Pistachio Cream Recipe: (Italian-style)

Pistachio Cream Recipe captures the essence of Italian pastry-making simple, rich, and crafted with care. But you don’t need to be in Sicily to enjoy it. With pistachios, white chocolate, and a blender, you can create a spread so luscious it’ll become your new favorite indulgence.

Homemade Pistachio Cream Recipe spread in a jar

Every kitchen has its magic moments the ones where simple ingredients come together and create something that feels straight out of a pastry shop. That’s exactly what happens with this pistachio cream recipe.

I first came across pistachio cream while scrolling through recipes for the viral Dubai chocolate bar. The filling looked glossy, nutty, and so indulgent that I knew I had to try making it myself. What I didn’t expect was how versatile it would become in my kitchen.

Now, this cream isn’t just a trend it’s a tradition waiting to happen. Imagine spreading it on warm homemade white bread straight from the oven, swirling it into custard for pies, or spooning it over ice cream. That nutty, buttery sweetness elevates anything it touches. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to whip up at home with just a handful of ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Pistachio Cream Recipe

Decadent Flavor in Every Spoon

Unlike store-bought spreads, this pistachio cream recipe is made with real pistachios and good white chocolate, giving you pure flavor in every bite. It’s nutty, sweet, and perfectly creamy.

A Spread That Does It All

This isn’t a one-trick recipe. It’s delicious as a filling for cakes, a topping for desserts, or even a breakfast upgrade. Think spooned onto waffles, tucked into cookies, or swirled into brownies. It’s flexible enough to star in your holiday baking yet easy enough to make for a weekend treat.

Ingredients to Make a Best Pistachio Cream Recipe

The best thing about this pistachio cream recipe is that it looks fancy, but the ingredients are straightforward. Here’s everything you’ll need to make about 1 ½ cups of pure decadence:

Ingredients for Pistachio Cream Recipe
Key ingredients for making Italian-style pistachio cream
IngredientAmountPurpose
Raw, unsalted pistachios1 ¼ cups (125 g)The star of the recipe, providing flavor and that signature green color
Unsalted butter2 tbsp (30 g)Adds richness and silkiness
Whole milk or cream¾ cup (190 ml), dividedHelps achieve the perfect creamy texture
White chocolate4 oz (about 1 cup), choppedSweetness and smoothness
Powdered sugar2 tbspLightly sweetens without grittiness
Kosher salt¼ tspBalances the sweetness and enhances the nutty flavor

Just like a rich cheesecake brownie recipe, every ingredient here plays an important role in the final texture and taste.

Equipment Needed

To make this spread smooth and luscious, you’ll want to gather the following:

  • Medium Pot – for blanching pistachios and loosening skins.
  • Kitchen Towel – to rub off skins after boiling.
  • Blender or Food Processor – to transform pistachios into a silky cream.
  • Microwave-Safe Bowl (or Small Saucepan) – for melting butter, milk, and white chocolate together.
  • Spatula – to scrape down sides of the blender and keep everything smooth.
  • Airtight Container – for storing your pistachio cream in the fridge.

The equipment list is minimal, which makes this recipe feel approachable. Much like prepping a strawberry rhubarb pie recipe, it’s about combining simple tools with patience to create something unforgettable.

How to Make Pistachio Cream Recipe

Blending pistachios for Pistachio Cream Recipe

Step-by-Step Method

Making this pistachio cream recipe might sound fancy, but the process is incredibly simple once you break it down:

  1. Blanch the Pistachios
    Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add shelled pistachios and cook for 3 minutes. Drain, then transfer to a clean kitchen towel. Fold the towel over and rub to loosen the skins. Discard skins.
  2. Dry and Prep
    Make sure pistachios are completely dry moisture will affect the cream’s texture.
  3. Melt the Base
    In a microwave-safe bowl, combine butter and ¼ cup milk. Heat in 20-second bursts until butter is melted and milk is hot. Add chopped white chocolate, stir until melted and smooth. If needed, reheat in 10-second increments.
  4. Blend the Pistachios
    In a blender, add pistachios, powdered sugar, and salt. Pour in the melted chocolate mixture. Pulse until the pistachios form a thick paste.
  5. Add Remaining Milk
    Slowly drizzle in the rest of the milk, a few tablespoons at a time, blending until you reach a pourable, creamy consistency. You may not need all of it.
  6. Final Blend
    Scrape down the sides of the blender and process on high for 30–60 seconds until perfectly smooth. Transfer to an airtight container and chill. The cream will thicken as it cools.

