Name: Easy Pistachio Tiramisu Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz good quality mascarpone cheese (like Galbani or Vermont Creamery), chilled (340g); 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g); ½ cup pistachio cream (can add up to 2/3 cup if preferred); ½ tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; 2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled (480g); 30-36 ladyfingers; 1 ½ cups espresso or strong coffee, lukewarm (make it twice as strong as usual); Cocoa powder for dusting

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 78 reviews

Let me share with you one of my absolute favorite desserts that never fails to impress and delight: the Easy Pistachio Tiramisu Recipe! This luscious twist on the classic Italian treat brings a fresh, nutty flavor from vibrant pistachio cream combined with the rich, creamy mascarpone, all layered with coffee-soaked ladyfingers. It’s creamy, dreamy, and wonderfully textured, making it the perfect dessert to serve at a gathering or just to treat yourself. Trust me, once you try this Easy Pistachio Tiramisu Recipe, it will become a staple in your dessert repertoire!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several white bowls and containers arranged on a white marbled surface. In the top left is a white bowl filled with whole pistachio nuts, displaying their beige shells with some light green and purple tones. To the right is another white bowl containing a heaped white powder, likely powdered sugar or flour, with a small dent in the center. Next to it is a smaller white bowl filled with fine white granules, possibly salt or sugar. Below these are three more white containers: one with a light beige creamy liquid, one with brown cocoa powder, and one with white granules. In the center is a small clear glass holding dark coffee or espresso. Below the glass is a neat stack of pale yellow rectangular biscuits with a soft texture and slight golden edges. On the right side near the biscuits is a small white bowl filled with a dark brown liquid, likely vanilla extract. Next to it is a dark bottle with a white dropper top. The whole setup is tidy and well-lit. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building those iconic tiramisu flavors and textures. From the silky mascarpone to the aromatic espresso and velvety pistachio cream, every item complements one another beautifully for an unforgettable dessert experience.

Mascarpone cheese (12 oz): Use good quality mascarpone like Galbani or Vermont Creamery for a rich and creamy base.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Balances out the flavors with just the right level of sweetness.
Pistachio cream (½ cup): Adds a nutty, luxurious twist—feel free to increase to 2/3 cup for extra pistachio goodness.
Vanilla extract (½ tsp): Enhances the overall aroma and brings warmth to the cream.
Pinch of salt: Brings depth and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Heavy whipping cream (2 cups): Gives the tiramisu that light, fluffy texture you crave.
Ladyfingers (30–36 pieces): The classic sponge layer that soaks up the coffee and adds just the right bite.
Espresso or strong coffee (1 ½ cups): Brewed double strength and lukewarm to soak the ladyfingers just right.
Cocoa powder: For that signature dusting, adding a touch of bittersweet contrast.

How to Make Easy Pistachio Tiramisu Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Mascarpone Mixture

Start by combining the mascarpone cheese, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Whisk gently on low speed for just a minute or two until the mixture looks creamy and smooth. Don’t overdo it because mascarpone can separate if whipped too much. Scrape down the sides to ensure it’s uniform.

Step 2: Incorporate the Pistachio Cream

Add the pistachio cream to the mascarpone mixture and whisk for only a few seconds until just combined. The pistachio cream infuses that gorgeous green hue and nutty flavor crucial to this recipe’s identity—take care not to overmix here too.

Step 3: Whip the Heavy Cream

Separately, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, meaning it thickens but remains fluffy and not stiff. This gentle texture is key for folding into the mascarpone because it keeps the final cream light and airy.

Step 4: Fold in the Whipped Cream

Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone-pistachio mixture in two additions. Using a rubber spatula, fold slowly to keep as much air in the mixture as possible, resulting in a cloud-like pistachio mascarpone cream. If it looks grainy, add a few tablespoons of liquid heavy cream and fold again for smoothness.

