No Bake Eggnog Tiramisu is the kind of holiday dessert that feels elegant but secretly takes almost no effort at all, which is exactly why I love it. It’s everything we adore about classic tiramisu — soft espresso-soaked ladyfingers, fluffy mascarpone cream, that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture — but with a cozy Christmas twist thanks to the eggnog, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The whole thing tastes like a creamy holiday cloud, and honestly, it disappears faster than anything else I make in December.
My family goes crazy for this one. My husband James loves anything tiramisu so you know he went crazy over this creation! lol Ariya always wants to sneak the cinnamon on top, and Cameron just points at it like, “more, more!” It’s rich, festive, make-ahead friendly, and absolutely perfect for any holiday party, Christmas Eve dessert table, or when you just want a Christmas treat that looks impressive without all the fuss.
What Is This Recipe Exactly?
Eggnog Tiramisu is a festive, no-bake spin on the classic Italian dessert. Instead of the traditional mascarpone filling flavored with coffee and cocoa, this version brings in all the warm holiday flavors of eggnog, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Espresso-soaked ladyfingers create the same soft, tender layers tiramisu is known for, while the eggnog mascarpone cream adds a rich, creamy holiday twist. It tastes like a cross between tiramisu and a chilled eggnog mousse — elegant, effortless, and absolutely perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Why This Recipe Works
- No baking required, which makes it stress-free during the busiest time of year.
- The eggnog mascarpone filling is thick and stable thanks to whipped cream folded into the base — it sets beautifully overnight.
- Ladyfingers absorb the espresso quickly, creating soft layers without turning mushy.
- Holiday spices blend seamlessly into the cream, giving you that nostalgic Christmas flavor in every bite.
- It tastes better the next day, meaning you can make it fully ahead and chill until serving time.
This is one of those recipes that looks fancy but is shockingly simple — truly a holiday hosting win.
Ingredient Breakdown (and What Each One Does)
Mascarpone cheese
Creates a creamy, rich base. It’s essential for that authentic tiramisu texture.
Heavy whipping cream
Whipped separately, it stabilizes the filling and gives it that light, mousse-like texture.
Powdered sugar
Sweetens the cream gently without making it gritty.
Eggnog
The star flavor — provides warmth, sweetness, and holiday spice.
Vanilla extract
Rounds out the cream and enhances the eggnog flavor.
Nutmeg + cinnamon
Classic holiday spices that deepen the gingerbread/chai-like flavor profile.
Ladyfinger cookies
Absorb espresso quickly and give the tiramisu its signature layered structure.
Espresso or strong coffee
Adds bitterness to balance the sweetness. Essential in tiramisu.
Rum (optional)
Brings classic tiramisu flavor and enhances the eggnog vibe.
When to Serve
- Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dessert
- Holiday dinner parties
- Friendsgiving gatherings
- Office potlucks
- Christmas brunch
- Dessert boards or no-bake dessert spreads
- Make-ahead option for busy December weekends
- Holiday movie nights
This is one of those desserts that feels special without requiring a ton of energy.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
Make Ahead:
This tiramisu must chill at least 6 hours, but overnight is ideal. The flavor deepens, the layers set, and it slices beautifully.
Storage:
- Store tightly covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
- Best eaten within the first 48 hours for peak texture.
Freezing:
Not recommended — freezing changes the creamy mascarpone texture and can make the ladyfingers icy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No baking — easy even for beginners
- Feels luxurious and holiday-special
- Creamy, spiced, and cozy in every bite
- Make-ahead friendly
- Serves a crowd
- The eggnog flavor is rich but not overpowering
- Perfect balance of espresso + holiday spice
It’s one of those desserts everyone raves about and asks, “Can I get that recipe?”
FAQ Section
Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes! Just leave out the rum and use espresso only. The dessert still sets perfectly and tastes incredible.
Do I have to use espresso, or can I substitute something milder?
Strong brewed coffee works beautifully. If someone doesn’t like coffee at all, you can dip the ladyfingers in chai tea or warm milk with cinnamon.
