Pistachio Tiramisu (Holiday Edition)
Creamy, nutty, luxurious, and absolutely irresistible. Perfect for Christmas gatherings, New Year’s celebrations, or any night you want to end with a little luxury.
This Pistachio Tiramisu is a festive twist on the classic Italian dessert, blending the earthy richness of pistachios with the silky sweetness of mascarpone and the warmth of espresso. It’s the kind of dessert that looks stunning with minimal effort, slices cleanly, and somehow tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
For the Pistachio Cream Layer:
1 cup shelled pistachios
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Coffee Layer:
1 ½ cups strong brewed espresso, cooled
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)
For Assembly:
2 packages ladyfingers (savoiardi)
Extra chopped pistachios for topping
Matcha icing (optional decorative drizzle)
Instructions
1. Make the Pistachio Cream
In a food processor, pulse pistachios until very finely ground.
Add heavy cream and blend until thick and smooth.
Transfer to a mixing bowl and beat in mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
Chill for 20 minutes so it sets and becomes extra scoopable.
2. Prepare the Espresso Dip
Combine cooled espresso, sugar, and optional liqueur.
Taste, sweeten slightly if you prefer a dessert-forward flavor.
3. Assemble the Tiramisu
Dip each ladyfinger quickly into the espresso mixture, don’t oversoak.
Arrange a full layer in a rectangular or square dish.
Spread a thick layer of pistachio cream over the soaked cookies.
Repeat with another espresso-dipped layer of ladyfingers.
Finish with the remaining pistachio cream.
Smooth the top and chill at least 4 hours, overnight is best.
4. Finish with Flair
Right before serving:
Add a pistachio sprinkling along the edges.
Drizzle matcha icing in a crisscross pattern for a gourmet look.
Slice and serve on black plates with gold trim for holiday magic.
Why This Recipe Works
Make-ahead friendly: tastes better after chilling.
Elegant but effortless: no baking, no complications, 100% beautiful.
Holiday-friendly flavors: pistachio, espresso, mascarpone, the perfect trio.
Showstopping presentation: even simple squares look bakery-level.