Pistachio butter and pistachio cream differ

This recipe uses a smooth nut butter made mainly or entirely from pistachios. Sweet pistachio spreads often contain substantial sugar, milk powder or other fats. They can make a drink, but the result and allergen profile will differ from this version.

Read the label rather than choosing solely by the green colour. Natural pistachio colour is often muted, and the milk and vanilla dilute it further. Bright colouring is not necessary for a clear nut flavour.

Smoothness begins in the jar

Even products labelled smooth can contain fine nut particles. Blending distributes them but may not turn the drink completely silky. If you prefer no detectable grain, choose a finely milled nut butter and omit chopped nuts on top.

Stirring oil back into the jar before measuring matters. A spoonful of separated oil would make the recipe greasy while supplying less pistachio substance. Loosening the measured butter with milk prevents it sticking beneath the ice cream.

Use a restrained topping

Chopped pistachios are optional and best kept fine. A large mound falls into the glass and becomes difficult to drink through a straw. A teaspoon between two servings is enough for a small contrast.

Pistachio flavour is delicate beside strong chocolate or coffee sauces. Keep the first version plain so you can judge the nut butter's contribution before adding competing flavours.

What you'll need

  • 35 g smooth unsweetened pistachio butter
  • 260 g vanilla ice cream
  • 190 ml cold milk
  • 1 tsp maple syrup, optional
  • 1 tsp finely chopped pistachios, optional

Let's make it

  1. Stir separated oil into the pistachio butter before weighing. Mix it with two tablespoons of the measured milk.
  2. Blend the loosened nut butter with remaining milk until smooth.
  3. Add scoopable ice cream and pulse until combined. Taste before adding optional maple syrup.
  4. Pour into two glasses and add optional finely chopped pistachios. Serve with a spoon if using the nut topping.

Make it your own

If using sweet pistachio spread, omit maple syrup and start with a smaller quantity, then taste.

A plant drink and dairy-free vanilla dessert are possible, but choose flavours that do not overwhelm pistachio.

Keeping it fresh

Serve immediately. Refrigerate an untouched remainder promptly, covered, and use within 24 hours. Follow the nut butter jar's storage instructions separately.

Allergen notes

Contains pistachio nuts and milk. Check for other nuts, soya or egg on product labels.