If you adore the classic Italian dessert but crave a nutty twist, this Pistachio Tiramisu Recipe is guaranteed to become your new favorite indulgence. Combining the luscious creaminess of mascarpone with the subtle, earthy crunch of pistachios, this dessert is a celebration of rich textures and harmonious flavors. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or simply treating yourself, this Pistachio Tiramisu Recipe brings a fresh, vibrant flair to a time-honored favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Pistachio Tiramisu Recipe plays a crucial role in crafting its unique flavor and creamy texture. From the rich mascarpone to the nutty pistachio paste, these simple yet essential components come together beautifully to create a dessert that’s both elegant and comforting.
- Heavy cream (1 ¾ Cups): Whipped to perfection, it adds lightness and fluffiness to the creamy layers.
- Egg yolks (7): Provide richness and help create the silky custard base that counters the crunch of pistachios.
- Cold water (3 Tablespoons): Helps gently cook the egg yolks and sugar mixture, ensuring smooth texture and safety.
- White sugar (2 Tablespoons): Balances the flavors with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Mascarpone cheese (21 Ounces): The star of any tiramisu, delivering creamy decadence with every bite.
- Pistachio paste (4 Tablespoons): Infuses the cream with a delicate nutty flavor that’s unmistakably pistachio.
- Brewed coffee with sugar (1 Cup coffee + 1 Tablespoon sugar): Adds that classic coffee kick, enhanced by sweetness to complement the pistachios.
- Ladyfingers (2 Packages, about 24 to 30): Light and airy, perfect for soaking up the coffee and providing structure to the dessert.
- Chopped pistachios (1 ½ Cups): Adds a delightful crunch and a gorgeous green finish on top.
How to Make Pistachio Tiramisu Recipe
Step 1: Whip the Cream
Start by whipping the heavy cream until soft peaks form. This process takes about four minutes on medium speed and is essential for giving your tiramisu a light, airy texture. It’s the foundation that keeps the dessert fluffy without being too heavy.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Yolk Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, cold water, and sugar. Microwave this mixture for 30 seconds. This gentle warming step helps to slightly cook the eggs, creating a safe and creamy custard base without scrambling them.
Step 3: Beat the Egg Yolks
Next, beat the warmed egg yolk mixture at high speed for about six minutes. The goal is to double the yolks in size and transform the mixture into a pale, white, soft cream. This sweet, fluffy custard is key to balancing richness with a light mouthfeel.
Step 4: Fold in the Ingredients
Gently fold the whipped cream, egg yolk cream, mascarpone cheese, and pistachio paste together in one large bowl. Be careful not to overmix; you want to preserve the airy texture while ensuring everything is perfectly combined and the pistachio flavor is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Soak the Ladyfingers
Briefly dip each ladyfinger into the sweetened brewed coffee. The soaking should be quick—you want the ladyfingers to absorb just enough liquid without becoming soggy. These soaked fingers form the cake-like layers that soak up the luscious cream.
Step 6: Assemble the Layers
Place a layer of soaked ladyfingers in a 13 x 9-inch dish, then pour half of your pistachio cream mixture over them. Spread evenly to cover every finger. Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers and top with the remaining cream mixture, smoothing the surface carefully.
Step 7: Add the Final Touch
Sprinkle the finely chopped pistachios generously over the top layer. This adds a wonderful crunch and vibrant green color, hinting at the delightful pistachio flavor throughout.
Step 8: Refrigerate Overnight
For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate your Pistachio Tiramisu Recipe overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the cream to set, resulting in a perfectly balanced, irresistible dessert.
How to Serve Pistachio Tiramisu Recipe

Garnishes
A few crushed pistachios sprinkled on top add crunch, but you can also consider decorating with a few whole pistachios, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a drizzle of white chocolate for extra elegance. Fresh mint leaves can provide a lovely color contrast and refreshing hint.
Side Dishes
Pistachio tiramisu pairs beautifully with light, fresh accompaniments. Serve alongside fresh berries or a citrus salad to cut through the richness and provide a palate-cleansing burst. A small glass of dessert wine or espresso also complements this pistachio perfection wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a modern twist, serve the Pistachio Tiramisu Recipe in individual glass cups or mason jars. This not only looks stunning but also makes portioning easier. Another fun idea is layering it with alternating colors of pistachio cream for a visual wow effect at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Pistachio Tiramisu Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping it chilled maintains the creamy texture and keeps the pistachio flavor fresh and vibrant.