The first time I made this Pistachio Cream Recipe, I used it to fill a batch of cookies, and honestly? It gave me the same kind of joy as making cinnamon roll French toast bites for the first time simple steps, jaw-dropping results.

Ways to Use Pistachio Cream Recipe

This isn’t just a spread it’s a superstar in the kitchen. Here are some of the best ways to put your pistachio cream to work:

Spread It on Bread and Pastries

The obvious move: slather it over warm toast, croissants, or even homemade brioche. It adds a nutty, sweet flavor that rivals Nutella. For a showstopper breakfast, try it with a slice of braided chocolate chip brioche.

Drizzle Over Desserts

Warm it slightly and pour over vanilla ice cream, cheesecake, or even cake slices. It’s rich, glossy, and instantly makes desserts feel gourmet.

Bake With It

Use pistachio cream as a filling for cakes, muffins, or sandwich cookies. Swirl it into batters for a nutty twist or layer it in between cake sponges.

Upgrade Classics

Add a spoonful into custards, whipped cream, or buttercream frosting for subtle pistachio flavor. It’s a game-changer for pies, tarts, and even brownies.

Viral Treats

Use it in the filling of the trending Dubai chocolate bar or pipe it into pastries. This one recipe opens the door to countless creative desserts.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this pistachio cream recipe is its flexibility. Here are some fun ways to adapt it:

Roasted Pistachios

If raw pistachios aren’t available, roasted ones can work too. Just know the cream will turn a deeper shade of green-brown and taste more toasty than fresh.

Vegan Option

Swap the butter and milk for plant-based alternatives and use vegan white chocolate. You’ll still get that smooth, nutty cream, perfect for layering in plant-based desserts.

Quick Hack

Don’t feel like peeling pistachios? Use pistachio flour or pistachio meal instead. It’ll save time while still delivering strong flavor.

Flavor Boosts

Mix in a touch of vanilla extract or almond extract for more depth. Or fold in a bit of melted dark chocolate for a two-tone swirl that feels as indulgent as a slice of Easter poke cake.

Pro Tips for Pistachio Cream Recipe

Dry Pistachios Thoroughly

Even a little moisture can ruin the creamy texture. After boiling and peeling, make sure pistachios are completely dry before blending.

Use Good White Chocolate

Since it provides sweetness and smoothness, the quality of chocolate matters. Cheaper brands can taste waxy and dull.

Blend in Stages

Add the milk slowly instead of dumping it in all at once. This keeps the cream from turning too runny.

Don’t Overheat Chocolate

Melt it gently white chocolate burns quickly. Short bursts in the microwave or low heat on the stovetop are best.

These tricks make the difference between a good spread and an unforgettable one, much like the details that elevate a cowboy cookie crumbl.

How to Store Pistachio Cream Recipe

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. The cream will thicken as it chills, so let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before spreading.
  • Freezer: While not common, pistachio cream can be frozen in small airtight jars for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and stir before using.
  • Room Temperature: Avoid leaving it out for long periods, as the milk and butter can spoil quickly.

Freshly made pistachio cream recipe is always best, but storing it right means you can enjoy a spoonful anytime the craving strikes.