Step 5: Assemble the Layers

Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the lukewarm espresso—just about two seconds per side to keep them moist but not soggy. Arrange a tight layer at the bottom of your pan (a 9×9 inch square pan works perfectly). Then spread half of your pistachio mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers.

Step 6: Add the Second Layer

Repeat the dipping and layering process with the remaining ladyfingers, followed by the rest of the pistachio mascarpone cream. For an elegant touch, you can pipe this last layer with a decorative tip, adding beautiful texture and height to the tiramisu.

Step 7: Chill and Finish

Cover the assembled tiramisu with cling wrap and refrigerate for at least six hours or, even better, overnight. This resting time allows all the flavors to meld and the ladyfingers to soften perfectly. Before serving, dust generously with cocoa powder to complete the classic tiramisu look.

How to Serve Easy Pistachio Tiramisu Recipe

The image shows a square pan filled with a dessert that has several layers of round dollops arranged closely in a flower-like pattern. Each dollop is lightly dusted with cocoa powder giving a rich brown color and topped with small green pistachio crumbs scattered across the surface. The dessert has a light cream layer underneath the cocoa coating, visible in small spots. Around the pan is a white marbled surface with a small white bowl containing a light green sauce in the background and a few scattered pistachio nuts in the corners. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The classic dusting of cocoa powder on top is always a winner, adding a bittersweet contrast to the sweetness underneath. For extra flair, sprinkle chopped roasted pistachios or even edible gold leaf for a festive, elegant touch that makes this dish truly shine.

Side Dishes

Since this tiramisu is quite rich and creamy, serving it alongside fresh berries or a light citrus sorbet can provide a refreshing balance. A small cup of espresso or a glass of dessert wine pairs wonderfully too, enhancing the coffee and nutty notes of the tiramisu.

Creative Ways to Present

Try making individual servings in pretty glasses or mason jars for a charming presentation. Layer the components carefully, and top each jar with a dusting of cocoa and a pistachio garnish. This makes it easy to serve at parties and adds a personal touch everyone will appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Easy Pistachio Tiramisu Recipe covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to develop, but best texture is enjoyed within that time to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Though tiramisu can be frozen, the texture may change slightly upon thawing due to the whipped cream. If you do freeze it, wrap it well in plastic wrap and freeze for up to one month. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

Tiramisu is best served chilled and is not typically reheated. Allow it to come to a comfortable cool room temperature before serving for the best flavor and creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream instead of heavy whipping cream in the Easy Pistachio Tiramisu Recipe?

Heavy whipping cream is essential here for whipping into soft peaks, which gives the tiramisu its signature light and fluffy texture. Regular cream usually does not whip well enough, so it’s best to stick with heavy cream for this recipe.

Is it necessary to use espresso for soaking the ladyfingers?

The strong espresso provides that classic coffee kick. You can substitute with very strong brewed coffee if you prefer, but espresso gives the best depth of flavor. Make sure the coffee is lukewarm so it soaks the ladyfingers just right without turning them mushy.

Can I make the Easy Pistachio Tiramisu Recipe dairy-free?

This tiramisu is traditionally rich in dairy from mascarpone and heavy cream. While you can try dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and vegan mascarpone, the texture and taste will differ quite a bit from the classic version.

How far in advance can I prepare this tiramisu?

This tiramisu actually benefits from resting overnight, which helps all the flavors meld beautifully. Preparing it up to 24 hours ahead is ideal for the best results, making it perfect for entertaining.

What if I can’t find pistachio cream?

If pistachio cream isn’t available, you can blend finely ground pistachios with a little bit of sugar and a touch of cream or milk to create a paste. Though not quite the same, it will still give you that wonderful pistachio flavor to complement your tiramisu.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to dive into this Easy Pistachio Tiramisu Recipe—it’s truly one of those desserts that feels both special and surprisingly doable. Whether for a casual dinner or a festive celebration, its creamy layers and nutty flavor will captivate every palate. Give yourself the gift of making this delightful treat and enjoy every luscious bite!