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The Secret to Irresistibly Dreamy Pistachio Cream (Only 4 Ingredients!)

Have you seen them? I’m talking about those gorgeous, crackly chocolate bars flooding your social media feeds, hiding a ridiculously vibrant green filling. That magical ingredient is Pistachio Cream, and the moment I saw it, I knew I had to have it. My first attempt, however, involved a disappointing trip to the store that ended with a jar of brownish-green paste that tasted more like sugar than actual pistachios.

I knew there had to be a better way. I became obsessed with recreating that luxurious, nutty, and brilliantly green cream I saw online. After a bit of experimenting in my own kitchen, I finally cracked the code. This recipe isn’t just a substitute for the store-bought stuff; it’s a complete upgrade, and I promise it’s so much easier to make than you think.

This simple recipe will empower you to create the most decadent desserts, upgrade your breakfast toast, or just have a secret spoonful straight from the fridge (we’ve all been there). You are about to unlock a whole new level of homemade goodness. Are you ready to dive in?

A close-up shot of a small glass jar filled with creamy, vibrant green pistachio cream. A small spoon is dipped into the cream, and shelled pistachios are scattered around the base of the jar on a light-colored surface.
Table of Contents

What Exactly is Pistachio Cream? (And Why It’s Better Homemade)

So what is this glorious green stuff, anyway? Pistachio Cream is a sweet, silky spread made from ground pistachios. Think of it as the sophisticated, dessert-ready cousin to standard nut butters. Its purpose in life is pure indulgence, bringing a rich, nutty flavor and a velvety texture to anything it touches.

Making it at home means you control everything. You decide the level of sweetness, you use high-quality ingredients, and you get to skip the preservatives and artificial colors that often find their way into commercial versions. The result is a fresher, more intensely flavored cream with a beautiful, natural color that no store-bought jar can truly replicate.

Pistachio Cream vs. Pistachio Butter

Now, you might be wondering, “Is pistachio cream the same as pistachio butter?” That’s a great question, and the answer is no, they aren’t quite the same. Pistachio butter is typically made from 100% ground pistachios, sometimes with a little salt. It’s thick, rich, and has a pure, unadulterated nutty taste, making it great for savory dishes or as a simple spread.

Pistachio Cream, on the other hand, is a sweetened and enriched version. We add powdered sugar for a dessert-like sweetness and oil to create that signature, irresistibly smooth and creamy texture. One is a simple nut butter; the other is a luxurious sweet spread, ready to transform your desserts.

The Ingredients for Liquid Gold

You’ll love that this recipe requires just four simple ingredients to create something truly special. There are no strange additives or hard-to-find items here, just pure, simple goodness.

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

  • 2 cups raw unsalted pistachios
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup avocado oil (plus more if you want a thinner consistency)

A Closer Look at the Key Players

I choose every ingredient with purpose, and in a recipe this simple, the quality of each one really shines through. For the best Pistachio Cream, I strongly recommend using raw, unsalted pistachios. Using raw nuts preserves that stunning, vibrant green color we’re looking for. Unsalted nuts give you complete control over the final flavor, ensuring it’s perfectly balanced.

I use avocado oil because its neutral flavor lets the pistachio taste be the star of the show. It also helps create an incredibly smooth texture. If you don’t have any on hand, another neutral-flavored oil like a light olive oil or even melted coconut oil could work in a pinch.

How to Make Pistachio Cream: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now for the fun part! Grab your food processor, and let’s make some magic. The entire process is surprisingly quick, and you’ll be amazed watching a few simple ingredients transform into a luscious cream right before your eyes.

① Create the Base: First, place your raw pistachios into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse them until they break down into a fine, sandy texture that looks a bit like breadcrumbs. This should only take about a minute. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl a couple of times to make sure every last bit gets blended evenly.

② Add the Sweetness: Next, add the powdered sugar and salt to the ground pistachios. Pop the lid back on and blend for another 30 seconds. This step ensures the sweetness is perfectly incorporated before we add the oil.

③ Transform to Cream: With the food processor running on its low setting, begin to slowly drizzle the avocado oil in a steady stream. This is where the transformation happens! You’ll see the sweet powder magically turn into a gloriously smooth and creamy spread. If you want a thinner, more drizzly consistency, you can add another tablespoon of oil until it’s just right.

④ Cool & Store: Transfer your freshly made pistachio cream to an airtight jar or container. The cream might be slightly warm from the friction of the blender, so let it cool down completely before sealing it and placing it in the refrigerator. This helps it maintain that perfect silky texture.

⑤ Enjoy the Magic: You can store the cream in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks—if it lasts that long, which, let’s be honest, it won’t. Use it right away on toast, with desserts, or just grab a spoon and dig in.

A glass jar filled with a smooth, creamy beige spread, featuring a perfect swirl on top. The jar sits on a speckled saucer on a dark wooden table, with its glass lid resting nearby.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Pistachio Cream

One of the best things about this recipe is how you can easily tweak it to match your exact preferences. Once you have the basic method down, you can play around to create your perfect version. Have you ever thought about how one tiny tweak can completely transform a recipe?

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A close-up shot of a small glass jar filled with creamy, vibrant green pistachio cream. A small spoon is dipped into the cream, and shelled pistachios are scattered around the base of the jar on a light-colored surface.

The Secret to Irresistibly Dreamy Pistachio Cream (Only 4 Ingredients!)


