There’s something magical about pistachio desserts—nutty, creamy, slightly sweet, and wonderfully sophisticated. Now imagine all that pistachio goodness layered with creamy mascarpone, fluffy whipped cream, and soft espresso-soaked ladyfingers. Sounds like a dream, right? That’s pistachio tiramisu, a unique twist on the classic Italian dessert we all love.
In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make pistachio tiramisu at home—step by step. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving something indulgent yet elegant, this dessert is surprisingly easy to put together. And trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat!
Why You’ll Love This Pistachio Tiramisu
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this dessert:
- Nutty and creamy: The pistachio flavor adds richness and depth without being overpowering.
- No-bake: Perfect for warm days when turning on the oven feels like a chore.
- Make-ahead friendly: Like traditional tiramisu, it tastes even better after a few hours (or overnight) in the fridge.
- Elegant but simple: Looks like something from a fancy bakery but is totally doable in your kitchen.
Whether you’re already a fan of tiramisu or trying it for the first time, this version with pistachio is sure to impress.
Recipe Overview
Quick Glance
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Chill Time: At least 4 hours (overnight preferred)
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Servings: 8–10
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Dietary Info: Vegetarian, contains dairy, nuts, and eggs
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make homemade pistachio tiramisu. You’ll find most of these at your local grocery store, but good-quality pistachio paste or cream can make a big difference in flavor.
For the Pistachio Cream
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup pistachio paste (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Tiramisu Layers
- 1½ cups strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled
- 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional, like Kahlúa or Frangelico)
- 20–24 ladyfinger biscuits (Savoiardi)
- 2 tbsp finely chopped pistachios, for garnish
- Optional: a dusting of cocoa powder or white chocolate shavings
Equipment You’ll Need
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Shallow bowl (for dipping ladyfingers)
- 8×8 inch or 9×9 inch dish (glass or ceramic)
- Plastic wrap or reusable lid
- Fine mesh sieve (optional, for garnishes)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pistachio Cream
In a large bowl, combine the mascarpone, pistachio paste, and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and creamy.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold this into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined and fluffy.
Pro tip: If your pistachio paste is thick, warm it slightly (10–15 seconds in the microwave) to help it mix more smoothly.
Step 2: Prepare the Coffee Dip
In a shallow dish, mix the cooled espresso with coffee liqueur (if using).
Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee—about one second per side. Don’t soak them; they absorb liquid very quickly.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
- Place a layer of soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of your serving dish.
- Spread half of the pistachio cream mixture over the ladyfingers.
- Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers and the remaining cream.
- Smooth the top, cover tightly, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight).
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle finely chopped pistachios over the top. Add optional garnishes like cocoa powder or white chocolate curls.
Slice and serve chilled. Prepare to wow your guests—or just yourself!
Pro Tips for Perfect Pistachio Tiramisu
- Use high-quality pistachio paste made from 100% pistachios for the best flavor. Avoid versions with added oils or sweeteners if possible.
- Don’t overmix the mascarpone and cream or it may deflate and lose its light texture.
- Let it chill fully. The flavors develop best when the dessert has time to rest—overnight is ideal.
- Sweeten to taste. If your pistachio paste is already sweetened, reduce the powdered sugar slightly.
- Serve cold. Tiramisu tastes best when fully chilled and set.
Variations You Can Try
Pistachio Strawberry Tiramisu
Add a layer of thinly sliced fresh strawberries between the cream layers for a fruity and fresh spin.
Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free ladyfingers to make the dessert celiac-friendly. Many stores now carry these, or you can bake your own.
Pistachio & White Chocolate
Fold in a handful of white chocolate chips into the cream mixture for extra sweetness and texture.
Vegan Pistachio Tiramisu
Use plant-based mascarpone, coconut whipped topping, almond milk coffee, and vegan ladyfingers to make a dairy-free, egg-free version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes! Pistachio tiramisu is even better after resting. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
How long does it keep in the fridge?
It stays fresh for up to 3 days when stored covered in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze pistachio tiramisu?
Yes, you can freeze it. Wrap tightly and store for up to a month. Defrost in the fridge overnight before serving. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly softer after freezing.
Is pistachio tiramisu kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Just skip the coffee liqueur and use decaf coffee if you’re concerned about caffeine.
Final Thoughts
Making pistachio tiramisu at home is simple, satisfying, and a little luxurious. It takes just a few ingredients and steps to whip up this stunning no-bake dessert that looks as beautiful as it tastes.
Whether you’re trying something new or giving your classic tiramisu a twist, this pistachio version is bound to become a new favorite. Don’t forget to sneak a spoonful straight from the dish—it’s irresistible.
Related Recipes to Try Next
- Classic Tiramisu (authentic Italian-style)
- Pistachio Cheesecake Bars
- Easy No-Bake Oreo Tiramisu
- Pistachio Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting
