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Best Italian Pistachio Cream (Crema di Pistacchio)

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Italian Pistachio Cream (Crema di Pistacchio) is a luxurious, intensely flavored spread that embodies the essence of Sicilian indulgence. Made with high-quality pistachios, sugar, and a touch of oil, this creamy delight is versatile and addictive. It’s perfect for spreading on toast, swirling into yogurt, filling pastries, or simply enjoying straight from the jar with a spoon. The vibrant green color and distinct nutty flavor make it a true sensory experience, transporting you to the sun-kissed landscapes of Italy with every bite. Unlike mass-produced pistachio spreads, this homemade version ensures the authentic taste and texture that only the finest ingredients can provide.

Ingredients

Scale

Gather these ingredients to make your Best Italian Pistachio Cream (Crema di Pistacchio):

  • 1 cup (150g) shelled, unsalted pistachios (preferably Sicilian pistachios, if available)
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 23 tablespoons neutral oil (such as grapeseed or sunflower oil)
  • Pinch of sea salt (optional, but recommended)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)

Instructions

Prepare the Pistachios:

  1. Blanch the Pistachios (Optional): Blanching the pistachios helps to remove the thin brown skin, resulting in a smoother and more vibrant green cream. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the pistachios and boil for 1 minute. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water.

  2. Peel the Pistachios (Optional): Gently rub the pistachios between your fingers to remove the skins. This step can be time-consuming, but it’s worth it for the best color and texture. Don’t worry if you can’t get all the skins off.

  3. Dry the Pistachios: Spread the peeled pistachios (or unpeeled if you skipped the blanching step) on a clean kitchen towel and pat them dry.

Make the Pistachio Cream:

  1. Grind the Pistachios: Place the pistachios and sugar in a food processor. Process until the pistachios are finely ground into a powder. This may take a few minutes, and you may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally.

  2. Add Oil and Blend: With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the oil, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the mixture starts to come together and form a smooth paste. Add more oil if needed, but be careful not to add too much, as the cream can become too liquid.

  3. Add Salt and Vanilla (Optional): Add the sea salt and vanilla extract (if using) and process for a few seconds to combine.

  4. Adjust Consistency (Optional): If you prefer a thinner cream, add a little more oil, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Store and Enjoy:

  1. Store: Transfer the pistachio cream to an airtight jar or container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

  2. Enjoy: Spread on toast, croissants, or pastries. Use as a filling for cakes, cookies, or macarons. Top ice cream, yogurt, or fruit. Swirl into coffee or hot chocolate. Or simply enjoy by the spoonful!

Equipment

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