Welcome to your new favorite dessert. This Pistachio Tiramisu Recipe is a stunning twist on the Italian classic, layering rich, creamy pistachio-mascarpone filling with coffee-dipped ladyfingers. It’s a surprisingly simple, no-bake dessert that delivers a sophisticated flavor profile with notes of nutty pistachio, bold espresso, and luscious cream. If you’re looking to impress guests with minimal effort, this is the recipe you’ve been searching for. It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for any occasion, from quiet weeknights to celebratory dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Pistachio Tiramisu Recipe
Beyond its beautiful green hue and incredible taste, this dessert is a winner for so many reasons. It requires no oven time, which makes it perfect for warm weather or when your oven is occupied. The creamy texture is simply divine, and the combination of pistachio and coffee is a match made in heaven. This recipe is also wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to adjust the sweetness and coffee intensity to your liking.
- No-Bake & Easy: Simply mix, layer, and chill. It’s a straightforward process that yields a gourmet result.
- Incredibly Creamy: We use a blend of mascarpone cheese and heavy cream to create a luxuriously smooth and stable filling.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Tiramisu is even better the next day, as the flavors meld and deepen overnight. This makes it a perfect dessert for stress-free entertaining.
- Unique & Impressive: The vibrant pistachio flavor offers a unique and modern take on the beloved classic tiramisu.
The Key Ingredients for a Perfect Pistachio Tiramisu
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece.
For the Pistachio Mascarpone Cream
- Mascarpone Cheese: The heart of any tiramisu. Use a high-quality, full-fat mascarpone at room temperature for the creamiest texture.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: This gives the filling its light, airy structure. Make sure it’s well-chilled before whipping.
- Pistachio Paste or Cream: This is the star ingredient. You can use store-bought sweetened pistachio cream for convenience or a pure, unsweetened pistachio paste for a more intense flavor. If using unsweetened paste, you’ll want to increase the powdered sugar slightly.
- Powdered Sugar: To sweeten the cream filling. It dissolves easily without creating a grainy texture.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the other flavors in the dessert.
For Assembling the Tiramisu
- Ladyfingers (Savoiardi): These dry, crisp Italian biscuits are essential for tiramisu. They absorb the coffee mixture without becoming completely soggy.
- Strong Brewed Coffee or Espresso: Chilled to room temperature. This provides the classic tiramisu flavor that pairs so beautifully with pistachio.
- Chopped Pistachios: For garnish. They add a lovely color contrast and a delightful crunch.
- Optional Liqueur: A splash of Amaretto or Marsala wine in the coffee can add another layer of flavor, but it’s entirely optional.
How to Make The Best Pistachio Tiramisu
Follow these simple steps to assemble your stunning dessert. The key is to work quickly when dipping the ladyfingers and to give it ample time to chill.
Step 1: Prepare the Pistachio Cream
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, whisk the room-temperature mascarpone, pistachio paste, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-combined. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture in two or three additions, being careful not to deflate the air. The final mixture should be light, airy, and uniform in color.
Step 2: Dip the Ladyfingers
Pour your cooled espresso or coffee into a shallow dish. If you’re using a liqueur, stir it in now. One by one, briefly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture for just 1-2 seconds per side. You want them to be moistened, not saturated, to avoid a soggy tiramisu.
Step 3: Assemble the First Layer
Arrange the coffee-dipped ladyfingers in a single layer at the bottom of an 8×8 inch or similar-sized baking dish. Break some ladyfingers as needed to fill any gaps. Spread half of the pistachio mascarpone cream evenly over the top of the ladyfingers.
Step 4: Assemble the Second Layer
Repeat the process by adding another layer of dipped ladyfingers on top of the cream. Spread the remaining half of the pistachio cream mixture evenly over the second layer of ladyfingers. For another delicious no-bake treat, check out these no-bake marshmallow cheesecakes.
