Taste the Trend: Pistachio Cream Recipe & Inspiration Guide

From elegant pastries to vibrant cocktails, pistachio cream is popping up everywhere. Its delicate nuttiness and subtle sweetness make it a truly irresistible treat, and it's easy to see why it's become the latest food craze.

How to Make it at Home

First things first, a few tips from us to you. Use the best stuff, that means grabbing those high-quality pistachios for the tastiest cream. Need it thick? Add a bit more white chocolate. Want it a bit runnier? A splash of milk will do the trick. Made a big batch? No worries! Pop it in an airtight container in the fridge and it'll be good for up to two weeks. Easy peasy.

Fancy giving it a go yourself? Here's how to make your own pistachio butter and cream at home…

Must-Try Pistachio Cream Recipes

Once you've got your pistachio cream, the possibilities are endless! Fill croissants with it, swirl it into cakes, or use it as a topping for your favourite desserts. Even try adding a touch of sweet nuttiness to your favourite cocktails. Alternatively, if you’re feeling adventurous add the pistachio butter into some savoury dishes, the flavour combinations might just pleasantly surprise you. Here are some of our favourite ways to incorporate pistachio cream into recipes…

Pistachio Sweet Treats

Get ready to bake something delicious! Pistachio cream is perfect for adding a touch of luxury to your puddings and sweet treats. Whether you're layering cakes, filling pastries, or simply swirling it through ice cream, the possibilities really are endless. 

Pistachio has a strong flavour, so don't go overboard. A bit of chocolate, a touch of vanilla, or a squeeze of citrus will keep things balanced and delightful. Find our inspiration and ideas below:

Cakes: Use pistachio cream as a filling between layers of cake or even fill cupcakes with it, for a more subtle infusion swirl pistachio cream through a classic cheesecake batter. You can also combine pistachio cream with your toppings like buttercream or cream cheese frosting for a unique colour and flavour.

Pastries: Spread pistachio cream on croissants for a decadent breakfast or dessert. Fill danishes with pistachio cream and bake for a delicious pastry. For a more subtle infusion, layer puff pastry with pistachio cream and sugar before folding and baking into palmiers.

Cookies: Fill sandwich cookies with pistachio cream for a delightful treat. For a touch of elegance, fill thumbprint cookies with pistachio cream and top with a sprinkle of chopped pistachios.

Puddings: Add a few teaspoons of the pistachio cream into the coffee and mascarpone mixture in a tiramisu recipe for a unique twist. For a truly indulgent treat, swirl pistachio cream through vanilla ice cream.

Breakfast: Top pancakes or waffles with pistachio cream and fresh fruit for a delicious and refreshing breakfast. Or if you’re counting your calories you can also use pistachio cream as a delightful topping for fruit.

Pistachio Cocktails

Fancy a tipple with a twist? Our pistachio cream isn't just for baking, you know. Give your vodka, gin, or rum a creamy kick by mixing it with our pistachio cream. For a showstopper, float a spoonful of pistachio cream on top of your favourite cocktail or dip the rim of your glass in pistachio cream before pouring – it's a real eye-catcher. Looking for something extra special? Try infusing your favourite spirit with pistachio cream for a unique flavour. 

Not sure what flavours to pair pistachio cream with? Try chocolate liqueur or cocoa nibs for a rich and decadent cocktail. Alternatively for a refreshing cocktail combine pistachio cream with citrus juices like lemon, lime, or orange for a vibrant and zesty cocktail. Now go on, get mixing and enjoy an exquisite cocktail.

Pistachio Martini: Combine vanilla vodka, pistachio cream, white chocolate liqueur and irish cream in a shaker and shake well. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped pistachio pieces.

Green Velvet: Blend pistachio cream, ice cream, cream liqueur, and a splash of milk for a velvety and decadent cocktail.

Pistachio Sour: Mix bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a spoonful of pistachio cream. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a lemon twist and pistachio.

Mediterranean Mist: Combine gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and a spoonful of pistachio cream. Top with soda water and garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprig of mint.

Pistachio Savoury Dishes

While pistachio is primarily associated with sweet treats, its versatility extends to savory dishes too! You can use pistachio butter in a sauce for pasta, grilled meats, or roasted veggies. Spread it on sandwiches, wraps, or crackers for a tasty twist. Even try combining it with cheese or yogurt for a dip that'll have your guests asking for more.

To neutralise the distinct sweet nuttyness you can add a dash of vinegar, sprinkle of herbs, roasted garlic, smoked paprika, or even a bit of harissa for a kick. If you need it a bit thinner add a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of lemon juice. Don't be afraid to experiment and get creative! Here are some ways to incorporate pistachio cream into your culinary repertoire:  

Pistachio Pesto Chicken: Create a flavorful pesto by blending pistachio butter, olive oil, garlic, parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Toss with cooked chicken and serve on sandwiches, salads, or pasta.

Pistachio Crusted Salmon: Combine the pistachio butter with breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices. Coat salmon fillets in the mixture and bake or pan-fry for a crispy, flavorful crust.  

Roasted Vegetables with Pistachio vinaigrette: Try a twist next time you roast vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus. Drizzle with a simple vinaigrette made with pistachio butter, lemon juice, and olive oil.  

Goat Cheese and Pistachio Dip: Blend goat cheese or feta with pistachio butter, garlic, and herbs for a creamy and flavorful dip. Serve with crackers, pita bread, or vegetables.

The Future of Pistachio Cream

Will this trend be a fleeting fancy, or is pistachio here to stay? We reckon it's here to stay! We're already seeing chefs getting creative with flavour combinations, from pistachio and rose to pistachio and cardamom. The future of pistachio cream looks bright, and we can't wait to see what delicious creations come next.

Fancy experimenting with pistachio cream yourself? Grab your ingredients and get baking! Don't forget to share your creations with us on social media using the #MorrisonsRecipe – we love to see what creations you've whipped up. 

For more trending food news and delicious recipe inspiration head to the Morrisons blog.