Decadent Pistachio Tiramisu

Featured in Sweet Endings: Irresistible Desserts.

This indulgent Pistachio Tiramisu elevates the classic dessert with nutty pistachio paste whipped into mascarpone cream and perfectly layered with soft ladyfingers dunked in coffee. A splash of almond extract or rum deepens the flavor of the coffee layer, while crushed pistachios crown the dish with extra flair. The dessert sets beautifully after resting for at least 4 hours and is ideal for making ahead. With no baking required, it serves 16 and is as simple to put together as it is impressive on the table.
A chef holding a plate of food.
Updated on Wed, 05 Mar 2025 07:25:29 GMT
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Decadent Pistachio Tiramisu Dessert | linacooks.com

Transform the classic Italian tiramisu into something extraordinary with this pistachio variation. Velvety layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers merge with a luscious pistachio-mascarpone cream to create an elegant dessert that honors tradition while adding a modern nutty twist.

This dessert consistently impresses with its perfect balance of coffee, cream, and pistachio. The nutty essence adds sophistication while maintaining the comforting nature of traditional tiramisu.

Key Ingredients

  • Mascarpone: Fresh Italian mascarpone, brought to room temperature
  • Savoiardi: Traditional crisp Italian ladyfinger cookies
  • Pure Pistachio Paste: Natural, unsweetened paste for authentic flavor
  • Eggs: Fresh, room temperature eggs for the cream
  • Espresso: Freshly brewed and cooled slightly
  • Dark Rum: Optional, for depth of flavor

Assembly Instructions

  1. Prepare espresso and let cool
  2. Whip egg whites until stiff peaks form
  3. Beat yolks with sugar until pale
  4. Blend mascarpone with pistachio paste
  5. Fold all components together gently
  6. Dip ladyfingers briefly in coffee
  7. Layer cookies and cream mixture
  8. Chill thoroughly before serving
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Pistachio Tiramisu with Layers | linacooks.com

Resting Time

Refrigerate for minimum 6 hours, preferably overnight, to achieve ideal texture and flavor development.

Presentation

Garnish with crushed pistachios and a light dusting of cocoa powder. Serve chilled in square portions.

Storage Guidelines

Store covered in refrigerator up to 4 days. Freeze without toppings for up to 2 months.

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Finished Pistachio Tiramisu Dessert | linacooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is it possible to prepare this without using raw eggs?
You can! Pasteurized eggs are a great alternative if you're uneasy about using raw ones.
→ Where can I get my hands on pistachio paste?
Check out specialty stores, shop online, or make your own at home by grinding pistachios to a smooth consistency.
→ How long can this dessert stay fresh?
This tiramisu tastes great for up to 3 days if you keep it chilled in the fridge.
→ Can tiramisu be stored in the freezer?
Absolutely! You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just move it to the fridge the night before serving to thaw.
→ What kind of coffee works best for this recipe?
Go for strong-brewed coffee or espresso to really bring out the flavor, though instant coffee can also work in a pinch.

Pistachio Treat

A decadent spin on the traditional dessert, this pistachio tiramisu has layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, pistachio-infused mascarpone cream, and is topped with crunchy pistachio bits.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Paolina

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 16 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Coffee-Drenched Ladyfinger Base

01 1 packet (7 ounces) of ladyfingers
02 1 tablespoon of rum if desired
03 1 cup of strong brewed coffee
04 A small splash (about ¼ teaspoon) of almond extract

→ Pistachio Mascarpone Layer

05 4 big eggs, separate yolks from whites
06 1 teaspoon of vanilla
07 16 ounces of cold mascarpone cheese
08 ⅓ cup of finely ground pistachio paste
09 ⅓ cup of super-finely chopped pistachios
10 ⅔ cup sugar, split into two parts
11 ½ teaspoon of almond flavor extract

Instructions

Step 01

Brew yourself a batch of strong coffee and pour it into a wide shallow dish. Stir in the almond extract and rum (if you're using it). Leave it to cool.

Step 02

Separate the eggs first. Using a stand mixer, whip the egg whites, adding in ⅓ cup of your sugar little by little. Keep beating them until stiff peaks form—should take about 3 minutes. Scoop it into a large bowl.

Step 03

In another bowl, whip the egg yolks and rest of the sugar until fluffy and pale. Mix in the mascarpone cheese and gently stir it until it combines well. Add pistachio paste, vanilla, and almond flavors into the mix.

Step 04

Carefully fold the yolk mixture into the whipped egg whites, doing it in two separate additions so it all blends evenly. Be sure not to knock out the air you whipped in!

Step 05

Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture (don’t let them soak too long or they'll get mushy). Layer them in a 9x9-inch pan. Spread half of the mascarpone cream on top, then do another layer of dipped ladyfingers and mascarpone.

Step 06

Sprinkle the finely chopped pistachios over the top layer. Pop it into the fridge for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better.

Notes

  1. You can prep this the day ahead—it keeps well overnight in the fridge.
  2. Ladyfingers are often stocked in the cookie aisle at the store.
  3. Make sure not to leave ladyfingers soaking too long—they'll fall apart.

Tools You'll Need

  • A stand mixer with a whisk attachment
  • A shallow dish for dipping the ladyfingers
  • A 9x9-inch baking pan
  • Big bowls for mixing
  • A flexible rubber spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs are in this recipe.
  • It contains dairy, thanks to the mascarpone.
  • Pistachios are present—watch out if you have nut allergies!
  • The ladyfingers contain wheat, so it’s not gluten-free.