Step 5: Chill and Garnish
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, but preferably overnight. This chilling time is crucial for the flavors to meld and for the tiramisu to set properly, making it easy to slice. Just before serving, sprinkle generously with finely chopped pistachios.
Expert Tips for a No-Fail Tiramisu
Keep these tips in mind to ensure your pistachio tiramisu turns out perfectly every single time.
- Don’t Over-Soak the Ladyfingers: A quick dip is all you need. If they absorb too much liquid, the final dessert will be watery and soggy.
- Use Room Temperature Mascarpone: Cold mascarpone can become lumpy when mixed. Letting it sit out for about 20-30 minutes will ensure a silky smooth cream.
- Chill is Non-Negotiable: Do not skip the chilling time! It is essential for the structure and flavor of the tiramisu. An overnight chill yields the best results.
- Fold, Don’t Stir: When combining the whipped cream and mascarpone mixture, use a gentle folding motion with a spatula to maintain the light and airy texture. For another dessert that celebrates pistachios, you might love this honey pistachio baklava cheesecake (coming soon).
How to Store Your Pistachio Tiramisu
Cover the tiramisu tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. The flavors actually continue to develop, so the leftovers are just as good, if not better! I do not recommend freezing this dessert, as the cream’s texture can change upon thawing.
Absolutely! Tiramisu is the perfect make-ahead dessert. It requires at least 6 hours to set, but making it the day before you plan to serve it is ideal for the best flavor and texture.
No, this is an egg-free tiramisu recipe. We create the rich and creamy texture by whipping heavy cream and folding it into smooth mascarpone cheese, making it safe and delicious for everyone.
When stored properly in an airtight container or tightly covered with plastic wrap, pistachio tiramisu will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to meld and deepen, making the leftovers just as delicious!
This recipe is delicious without any alcohol. However, if you want to add a bit of extra flavor without alcohol, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of rum or almond extract to the coffee mixture.
For clean, beautiful slices, make sure the tiramisu is thoroughly chilled (overnight is best). Use a sharp knife, and wipe the blade clean with a damp paper towel between each cut.
Absolutely! Tiramisu is the perfect make-ahead dessert. It requires at least 6 hours to set, but making it the day before you plan to serve it is ideal for the best flavor and texture.
No, this is an egg-free tiramisu recipe. We create the rich and creamy texture by whipping heavy cream and folding it into smooth mascarpone cheese, making it safe and delicious for everyone.
When stored properly in an airtight container or tightly covered with plastic wrap, pistachio tiramisu will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to meld and deepen, making the leftovers just as delicious!
This recipe is delicious without any alcohol. However, if you want to add a bit of extra flavor without alcohol, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of rum or almond extract to the coffee mixture.
For clean, beautiful slices, make sure the tiramisu is thoroughly chilled (overnight is best). Use a sharp knife, and wipe the blade clean with a damp paper towel between each cut.
The Perfect End to Any Meal
This Pistachio Tiramisu Recipe is a true showstopper that is deceptively easy to make. It’s the perfect dessert to share with family and friends. If you make this recipe, I would love to see it! Please leave a comment below or share a photo on Pinterest. Your feedback is always appreciated!
Pistachio Tiramisu Recipe
Pistachio Tiramisu Recipe (The Ultimate No-Bake Dessert)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, beat the cold heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine the room-temperature mascarpone, pistachio cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the pistachio-mascarpone mixture in two or three additions until no streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the cooled coffee into a shallow bowl. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee for about 1-2 seconds per side. Do not let them get soggy.
- Arrange a single layer of dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of an 8x8 inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the pistachio cream mixture evenly over the ladyfingers.
- Repeat with a second layer of dipped ladyfingers and top with the remaining pistachio cream.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set.
- Before serving, garnish generously with chopped pistachios. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
Tip 2: The tiramisu tastes even better on day two, so don't be afraid to make it a day in advance.
Tip 3: If using unsweetened pistachio paste, you may need to add more powdered sugar to reach your desired sweetness.
