Description
This Homemade Italian-Style Pistachio Cream is a rich and creamy spread made from fresh shelled pistachios, sugar, milk, butter, and vanilla, with an optional touch of white chocolate for extra richness. Perfect for spreading on toast, filling pastries, or stirring into yogurt or gelato, this luscious pistachio cream combines traditional Italian flavors with a smooth texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup shelled pistachios (unsalted)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate (optional, for richness)
Instructions
- Blanch the Pistachios: Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add the pistachios and boil for 1 minute to loosen their skins. Drain the pistachios and transfer them to a clean kitchen towel. Rub gently to remove as much skin as possible. This step is optional but helps create a smoother and greener cream.
- Create Pistachio Paste: Place the peeled pistachios into a food processor and blend until they form a coarse paste. This forms the base of the cream.
- Heat Milk Mixture: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, sugar, butter, and salt. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves and the milk is hot but not boiling. If using white chocolate, stir it in now and continue stirring until it melts completely and the mixture is smooth.
- Combine and Blend: Pour the warm milk mixture into the food processor with the pistachio paste. Blend continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until the cream becomes smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and blend again briefly to incorporate.
- Cool and Store: Allow the pistachio cream to cool slightly before transferring it to a jar or container. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week for best freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use this pistachio cream as a delicious spread for toast or bread.
- It makes an excellent filling for pastries, cakes, or other desserts.
- Swirl into yogurt or gelato for a nutty, creamy flavor boost.
- For a thinner, sauce-like consistency, add a splash more milk during blending.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Spread, Dessert
- Method: Blending, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