Homemade Pistachio Cream Recipe spread in a jar

Italian-style Pistachio Cream Recipe

This silky Italian-style pistachio cream blends real pistachios with white chocolate for a luscious spread that’s as versatile as it is decadent. Slather it on warm bread, drizzle over ice cream, or use as a cake filling simple ingredients, pastry-shop results.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings (2 tbsp each)
Course: Dessert, Spread
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 142

Ingredients
  

  • 1.25 cups raw, unsalted pistachios (about 125 g), shelled
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (30 g)
  • 0.75 cup whole milk, divided (about 190 ml; sub cream for richer)
  • 4 oz white chocolate, chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 0.25 tsp kosher salt

Equipment

  • medium pot For blanching pistachios
  • kitchen towel To rub off pistachio skins
  • blender or food processor To puree pistachios until silky
  • microwave-safe bowl (or small saucepan) To melt butter, milk, and white chocolate
  • spatula To scrape down the sides
  • airtight jar or container For storage

Method
 

  1. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add pistachios and boil for 3 minutes, then drain. Rub in a clean kitchen towel to loosen and discard skins.
  2. Spread peeled pistachios on a towel and pat completely dry. Any moisture will affect the final texture.
  3. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat butter with 1/4 cup milk in 20-second bursts until butter melts and milk is hot. Add chopped white chocolate and stir until smooth (heat in 10-second bursts if needed).
  4. In a blender or food processor, combine pistachios, powdered sugar, and salt. Pour in the warm chocolate mixture and blend to a thick paste, scraping the sides as needed.
  5. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the remaining milk a few tablespoons at a time until you reach a creamy, pourable consistency (you may not need all the milk).
  6. Blend on high 30–60 seconds for extra silkiness. Transfer to a jar and chill; it will thicken as it cools.

Nutrition

Calories: 142kcalCarbohydrates: 10.4gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.6gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 42mgPotassium: 133mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8.2gVitamin A: 100IUCalcium: 59mgIron: 0.4mg

Notes

Yield is about 1½ cups. Use high-quality white chocolate and dry the pistachios thoroughly after blanching for the smoothest texture. The cream thickens as it chills; let it sit at room temp 10 minutes and stir before using. Store refrigerated in an airtight jar up to 2 weeks, or freeze up to 2 months (thaw overnight in the fridge). Delicious on toast, croissants, cakes, cookies, and ice cream or folded into custards, whipped cream, or buttercream.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Conclusion For Pistachio Cream Recipe

There’s something about homemade spreads that feels extra special. This pistachio cream recipe is proof that with a few simple ingredients and a blender, you can create a treat that rivals anything on store shelves.

It’s versatile enough to shine in holiday desserts and simple enough to make for a weekend breakfast. Spread it on toast, use it as a cake filling, or drizzle it over ice cream the possibilities are endless. Personally, I love pairing it with soft bakes like cheesecake brownies or layering it into cowboy cookie crumbl for a decadent twist.

Whether you’re chasing the viral Dubai chocolate bar trend or just want a new way to spoil your family, this recipe is a keeper. It’s nutty, creamy, and downright addictive the kind of kitchen magic worth making again and again.

LET’S STAY CONNECTED! FOLLOW ME ON:

Tried this recipe? I’d be thrilled to see your take on it! Snap a pic and tag me @Sweftyrecipes  so I can share your delicious creations with our foodie community.

→ FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST

FAQs About Your Pistachio Cream Recipe Questions:

How do you make pistachio cream recipe?

Boil and peel raw pistachios, dry them, then blend with melted white chocolate, butter, milk, sugar, and salt until smooth. Chill in the fridge to thicken.

What do you use pistachio cream recipe for?

It’s delicious on toast, in pastries, as a drizzle for ice cream, or as a filling for cakes and cookies. It also works beautifully in whipped cream, custards, and buttercream.

Are pistachio paste and pistachio cream the same?

No. Pistachio paste is unsweetened and thicker, often used in baking. Pistachio cream is sweetened, blended with milk and chocolate, and spreadable.

Can I make pistachio cream recipe with roasted pistachios?

Yes, though the flavor will be toastier and the color less vibrant. Raw pistachios give a brighter green cream, while roasted ones create a deeper, nuttier taste.

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating