Delicious Homemade Pistachio Cream Recipe – Crema Al Pistacchio

This pistachio cream recipe was first published on the 7th of August 2023.

This recipe for pistachio cream may not be very traditional or even original, but it’s one our family has been making forever, and it’s definitely worth sharing. Different from our usual recipes, this one requires you to have a Thermomix or a similar kitchen robot. But we have also made sure there is a version for anyone who does not own one. Somehow a Thermomix is part of the furniture in Italy, you’re bound to find one in every other home!

And you know we have a thing for pistachio, considering you already have a recipe for the pistachio liqueur on hand. And a thing for Sicily, but that’s also very normal since we’re actually from a small city in Sicily. So all the Sicilian recipes like Biancomangiare, Gelo di Limone, Pane cunzato, almond cream and even the Sicilian pesto are a way for us to discover our origins through food.

Aside from this, consider this pistachio cream, crema al pistacchio, as the perfect creamy and smooth spread made from pistachios, sugar, butter, and white chocolate. It’s available to buy pretty much in every supermarket nowadays, and it’s a typical product from Sicily, where pistachio is grown. This delicious pistachio cream is often used as a filling or topping for desserts, pastries, and baked goods alike.

Crema al pistacchio can be used to fill cannoli, spread on toast or pancakes, mixed into gelato or ice cream, or used as a frosting for cakes and cupcakes. The nutty and slightly sweet flavour of this nut butter makes it a delightful addition to many sweet treats. It is honestly that delicious! We love it by the spoon, too, and while that might not be the most socially acceptable way to eat this homemade pistachio cream, it’s still our favourite way!

Easy Pistachio Cream Recipe

I am sure you’re thinking, why would I bother making homemade pistachio cream when I can buy it easily from a supermarket? And I get it, you know? But the satisfaction of creating such a creamy, delicious crema al pistacchio and putting it in a jar (if it even makes it in the jar?!), labelling it and saying ‘I made it!’ to friends and family it’s just priceless.

Where do they produce pistachio in Sicily?

Sicily is one of the major regions in Italy known for its production of pistachios. The primary area where pistachios are cultivated in Sicily is the western part of the island, particularly in the provinces of Agrigento and Syracuse.

Bronte, a town located on the slopes of Mount Etna in the province of Catania, is especially famous for producing high-quality pistachios. The volcanic soil and unique climate conditions in this area create an ideal environment for pistachio cultivation, resulting in a unique and highly prized variety known as Pistacchio di Bronte or Bronte Pistachio. Of course, the town is so tiny the production is covering a lot of the land around the actual borders of Bronte.

Pistachio production is an essential agricultural activity in these regions, and the pistachios from Sicily are sought after for their distinct flavour, vibrant green colour and culinary applications in various Italian dishes, desserts, and confections. The pistachio trees thrive in the volcanic soil and Mediterranean climate, making Sicily an ideal place for pistachio cultivation (Wikipedia).

This Italian pistachio cream is sold everywhere around the town of Bronte, and you can now make it in the comfort of your own house too!

What are pistachios, and are they any good for you?

Pistachios are a type of tree nut that comes from the Pistacia Vera tree. They are native to the Middle East but are now cultivated in various regions around the world, including Italy, the United States, Iran and Turkey to name a few. Pistachios have been enjoyed as a nutritious and delicious snack for centuries and are often used in cooking, baking, and desserts. In Sicily, we have been using them in both sweet and savoury dishes including granita and arancini, but this is a story for a different day.

Some of the nutritional benefits of pistachios are:

1. Nutrient-rich: Pistachios are packed with essential nutrients and they are a good source of protein, healthy fats – including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats – fibre, vitamins – such as vitamin B6, thiamin, and vitamin E – and minerals – such as potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus;
2. Heart Health: The healthy fats in pistachios, particularly monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats, have been associated with improved heart health. They can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease;
3. Weight Management: Despite being calorie-dense, pistachios have been linked to weight management when consumed in moderation. The fibre and protein content can help promote feelings of fullness and reduce overall calorie intake;
4. Antioxidants: Pistachios contain various antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and gamma-tocopherol, which can help protect cells from oxidative damage;
5. Blood Sugar Control: Some studies suggest that including pistachios in a balanced diet may improve blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity, making them beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes.

It’s important to note that while pistachios are nutritious, they are also calorie-dense. Eating them in moderation as part of a balanced diet is essential, especially if you’re trying to manage your weight. Additionally, some individuals may have allergies or sensitivities to nuts, including pistachios. If you have a nut allergy, it is crucial to avoid pistachios and other nuts to prevent allergic reactions.