Can I use homemade eggnog?
Absolutely. Just make sure it’s fully chilled and not overly thick.
What brand of ladyfingers works best?
Savoiardi-style (firm/crisp) ladyfingers work best because they soak and soften without falling apart.
Can I use whipped topping instead of heavy cream?
Technically, yes — but heavy cream gives the filling a silkier, more stable structure.
Why did my filling turn runny?
A few common reasons:
- Heavy cream wasn’t whipped to stiff peaks
- Eggnog wasn’t cold
- Overmixing after folding
Chill the tiramisu longer — it may still set.
Can I make it in individual cups?
Yes! Layer as you normally would in small glasses or jars for adorable single-serve desserts.
How strong is the eggnog flavor?
Distinct but not overwhelming — it’s warm, creamy, and perfectly balanced with coffee.
Variations & Substitutions
- Chai Eggnog Tiramisu: Dip ladyfingers in chai tea instead of espresso.
- Gingerbread Layer: Add a thin layer of crushed ginger snaps between layers.
- Spiked Version: Add bourbon, rum, or brandy to the cream.
- White Chocolate Version: Drizzle melted white chocolate between layers.
- Cocoa Dusting: Dust with cocoa powder instead of cinnamon for a hybrid tiramisu feel.
- Eggnog Latte Flavor: Add espresso powder directly into the cream.
What Makes This Eggnog Tiramisu Different From Other Recipes
There are a lot of eggnog tiramisu recipes floating around online, but this one stands out for a few really important reasons. First, there are no raw eggs in the filling — you get that classic tiramisu creaminess without worrying about serving it to kids, grandparents, or anyone with dietary sensitivities. The mascarpone stays cold and smooth, and the whipped cream gives the filling a thick, cloud-like texture that slices beautifully after chilling.
Another huge difference is the true eggnog flavor. Many recipes just sprinkle a little nutmeg and call it “eggnog.” Nope. This one actually incorporates a full cup of real eggnog into the cream, giving it that cozy holiday flavor without being heavy or overly sweet. The espresso-soaked ladyfingers balance everything perfectly, keeping the dessert elegant and not cloying. It’s the Christmas version of tiramisu people actually want.
And finally, this recipe is designed to be completely foolproof — no complicated folding techniques, no delicate cooking steps, no curdling risks. It’s truly an impressive dessert with minimal effort, and that’s why people come back to it year after year.
Serving a Crowd: How to Scale This Recipe Up or Down
One of the best parts about Eggnog Tiramisu is how easy it is to size it for any holiday gathering. The base recipe fills a standard 9×13 dish, which comfortably serves 10–12 people. But if you’re hosting a big family dinner or a Christmas party and need more, this recipe doubles beautifully with almost no extra work.
To make a double batch:
- Use a large roasting pan or two 9×13 dishes.
- Double every ingredient exactly — no weird math.
- Prepare the cream in one large bowl so both pans have the same consistency.
For smaller gatherings, you can halve the recipe and assemble it in an 8×8 or 9×9 dish. It still layers perfectly and sets the same overnight.
You can also turn this recipe into individual tiramisu cups for parties by layering the espresso-soaked ladyfingers and cream into small glass jars or dessert cups. They chill faster, look beautiful on dessert boards, and are super easy to transport.
No matter the size, the flavor stays consistent — creamy, spiced, and so festive.
Budget Breakdown (Approximate Costs)
Based on 2025 U.S. grocery averages.
- Mascarpone cheese (16 oz): $5.50
- Heavy whipping cream (2.5 cups): $3.25
- Powdered sugar: $0.50
- Eggnog (1 cup): $1.00
- Spices + vanilla: $0.50
- Ladyfingers (2 packages): $6.00
- Coffee/espresso: $0.75
- Rum (optional): $0.75
Estimated Total: $18.25
Cost per serving (12 servings): ~$1.52 each
Restaurant-quality flavor for a fraction of the price.
Troubleshooting Tips & Tricks
- Filling too runny?
Whip the cream longer; chill the tiramisu overnight. - Ladyfingers turning mushy?
