Tiramisu is one of those desserts that never fails to impress. It’s creamy, rich, and indulgent—yet so simple to put together. Traditionally, this Italian favorite is made with layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and a dusting of cocoa powder. But if you’re looking for a fun and luxurious twist, this Pistachio Tiramisu is the perfect treat.
The addition of pistachios adds a nutty sweetness and a beautiful green hue, making it a showstopper for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event, hosting a dinner party, or just treating yourself to a cozy dessert at home, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Plus, there’s no baking involved—just layer, chill, and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A Unique Take on a Classic – The subtle nuttiness of pistachios elevates the traditional tiramisu to a whole new level.
- No Baking Required – Perfect for those days when you want a decadent dessert without turning on the oven.
- Make-Ahead Dessert – Tiramisu actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours, making it an ideal dessert to prepare in advance.
- Creamy and Dreamy – The mascarpone-pistachio filling is smooth, rich, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pistachio Cream
- ½ cup pistachios (shelled, unsalted)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup mascarpone cheese
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Tiramisu Layers
- 1 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee (cooled)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 20-24 ladyfinger cookies
- ½ cup chopped pistachios (for garnish)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
How to Make Pistachio Tiramisu
This easy step-by-step guide will help you create a rich and creamy pistachio tiramisu that looks as good as it tastes!
Step 1: Prepare the Pistachio Cream
- Grind the Pistachios – In a food processor, blend the shelled pistachios until finely ground. You want a smooth consistency, but a little texture is okay.
- Whip the Cream – In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Mix Everything Together – In another bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and the ground pistachios. Fold in the whipped cream gently until fully combined. This will create a luscious and airy pistachio cream.
Step 2: Soak the Ladyfingers
- Brew and Sweeten the Coffee – Prepare a strong cup of espresso or coffee, then mix in the honey while it’s still warm. Let it cool before using.
- Dip the Ladyfingers – Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee mixture. Be careful not to soak them for too long, as they can become too soft and fall apart.
Step 3: Assemble the Tiramisu
- Layer the Ingredients – In a serving dish, spread a layer of pistachio cream at the bottom.
- Add the Ladyfingers – Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers over the pistachio cream.
- Repeat – Continue layering until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a thick layer of pistachio cream on top.
Step 4: Chill and Garnish
- Refrigerate – Cover the tiramisu and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better). This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Garnish – Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder and sprinkle chopped pistachios for extra crunch and color.
Helpful Tips
- Use High-Quality Pistachios – Fresh, unsalted pistachios will give you the best flavor. Avoid using pre-salted ones, as they can alter the taste of the dessert.
- Don’t Over-Soak the Ladyfingers – A quick dip in the coffee is all they need! If they become too soggy, your tiramisu might turn out mushy.
- Let It Rest – The longer you let your tiramisu chill, the better it will taste. Overnight refrigeration helps the flavors develop fully.
- Try Individual Portions – Instead of layering in a big dish, make individual servings in small glasses or ramekins for an elegant presentation.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 4+ hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
- Chilling is Key – Tiramisu needs time to set and develop its flavors. A minimum of 4 hours in the refrigerator is recommended, but overnight chilling will yield the best results.
- Adjust Sweetness – If you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can increase the powdered sugar in the pistachio cream or add a little extra honey to the coffee mixture.
- Texture Matters – For a smoother pistachio cream, blend the pistachios into a fine paste before mixing them into the mascarpone. If you like a bit of crunch, leave them slightly coarse.
- Serving Tip – For clean, sharp layers, use a sharp knife to slice and wipe the knife clean between cuts.
- Make it Lighter – You can swap out the heavy cream for Greek yogurt or a lower-fat alternative for a lighter version of this dessert.