In summary, raw pistachios are indeed good for you when consumed as part of a healthy diet. They offer an array of nutrients that can contribute to overall health, especially heart health, and can be enjoyed as a tasty and satisfying snack. As with any food, moderation is key to reaping the benefits without overindulging in calories (Healthline). And this goes the same for the pistachios in this brilliantly delicious pistachio cream, of course.

Is white chocolate any good for you, and how is it made?

White chocolate is a sweet and creamy treat made from cocoa butter, sugar, milk solids and flavourings. While it is delicious, it’s important to note that white chocolate is not as nutritious as dark chocolate or cocoa due to its lack of cocoa solids. Why? Let’s see it below:

1. Cocoa content: Unlike dark or milk chocolate, white chocolate does not contain cocoa solids, which are responsible for the health benefits associated with cocoa. Cocoa solids are rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and other compounds that have been linked to various health benefits;
2. Cocoa butter: The primary ingredient in white chocolate is cocoa butter, which is a fat derived from cocoa beans. While cocoa butter contains some healthy fats, it is high in saturated fat, which can contribute to higher LDL cholesterol levels when consumed in excess;
3. Sugar and calories: White chocolate contains a significant amount of sugar and is calorie-dense. Overconsumption can contribute to weight gain and potential health issues associated with excessive sugar intake.

White chocolate is also different from the rest of the chocolates in the making process, so let’s check out how it’s made, step by step:

1. Cocoa butter extraction: The process begins with cocoa beans. After harvesting, the cocoa beans undergo fermentation, drying, and roasting. The roasted beans are then cracked open to separate the outer shell from the inner nibs, which contain cocoa solids and cocoa butter;
2. Pressing: The cocoa nibs are pressed to extract cocoa butter, leaving behind cocoa solids. The cocoa butter is then further processed to ensure its purity and consistency;
3. Ingredients blending: To make white chocolate, the primary ingredients include cocoa butter, sugar, milk solids such as milk powder and flavourings like vanilla. The mixture is blended until smooth and creamy;
4. Conching: The chocolate mixture is then heated and conched, a process of mixing and grinding the ingredients to create a fine texture and enhance the flavours;
5. Tempering: The white chocolate is then carefully cooled and tempered to ensure a glossy appearance and a smooth texture;
6. Moulding: The tempered white chocolate is poured into moulds to give it its final shape such as bars or chips.

Keep in mind that the quality and nutritional content of white chocolate can vary depending on the brand and specific ingredients used, as well as the general nutritional values. If you enjoy white chocolate, it’s best to consume it in moderation as an occasional treat rather than as a regular part of your diet.

What are the pistachio cream ingredients?

The ingredients for this pistachio cream are probably already in your pantry and fridge as it is, maybe excluding the shelled pistachios themselves. Unless you are a nut kind of person, then you’ll probably love pistachios just as much as we do and you won’t need to leave the house for them.

When it comes to pistachios, there are plenty of different kinds coming from all different locations, and while I am not here to tell you this one is better than that one, we have used unsalted pistachios from Bronte in Sicily because we do have family members who harvest it every year. Feel in no way obliged to splurge on expensive pistachios, especially in this day and age where everything else is also so expensive. Just avoid salted pistachios as it might taste saltier than the usual deal.

It is also true that there are different ways to deal with pistachio, especially for this pistachio cream. Some people soak the pistachios for a couple of hours to remove the skin and leave them to dry on a clean kitchen towel. We left the skin on, but that tends to make the pistachio cream a little less green – which is fine when it comes to pistachios, they are not bright green to start with anyway!

Next up you will need sugar, plain white sugar will work fine here. And also whole milk and unsalted butter, and last but not least it’s the white chocolate. This one is really up to your preference of brand and that, but of course the best quality here it’s always a great option.

Some recipes call for pistachio paste or pistachio butter, and olive oil instead of butter, but we think that pistachios give a much better taste to it and butter makes it actually creamier.

How do I make this crema al pistacchio?

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, I have used a Thermomix to make this homemade pistachio cream. But fear not, as I have a version which only requires either a blender or food processor. Let’s start with the Thermomix version first, shall we?

Place the sugar in the jug of your Thermomix and grind it for 20 seconds at speed 7. Add the pistachios and grind again for 20 seconds, this time at speed 8. You can and should repeat this process a second time if necessary.

Add the white chocolate and grind for 20 seconds at speed 8 again. Now add the milk and butter and mix for 10 minutes/50C at speed 3. It will look a little on the liquid side, but it will solidify once it gets in the fridge, so don’t worry too much.

Once ready, pour it into a jar and place it in the fridge until cold. Don’t forget it will last a couple of weeks in the fridge, but I am sure it won’t get to last that much – it surely didn’t around here.

What if I don’t have a Thermomix?