Dip ONE second per side. Do NOT soak. - Layers sliding?
Make sure the coffee is cooled completely. - Cream grainy?
Mascarpone must be cold — warm mascarpone breaks. - Top not smoothing nicely?
Use a piping bag for a clean finish.
Lightened-Up / Lower-Calorie Version
- Use light mascarpone or half mascarpone + half Greek yogurt
- Replace some heavy cream with light whipped topping
- Reduce powdered sugar by ¼ cup
- Use skim or almond milk eggnog
- Use fewer ladyfingers and build thinner layers
Still creamy and festive, but lighter.
Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)
(Based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 420–460
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Sugar: 22g
- Protein: 5g
Holiday Variations (Fun Twists for Any Christmas Dessert Table)
If you love this Eggnog Tiramisu, you can take the same base idea and spin it into several delicious holiday variations. These versions rank amazingly well in SEO because people search for “Christmas tiramisu,” “holiday tiramisu,” “gingerbread tiramisu,” and other twists during December:
• Gingerbread Tiramisu
Swap the espresso for strong gingerbread coffee or chai, and add crushed gingersnaps between the layers. Dust with cinnamon and crushed cookie crumbs.
• Eggnog Latte Tiramisu
Add 1–2 teaspoons espresso powder to the mascarpone cream for a stronger coffee flavor. This one tastes like a Starbucks holiday drink turned dessert.
• White Chocolate Eggnog Tiramisu
Fold melted, cooled white chocolate into the mascarpone mixture or drizzle it between layers for an extra-sweet holiday twist.
• Peppermint Tiramisu
Use a mix of espresso and hot cocoa to dip the ladyfingers, then sprinkle crushed peppermint on top. It’s like a Christmas-mocha mashup.
• Boozy Holiday Tiramisu
Instead of rum, try bourbon, spiced rum, or brandy for an adult dessert that tastes like a holiday cocktail in tiramisu form.
• Kid-Friendly Version (No Coffee)
Dip ladyfingers in chai tea, warm milk with cinnamon, or caffeine-free eggnog. Still delicious, still totally festive.
These variations let you repurpose this recipe again and again throughout December!
My Personal Kitchen Notes
This tiramisu is one of my favorite December desserts to make because it feels fancy but takes so little effort. The espresso dipping step is so fast, the filling comes together beautifully, and the whole thing slices like a dream after chilling overnight. My favorite part is the way the eggnog blends with the mascarpone — it gives you that holiday warmth without being too strong or too sweet. And honestly? This is one of those desserts that people assume took hours… when really, it’s almost no work at all.
My Final Thoughts
Eggnog Tiramisu is the perfect dessert for anyone who wants something festive, cozy, creamy, and completely stress-free for the holidays. It’s elegant enough for parties, simple enough for weeknight entertaining, and delicious enough that people will ask for it every Christmas. It’s one of those recipes you’ll come back to year after year — and it’s guaranteed to make your holiday table feel extra special.
Eggnog Dessert Ideas
- Boozy Eggnog Bread with a Rum Glaze
- Eggnog Pie
- Classic Homemade Eggnog
- Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies with Rum Frosting
Eggnog Tiramisu
Ingredients
Eggnog Mascarpone Cream
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese cold
- 2 ½ cups heavy whipping cream cold
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup eggnog cold
Ladyfinger Layer
- 2 packages about 44 ladyfinger biscuits
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso cooled
- 2 tablespoons rum optional
Instructions
For the eggnog mascarpone cream
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and eggnog. Mix until smooth and combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until thick and fluffy. Set aside.
Assemble the tiramisu
- In a shallow dish, combine the cooled coffee with rum (if using). Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the mixture, turning just once so they don’t get soggy.
- Arrange half of the soaked ladyfingers in a single layer in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
- Spread half of the eggnog mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers.
- Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers.
- Spread or pipe the remaining cream evenly over the top.
- Finish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture. Slice and serve chilled.
Did you make this recipe?
Make sure to follow on Pinterest for more recipes!
Leave A Reply!