Tiramisu is my favorite Italian dessert - and while I love the original, I think it's so fun to try different variations of the layered sweet treat. I love chocolate, raspberry, and even a PB & J version - so when I went to Mr. 100 Tiramisu in Rome, who are known for their wide variety of flavors, I had to try something special. I opted for their pistachio tiramisu, and I loved the flavor of it.

Pistachio Tiramisu

I decided to make my own version of pistachio tiramisu once I headed home, and I'm excited to share it with you. I wanted to create something that didn't require any specialty or difficult-to-find syrups or pistachio creams. The end result is a silky-smooth, subtly flavored tiramisu that I just love.

The secret is to make your own pistachio butter, which is easier than it sounds! That, with a bit of amaretto and almond extract to up the nutty flavor, results in a delicious dessert that's so easy and impressive all at once.

Pistachio Tiramisu
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Pistachio Tiramisu

Category

Dessert

Prep Time

30 minutes

Image of Pistachio Tiramisu

Ingredients

    For The Pistachio Butter:

  • 1 cup unsalted no-shell pistachios, raw or roasted*)

  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • *OR use 2/3 cup Sicilian Pistachio Spread in place of homemade Pistachio butter

    • For The Mascarpone Cream:

  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 pound mascarpone cheese
  • 6 egg yolks
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

    • For The Ladyfingers and Assembly:

  • 1 1/4 cup espresso or strong coffee
  • 1/4 cup amaretto liqueur
  • 24 to 28 ladyfingers
  • Chopped pistachios for topping (optional)

  • *Cook's Note: If you can only find salted shelled pistachios, give them a quick rinse to get the surface saltiness off, then pat dry before using in the recipe.

Instructions

  1. First, make the pistachio butter (if using Sicilian Pistachio Spread in place of homemade Pistachio butter, skip to the next step). In a food processor, add the shelled pistachios. Blend the pistachios until they form a smooth thick paste. Once smooth, add the 2 tablespoons of water, 1/3 cup powdered sugar and olive oil. Continue to blend until the pistachio butter balls together and looks smooth and glossy. If using roasted pistachios, it will be a dark brown-green color. Set aside.

  2. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer or stand mixer, beat egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale, about 5 minutes. Add mascarpone cheese and beat until smooth. Add the almond extract and mix. Remove 2/3 of the mixture into a separate small bowl. In the large bowl with the remaining 1/3 of mascarpone, add the pistachio butter (or Sicilian Pistachio Spread). Mix on high speed until smooth and pale green, wiping down the sides with a rubber spatula as necessary.

  3. In a shallow bowl, add espresso and amaretto liqueur. Dip each ladyfinger into espresso for only 5 seconds max (letting the ladyfingers soak too long will cause them to fall apart). Place half of the soaked ladyfingers on the bottom of a 9 by 9 inch baking dish, breaking them in half if necessary, to fit the bottom.
  4. Spread the pistachio-mascarpone mixture on top of the first layer of ladyfingers, smoothing it out to evenly cover. Place the second half of soaked ladyfingers on top. Spread the rest of the plain mascarpone mixture on top to cover the ladyfingers.
  5. Cover tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, and up to 24 hours before serving.
  6. Before cutting and serving, sprinkle with chopped pistachios if desired.
vegetarian
Coratina extra-virgin olive oil

Organic Coastal Puglia Olive Oil

from $36.00