This pistachio cream spread is actually very easy to make even if you don’t own a Thermomix or similar kitchen robot, as all you will really need is a pot and a blender or food processor. Let’s see it together how to make it now.

In the jug of a blender or in a food processor, mix the sugar and pistachios until they are reduced to powder. Melt the white chocolate in a small pot with the milk, then pour it into the blender and blitz. Add the butter and blitz until fully incorporated. Pour into a clean jar and place it in the fridge until cold.

Easy peasy, as promised, you will be eating your pistachio spread – or crema al pistacchio if you want to channel your inner italian – in no time.

What is the shelf life for this pistachio cream?

You can keep this pistachio cream sauce for up to two weeks in the fridge, if it does last that long! Differently from other nut butters like peanut butter, this will need to be refrigerated as it contains dairy.

Homemade Pistachio Cream Recipe

Simona

This delicious pistachio cream is the perfect topping for toast, cake, ice cream and more!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Sweet

Cuisine Italian

Servings 1 250ml jar

Ingredients

  

• 100 g sugar
• 100 g shelled pistachios
• 100 g white chocolate
• 100 g milk
• 80 g butter

Instructions

 

• Place the sugar in the jug of your Thermomix and grind it for 20 seconds at speed 7.
• Add the pistachios and grind again for 20 seconds, this time at speed 8. Repeat this process a second time if necessary.
• Add the white chocolate and grind for 20 seconds at speed 8 again.
• Now add the milk and butter and mix for 10 minutes/50C at speed 3.
• Once ready, pour it in a jar and place it in the fridge until cold.

Notes

If you are not using a Thermomix or similar kitchen robot, you can do as follows:

1. In the jug of a blender or in a food processor, mix the sugar and pistachios until they are reduced to powder.
2. Melt the white chocolate in a small pot with the milk, then pour it into the blender and blitz.
3. Add the butter and blitz until fully incorporated. Pour into a clean jar and place it in the fridge until cold.

This pistachio cream will last in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Keyword crema al pistacchio, crema al pistachio, pistacchio cream, pistachio cream

What are the sicilian pistachio cream recipe uses?

There are plenty of uses for this pistachio cream and among these are our favourites:

• Spread it over toast, croissants, brioche, or bagels for a rich, nutty treat.
• Perfect for layering in cakes, especially pistachio or vanilla sponge cakes.
• Fill bignes, macarons, éclairs, profiteroles, cannoli, or doughnuts for a creamy surprise.
• Swirl it into cheesecake batter or as a topping
• Use it between cookie sandwiches for a pistachio twist.
• Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or crepes.
• Swirl it into yogurt, oatmeal, or porridge for a delicious breakfast upgrade.
• Stir into whipped cream or buttercream frosting for an indulgent topping.
• Use as a filling for truffles or bonbons.
• Drizzle on vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
• Blend into a pistachio milkshake or smoothie.
• Swirl into homemade gelato, granita or semifreddo for that pistachio flavor.
• Add to cookie dough or brownie batter for a pistachio-flavored bake.
• Mix into muffins, cupcakes, or pound cakes.
• Drizzle over churros or fried dough for an extra indulgence.
• Dip strawberries, bananas, apples, or biscotti into pistachio cream.
• The perfect add on to the viral dubai chocolate bars, mixed with kadayif, it will be the best combo on earth!

Do you have more pistachio recipes to suggest?

We are big fans of this green gold in our house, so between our two blogs we have plenty of pistachio recipes:

• pistachio granita: this is literally my childhood memories in a cup. I used to spend all summers in Sicily when I was a kid, and I could never have enough of granita and brioche!
• pistachio lasagna: forget about the traditional lasagna and make space for the queen of them, or how I like to call this, because this is DELICIOUS!
• homemade pistachio liqueur: there’s nothing better than this on a hot summer day, luxurious and oh so delicious and perfect to even add on ice cream or granita, should I say more?
• pistachio amaretti cookies: chewy, nutty treat with a hint of lemon zest—perfect for any occasion! Gluten free and the perfect combo of almond and pistachio flour.
• pistachio panettone: can we miss a Chistmas recipe? Pistachio never go to sleep and neither do we!
• pistachio lemon cake: give me cake with the best combo, pistachio & lemon, and we can be BFFs like me and this cake are!
• pistachio panna cotta: if you love a quick and easy dessert that is too delicious to pass, this is for you!
• almond & pistachio cookies: think like the most delicious version of the far cousin crinkle cookie and you have these!

Shop the pistachio spread recipe

There are plenty of delicious ways to use this thick homemade pistachio cream. From adding it to pastry cream to adding it to whipped cream or even use it in cakes, bakes and granita too, this beautiful cream pistachio is the one you need to have on hand at all times. Believe us.

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