
Your first bite of Pistachio Tiramisu will hit you with that incredible surprise moment - the sweet, nutty pistachio cream combined with coffee-soaked ladyfingers creates something familiar yet totally fresh. This clever twist on the classic Italian dessert keeps all the smooth texture and stunning layers you love while adding sophisticated nutty flavors. In my family, this has become the knockout finale that always leaves guests begging for my recipe.
Just last month, I served this at a dinner where one friend kept boasting about being super picky with authentic Italian tiramisu. By the end of the meal, he was asking for seconds and couldn't stop talking about how perfectly the pistachios complemented the coffee notes.
Essential Components and Selection Tips
- Pistachio Paste: Look for the unsweetened kind without added oils. Sicilian paste offers the most intense flavor and vivid green color.
- Mascarpone: Choose one that's creamy and dense. Brands like Galbani or BelGioioso will give you the authentic taste you want.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Grab one with at least 36% fat content to ensure it whips properly and maintains its structure.
- Ladyfingers: Authentic Italian savoiardi are your best bet as they absorb moisture perfectly. The imported varieties really do make a difference.

Simple Preparation Instructions
- Gather Your Items:
- Measure everything and let ingredients reach room temperature. Brew 1½ cups strong coffee and allow it to cool completely.
- Create Your Pistachio Foundation:
- Combine ⅓ cup pistachio paste with ¼ cup heavy cream until completely smooth.
- Prepare The Creamy Element:
- Add 16 oz mascarpone, 1 tsp vanilla, ¼ tsp almond extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy for about 2-3 minutes.
- Whip The Cream:
- In a separate bowl, beat 1¾ cups heavy cream with 3 tbsp sugar until firm peaks form.
- Combine Your Mixtures:
- Gently fold the whipped cream into your pistachio mixture in three portions to maintain airiness.
- Enhance The Coffee:
- Mix your cooled coffee with 1 tsp pistachio extract for added flavor depth.
- Soak The Ladyfingers:
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger in the coffee (no more than 1-2 seconds) and arrange in a single layer in a 9x9-inch dish.
- Apply Your Initial Layer:
- Spread half of your pistachio cream mixture over the ladyfingers, ensuring even coverage to the edges.
- Create Another Layer:
- Repeat with another row of coffee-dipped ladyfingers, then top with the remaining pistachio cream.
- Add Final Touches:
- Drizzle some thinned pistachio paste on top and scatter chopped pistachios across the surface.
- Chill Thoroughly:
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but leaving it overnight works even better.
- Proper Serving:
- Remove from the fridge about 20 minutes before serving to let it warm slightly before cutting.
I created this pistachio version after traveling through Sicily, where I fell completely in love with their bright green pistachio desserts.
The way you stack the layers truly impacts both appearance and taste. Try placing ladyfingers in alternating directions between layers - this adds structural support and ensures even coffee distribution.
This Pistachio Tiramisu balances tradition and innovation beautifully. The classic tiramisu structure serves as the perfect foundation for showcasing rich, nutty pistachio flavors.
Using an egg-free approach keeps the process straightforward while still delivering that incredible airy softness that makes tiramisu so irresistible.
For a fancy finishing touch, garnish each portion with a few whole pistachios, a small sprig of fresh mint, or a light sprinkling of powdered sugar just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can it be made in advance?
- Definitely! It tastes even better when prepped early. Leave it in the fridge for at least four hours or up to a whole day.
- → Is alcohol necessary for the recipe?
- Nope! Skip the amaretto or any booze for an alcohol-free dessert that’s still full of flavor.
- → Where do you find pistachio paste?
- Check online, Italian stores, or specialty markets. You can also make your own by blending roasted pistachios, sugar, and a bit of oil.
- → How long will it keep in the fridge?
- In an airtight container, it’ll stay fresh for up to three days in the refrigerator.
- → Can it be frozen for later?
- Yes! Wrap it well and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.