
The first bite of Pistachio Tiramisu hits you with that incredible surprise - nutty, rich pistachio cream meets coffee-soaked ladyfingers for something that feels familiar yet totally fresh. This clever twist on the classic Italian dessert keeps all those beautiful layers and silky texture you crave while adding sophisticated green nut flavors. This has turned into my knockout finale whenever I host dinner, and guests always beg to know how I made it.
Just last month, I whipped this up when hosting friends, including someone who boasted about being super picky with authentic Italian tiramisu. By the end of the night, he was hunting for seconds and couldn't stop talking about how perfectly the pistachios paired with the coffee notes.
Essential Components and Selection Tips
- Pistachio Paste: Look for the pure stuff without added sugars or fats. Sicilian paste offers the most intense flavor and that gorgeous green color.
- Mascarpone: Go for creamy, dense, fresh cheese. Brands like Galbani or BelGioioso from Italy will give you top-notch results.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Find one with no less than 36% fat content so it gets fluffy and stays that way.
- Ladyfingers: True Italian savoiardi are your best bet since they soak up liquid just right. The imported ones really do make your dessert better.

Detailed Preparation Instructions
- Gather Your Materials:
- Measure everything out and bring ingredients to room temperature. Brew 1½ cups strong coffee and let it cool completely.
- Create Your Pistachio Foundation:
- Combine ⅓ cup pistachio paste with ¼ cup heavy cream until completely smooth.
- Prepare The Cream Base:
- Add 16 oz mascarpone, 1 tsp vanilla, ¼ tsp almond extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until airy, roughly 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 whipped cream into the pistachio mixture in three separate additions to maintain fluffiness.
- Enhance The Coffee:
- Stir 1 tsp pistachio extract into your cooled coffee for extra flavor depth.
- Prepare The Ladyfingers:
- Quickly dip each cookie into coffee (just a second or two) and arrange in one layer in a 9x9-inch dish.
- Create The First Layer:
- Spread half your pistachio cream mixture evenly over the ladyfingers, going all the way to the edges.
- Add Another Layer:
- Place a second layer of coffee-dipped ladyfingers, then top with your remaining pistachio cream.
- Decorate The Top:
- Drizzle with thinned pistachio paste and scatter chopped pistachios across the surface.
- Chill Thoroughly:
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours, though leaving it overnight works even better.
- Finish Before Serving:
- Remove from fridge about 20 minutes before cutting to let flavors bloom at room temperature.
I created this pistachio variation after traveling through Sicily, where I completely fell in love with their bright green pistachio confections.
Your layering technique really counts when making an impressive tiramisu. Try placing ladyfingers in alternating directions for each layer - this builds structural strength and helps distribute coffee flavor throughout.
This Pistachio Tiramisu balances tradition and innovation beautifully. The time-tested tiramisu structure provides the perfect canvas for showcasing those bold, nutty pistachio flavors.
Skipping eggs keeps the process straightforward but you'll still get that incredible pillowy softness that makes everyone love tiramisu.
For that finishing wow factor, add a few whole pistachios, some fresh mint leaves, or a light sprinkling of powdered sugar on individual slices just before bringing them to the table.

Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this in advance?
- You bet! It tastes even better if chilled for at least 4 hours or up to a whole day.
- → Do I need to include alcohol?
- Nope! Skip the amaretto or other alcohol, and it’ll still taste great.
- → Where can I find pistachio paste?
- Check specialty or Italian stores, shop online, or blend roasted pistachios with sugar and oil to make your own.
- → How long does it keep fresh?
- In a sealed container, it stays good in the fridge for up to three days.
- → Can I freeze the leftovers?
- Absolutely! Wrap it well and freeze for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.