An Iconic Italian Dessert Gets A Thanksgiving Makeover With 2 Seasonal Fruit Flavors

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When foodies think of Thanksgiving desserts, pies are probably the first confections that come to mind. But, to zhuzh up your holiday gatherings with an elevated flair this season, look no further than tiramisu, namely, tiramisu with a festive flavor makeover. Classic tiramisu marries rich, creamy mascarpone and bitter coffee for a juxtaposition that totally works. This layered dessert is all about contrasting tastes and textures, and all it takes to transition this Italian classic to the holiday dinner table is a few ingredient swaps. Introducing: cranberry orange tiramisu.

This seasonal treat trades tiramisu's signature dark brown hue for alternating layers of pale pink and golden orange. Instead of bitter coffee, it's all about the sweet-tart-citrusy interplay of cranberry mascarpone and orange-soaked ladyfingers. To make cranberry orange tiramisu this holiday season, start by simmering fresh cranberries, orange juice, and a bit of sugar in a saucepan until thick. Once the sauce has cooled, whisk it into the mascarpone custard (which you can whip up at home with just two ingredients). Folding in the cranberry mixture instantly creates a pop of sweet-tart flavor and a cheerful pink hue.

As for the ladyfinger component of the tiramisu, submerge them in a mixture of cranberry juice, orange liqueur (such as Cointreau), and sugar in a shallow dish. Alternatively, to skip the boozy kick, regular orange juice can be used in place of the triple sec and sugar. Pro tip: Feel free to use Ina Garten's technique for preventing soggy ladyfingers, ensuring you coat them for only a few seconds for the perfect texture.

To assemble the tiramisu, layer the soaked ladyfingers across the bottom of a baking dish, topping with alternating layers of the cranberry mascarpone and more soaked ladyfingers until the dish is full. Opting for store-bought packaged ladyfingers (such as this offering by Goya, currently $6.95 per seven-ounce package at Walmart) also helps expedite prep time. Finish with a top layer of cranberry mascarpone. Allow the assembled tiramisu to chill in the fridge overnight before slicing ("hooray" for make-ahead holiday desserts and easier hosting). 

For an aesthetically elevated garnish, top your cranberry orange tiramisu with a few artfully arranged cranberries, orange wedges, and fresh rosemary sprigs.

If you're feeling ambitious, you can also coat the finished, chilled dessert in a glossy layer of cranberry sauce. Made with cranberries, water, sugar, and a splash of orange juice, the sauce thickens as it cools, creating a jelly-like topping that can be spread over the tiramisu with a rubber spatula. For quicker prep, though, the pink cranberry mascarpone makes a beautiful outer layer on its own. Bonus points if you serve this cranberry orange tiramisu with a hot espresso in true Italian form, or go for this festive cranberry orange crush cocktail with rosemary for an impressive, cohesive finishing touch.