- Garnish Creatively – While chopped pistachios and cocoa powder are classic toppings, you can also drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle white chocolate shavings for extra decadence.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Since this is a no-bake dessert, the quality of your mascarpone, pistachios, and coffee will make a big difference in flavor.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze pistachio tiramisu for up to 2 months. Just wrap it well and thaw it in the fridge before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Store-Bought Pistachio Paste?
Yes! If you want to save time, you can use high-quality store-bought pistachio paste instead of grinding your own pistachios. Just mix it into the mascarpone cream.
What Can I Use Instead of Ladyfingers?
If you can’t find ladyfingers, try using sponge cake cut into strips or even graham crackers for a different texture.
Can I Make It Without Coffee?
Absolutely! If you prefer a caffeine-free version, you can dip the ladyfingers in warm milk or a light pistachio-flavored syrup.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Pistachio Tiramisu, you might also enjoy:
Conclusion
Pistachio Tiramisu is a dreamy, nutty take on the beloved classic. It’s incredibly easy to make, with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a light, pistachio-infused mascarpone cream. Whether you’re making it for a gathering or just treating yourself, this no-bake dessert is sure to be a hit.
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Pistachio Tiramisu – A Delightful Twist on a Classic
Description
Tiramisu is one of those desserts that never fails to impress. It’s creamy, rich, and indulgent—yet so simple to put together. Traditionally, this Italian favorite is made with layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and a dusting of cocoa powder. But if you’re looking for a fun and luxurious twist, this Pistachio Tiramisu is the perfect treat.
The addition of pistachios adds a nutty sweetness and a beautiful green hue, making it a showstopper for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event, hosting a dinner party, or just treating yourself to a cozy dessert at home, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Plus, there’s no baking involved—just layer, chill, and enjoy!
Ingredients
For the Pistachio Cream
- ½ cup pistachios (shelled, unsalted)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup mascarpone cheese
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Tiramisu Layers
- 1 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee (cooled)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 20–24 ladyfinger cookies
- ½ cup chopped pistachios (for garnish)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pistachio Cream
- Grind the Pistachios – In a food processor, blend the shelled pistachios until finely ground. You want a smooth consistency, but a little texture is okay.
- Whip the Cream – In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Mix Everything Together – In another bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and the ground pistachios. Fold in the whipped cream gently until fully combined. This will create a luscious and airy pistachio cream.
Step 2: Soak the Ladyfingers
- Brew and Sweeten the Coffee – Prepare a strong cup of espresso or coffee, then mix in the honey while it’s still warm. Let it cool before using.
- Dip the Ladyfingers – Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee mixture. Be careful not to soak them for too long, as they can become too soft and fall apart.
Step 3: Assemble the Tiramisu
- Layer the Ingredients – In a serving dish, spread a layer of pistachio cream at the bottom.
- Add the Ladyfingers – Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers over the pistachio cream.
- Repeat – Continue layering until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a thick layer of pistachio cream on top.
Step 4: Chill and Garnish
- Refrigerate – Cover the tiramisu and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better). This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Garnish – Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder and sprinkle chopped pistachios for extra crunch and color.
Notes
- Chilling is Key – Tiramisu needs time to set and develop its flavors. A minimum of 4 hours in the refrigerator is recommended, but overnight chilling will yield the best results.
- Adjust Sweetness – If you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can increase the powdered sugar in the pistachio cream or add a little extra honey to the coffee mixture.
- Texture Matters – For a smoother pistachio cream, blend the pistachios into a fine paste before mixing them into the mascarpone. If you like a bit of crunch, leave them slightly coarse.
- Serving Tip – For clean, sharp layers, use a sharp knife to slice and wipe the knife clean between cuts.
- Make it Lighter – You can swap out the heavy cream for Greek yogurt or a lower-fat alternative for a lighter version of this dessert.
- Garnish Creatively – While chopped pistachios and cocoa powder are classic toppings, you can also drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle white chocolate shavings for extra decadence.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Since this is a no-bake dessert, the quality of your mascarpone, pistachios, and coffee will make a big difference in flavor.