Italian-style Pistachio Cream (Updated)
Pistachio Cream is all the rage, and it's so easy to make at home. It's rich, decadent and packed with real pistachio flavor. It's delicious spread on toast, drizzled on ice cream or sandwiched between cookies. We also use it to flavor the custard for our Phyllo Pistachio Cream Pie.
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Cook Time4 minutes mins
Course: condiment, Dessert, Spreads
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: creamy, Nuts, Pistachio
Servings: 1.5 cups
- 1 1/4 cups raw, unsalted pistachios shelled (125g)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 30g
- 3/4 cup whole milk or cream 190ml, divided
- 4 oz good white chocolate chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 tablespoons confectioner's sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal)
Bring a medium sized pot of water to a boil and add the shelled pistachios. Let them boil for 3 minutes, then drain and place on a clean kitchen towel.
Fold the towel over to cover, and rub pistachios in the towel to loosen the skins. Separate the pistachios and discard the skins. Make sure the pistachios are completely dry, then add to the blender.
Add the butter and 1/4 cup milk to a small microwave safe bowl. Heat in 20 second bursts, just until butter is melted and milk is hot. Add white chocolate and stir until melted. If it needs more melting, heat for another 10-15 seconds and stir (you can also do this on the stovetop in a small saucepan on low heat).
To the blender with the pistachios, add the powdered sugar and salt. Scrape in the melted white chocolate/butter mixture. Pulse on medium speed until the pistachios turn into a paste. Slowly, a few tablespoons at a time, add the remaining milk until the paste is the desired thickness (You may not need to add the full remaining 1/2 cup, but note the cream will become thicker as it cools). You’ll need to stop the blender 3-4 times to scrape down the sides. Blend on high power for 30 seconds to a minute, until texture turns smooth and creamy. Once the mixture is ready, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use. The pistachio cream will keep well in the fridge for 2 weeks
Note this recipe has been updated because a few people noted that their Pistachio Cream was thinner than they would like.
I've adjusted the directions so the 1/2 cup of milk (the amount left after melting the chocolate), is added just until the desired consistency is achieved.