hot chocolate for a delightful after-dinner treat. For a complete holiday dessert spread, pair them with gingerbread cookies or chocolate truffles. A small glass of dessert wine like Vin Santo or Moscato d'Asti complements the flavors beautifully. For presentation, consider placing the cups on a tray decorated with evergreen sprigs and cinnamon sticks for a festive touch.
The History Behind the Holiday Twist
Traditional tiramisu originated in the Veneto region of Italy in the 1960s, quickly becoming an international favorite. This holiday adaptation honors the classic while incorporating eggnog, which has its own rich history dating back to medieval Britain. By the 18th century, eggnog had become a traditional Christmas drink in America. This recipe bridges these two beloved traditions, creating a cross-cultural dessert that celebrates both Italian culinary expertise and American holiday customs. The individual cup presentation is a modern twist that makes serving easier while maintaining the elegant layers tiramisu is known for.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Runny cream mixture:
- Usually caused by overbeating the mascarpone which can break down its structure. Always beat mascarpone just until smooth and fold in the whipped cream gently.
- Soggy ladyfingers:
- Result from dipping the cookies too long in the espresso mixture. Aim for a quick 1-2 second dip rather than soaking them.
- Grainy texture:
- Typically happens when cold mascarpone is used. Always bring mascarpone to room temperature before mixing to ensure a silky smooth result.
Pin These festive eggnog tiramisu cups are a delightful and impressive holiday dessert. Their elegant presentation and rich, seasonal flavors make them ideal for any celebration.