  • Author: Hilary PARKER
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This is the exact emerald-green magic that makes Dubai chocolate bars so irresistible, and now you can make it at home with just 4 simple ingredients.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Pistachio Cream:

  • 2 cups raw unsalted pistachios
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup avocado oil (plus more if needed for consistency)

Instructions

Create the Base: Place the raw pistachios in a food processor and pulse until they break down into a fine, breadcrumb-like texture. Scrape down the sides as needed – this should take about 1 minute of pulsing to get the perfect consistency.

Add Sweetness: Add the powdered sugar and salt to the ground pistachios. Blend for another 30 seconds, allowing the sugar to incorporate evenly and enhance that beautiful pistachio flavor.

Transform to Cream: With the food processor running continuously, slowly drizzle in the avocado oil in a steady stream. Watch as the mixture transforms from a sweet powder into a gloriously smooth and creamy pistachio spread. If you prefer a more fluid consistency, add additional oil one tablespoon at a time.

Cool & Store: Transfer the pistachio cream to an airtight container and allow it to cool completely before refrigerating. The mixture may warm up during blending, so cooling helps maintain that perfect silky texture. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks – if it lasts that long!

Enjoy the Magic: Use immediately for Dubai chocolate bars, spread on toast, swirl into yogurt, drizzle over pancakes, or simply enjoy by the spoonful. This makes about 1½ cups of pure pistachio heaven.

Notes

Don’t rush the blending process! At first, your pistachios will look like nothing more than crumbs, but keep going – the magic happens with time. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides frequently. The key to that perfect silky texture is patience and using a neutral oil like avocado oil that won’t compete with the delicate pistachio flavor. Fresh oil is crucial – even slightly rancid oil will be noticeable in this delicate spread!

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 tablespons
  • Calories: 150Kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g

Here are a few of my favorite tips and variations:

  • For a Thinner Consistency: If you dream of a Pistachio Cream that you can easily drizzle over pancakes or ice cream, simply add a bit more avocado oil while the food processor is running. Add one tablespoon at a time until you reach that perfect, flowy texture.
  • For a Sweeter Kick: Do you have a major sweet tooth? Feel free to add another tablespoon or two of powdered sugar with the first batch of sugar and salt. The joy of homemade means you get to be the boss of the sweetness level.
  • Give it a Flavor Boost: For a touch of warmth and complexity, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a tiny pinch of ground cardamom during the final blending stage. It’s a simple addition that can add a whole new layer of flavor.
  • To Roast or Not to Roast?: For a deeper, toastier, and more intense nut flavor, you can lightly roast your pistachios in the oven before blending. Just be aware that this will change the color of your cream from a vibrant green to a more subdued, brownish-green. It’s a trade-off between color and flavor!

What is Pistachio Cream Used For? (Hint: Everything!)

So, you’ve made a jar of this glorious green cream. What do you do with it now? The possibilities are nearly endless, and this cream elevates everything it touches. These ideas work whether you’ve made a fresh batch from this recipe or are looking for ways to use a store-bought version, like the popular one from Costco.

Here are some of my favorite ways to use Pistachio Cream:

  • Create Viral Chocolate Bars: Use it as the star filling for those famous Dubai chocolate bars.
  • Elevate Your Breakfast: Spread it generously on toast, croissants, or warm brioche.
  • Drizzle it on Everything: Gently warm the cream and drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, or a bowl of French vanilla ice cream.
  • Swirl it In: Add a decadent swirl to your morning yogurt, oatmeal, or even a smoothie.
  • Use it as a Filling: It makes a fantastic filling for homemade macarons, cakes, donuts, and tarts.
  • Serve it as a Dip: It’s a surprisingly delicious dip for fresh fruits like strawberries, apples, and figs.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pistachio Cream

I get a lot of questions about this recipe, so I’ve gathered the most common ones here to help you out!

Is pistachio cream the same as pistachio butter?

No, they are different. Pistachio butter is typically just 100% ground pistachios, making it thick and purely nutty. Pistachio Cream is a sweeter, smoother dessert spread that has added sugar and oil to give it a luscious, creamy texture.

What is pistachio cream used for?

You can use it for almost anything! It’s famously used in chocolate bars, as a spread on toast, a topping for ice cream and pancakes, a filling for pastries, or a swirl in your morning yogurt.

What do you do with Costco pistachio cream?

You can use it in all the same ways you would use this homemade version! It’s great as a spread, a dessert topping, a pastry filling, or a dip for fruit.

Can I buy pistachio cream at Walmart?

Availability can vary greatly by location and what’s in stock. Sometimes you can find it in the aisle with other nut butters and spreads or on Walmart’s online marketplace. However, since it can be tricky to find, making this simple 4-ingredient recipe at home is a guaranteed way to get your hands on it!

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Conclusion

And there you have it! In just a few simple steps, you’ve turned a handful of pistachios into a jar of pure, liquid gold. You’ve seen how easy it is to create a Pistachio Cream that outshines anything you can buy at the store, free of preservatives and full of fresh, vibrant flavor.

Now I’d love to hear from you. I invite you to try this recipe and make it your own. What will you create first with your homemade pistachio cream? Drop a comment below and share your delicious creations or any fun variations you discover!

Happy cooking—I know you’ll fall in love with the simple magic of making this treat from scratch.

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