Freezing
Freezing this dessert is possible but not ideal, as the delicate textures might change. If you do freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil, then thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving for the best results.
Reheating
Since tiramisu is best enjoyed cold, reheating isn’t recommended. However, if desired, allow it to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to soften the cream slightly without losing its integrity.
FAQs
Can I substitute pistachio paste with crushed pistachios?
While crushed pistachios add fantastic texture, they don’t provide the creamy, intense flavor that pistachio paste offers. For the smoothest and most flavorful Pistachio Tiramisu Recipe, using pistachio paste is best.
Is it safe to eat this recipe with raw eggs?
This recipe uses a microwave step that gently cooks the egg yolks to make it safer. However, if you’re concerned, you can use pasteurized eggs or seek egg substitutes designed for desserts.
Can I make this tiramisu without coffee?
Absolutely! You can soak the ladyfingers in a pistachio syrup or flavored milk if you prefer a caffeine-free version, but coffee adds the classic tiramisu depth and balance.
How long does the tiramisu last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, this Pistachio Tiramisu Recipe stays delicious and safe to eat for up to three days in the refrigerator.
What’s the best way to chop pistachios for this recipe?
Shell the pistachios first, then use a sharp knife to finely chop them, aiming for a mix of small pieces and tiny crumbs. This creates a nice crunchy texture and even distribution throughout the dessert.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about taking a beloved classic like tiramisu and giving it a delightful spin with pistachios. This Pistachio Tiramisu Recipe is creamy, nutty, and just sweet enough to feel like a special treat without being overwhelming. I encourage you to dive right in and enjoy the process—each step brings you closer to sharing a slice of pure joy with friends and family.
Print
Pistachio Tiramisu Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes plus overnight refrigeration
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This Pistachio Tiramisu is a luscious twist on the classic Italian dessert, featuring creamy mascarpone blended with rich pistachio paste and topped with crunchy chopped pistachios. Layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers combine with whipped cream and a delicate egg yolk mixture to create a smooth, nutty dessert that requires no baking and is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.
Ingredients
Cream Mixture
- 1 ¾ Cups heavy cream
- 7 egg yolks
- 3 Tablespoons cold water
- 2 Tablespoons white sugar
- 21 Ounces mascarpone cheese
- 4 Tablespoons pistachio paste (or pistachio cream)
Assembly
- 1 Cup brewed coffee mixed with 1 Tablespoon sugar
- 2 Packages ladyfingers (24 to 30 ladyfingers in total)
- 1 ½ Cups pistachios (shell before measuring out, then chop finely)
Instructions
- Whip the Cream: Whip the heavy cream in a bowl on medium speed until soft peaks form, about 4 minutes.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolks with cold water and white sugar, then microwave for 30 seconds.
- Beat Egg Yolks: Beat the warmed egg yolk mixture on high speed for about 6 minutes until it doubles in size and becomes a white, soft cream.
- Combine Cream and Cheese: Gently fold together the whipped cream, beaten egg yolk cream, mascarpone cheese, and pistachio paste in a large bowl, being careful not to overmix to retain lightness.
- Soak Ladyfingers: Briefly dip the ladyfingers into the sweetened brewed coffee to soak them but avoid getting them too soggy.
- Layer Ladyfingers: Arrange a layer of coffee-soaked ladyfingers in a 13 x 9-inch dish.
- First Cream Layer: Pour half of the cream mixture over the ladyfingers, spreading evenly.
- Add Second Layer: Add another layer of soaked ladyfingers on top of the cream.
- Top with Remaining Cream: Pour the remaining cream mixture over the second layer of ladyfingers and smooth the surface.
- Sprinkle Pistachios: Evenly sprinkle the finely chopped pistachios over the top layer for added crunch and flavor.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover and refrigerate the tiramisu overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality mascarpone cheese for best texture and flavor.
- If pistachio paste is unavailable, finely ground pistachios mixed with a bit of honey can substitute.
- Ensure ladyfingers are soaked just long enough to absorb coffee without becoming mushy.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit any liquor; the recipe as is does not call for alcohol.
- This dessert benefits from resting overnight to enhance flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian

