Pistachio Ice Cream (Pista Ice Cream)

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Classic Pistachio ice cream (also known as pista ice cream) is a wonderfully light and nutty frozen treat that’s perfect for summer. Here you’ll find step-by-step instructions and photos to prepare our favorite easy Pistachio ice cream recipe using an ice cream maker. I also share on making the recipe without an ice cream maker in the recipe card below.

pistachio ice cream scoops in bowl with a spoon on blue table.

About Pistachio Ice Cream

Cold and sweet pistachio ice cream is great to make once the weather gets warm. It’s a creamy, rich ice cream that is still on the lighter side since there is no chocolate or overly-sweet components. Just milk and cream, sugar, and lots of nutty and delicious pistachios.

Plus, this pistachio ice cream recipe is made with an ice cream maker, so it’s a no-cook dessert, too! (Because who wants to turn the oven or stove on when it is that hot outside?)

The ingredients are quick to prep, and then everything is simply added to the machine. The ice cream maker works it’s magic, and in no time you are enjoying a frosty homemade treat.

Serve the ice cream with pistachios on it’s own or with your favorite garnishes. You can freeze some for later, and use it make other dessert recipes like Fruit Salad with Ice Cream or Falooda.

You can also make this ice cream without an ice cream maker. I share handy steps in the notes of the full recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Give my easy recipe a try and be ready to crave this lovely ice cream all summer long!

Step-by-Step Guide

How to Make Pistachio Ice Cream

Prepare the Pistachios

1. First add ¼ cup of pistachios to a food chopper, processor or grinder. Ensure that your pistachios are not salted or roasted or flavored.

pistachios in food chopper to make pistachio ice cream

2. Grind the nuts into a semi-fine powder like that in the photo below. You want the ice cream to have lots of pistachio flavor without being overly gritty.

semi-finely ground pista

3. Remove from the food processor and set aside.

pistachio powder in metal bowl

4. Now add another ¼ cup of pistachios to the food chopper or grinder.

pistachios in food chopper

5. Process or grind them to small bits or chunks, but do not pulverize. Remove and set aside.

chopped pista in food processor

Make the Pista Ice Cream Mixture

6. In a large sauce pan add ½ cup cold whole milk and ½ cup sugar.

milk and sugar in bowl

7. Whisk very well until the sugar dissolves.

whisking milk and sugar

8. Then add 2 to 2.25 cups of cold whipping or heavy cream.

cream in milk+sugar mixture in bowl

9. Whisk the cream with the milk to fully combine.

whisking cream mixture

10. Add the coarsely ground pistachio powder.

adding pista powder to cream mixture

11. If you want that classic “pistachio green” color you can mix in a few drops of natural green food color. This is optional and you can skip it.

green food coloring added to pistachio ice cream mixture

Make Pistachio Ice Cream

12. Now add this entire mixture to the ice cream maker. Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions before operating the ice cream maker. Churn the mixture until the ice cream is frozen and set.

churning pista ice cream in ice cream maker

13. Lastly, fold in the chopped pistachios with a spatula. Save a small handful of extra pistachios to add as a topping to serve, if you like.

folding pista ice cream with chopped pistachios

14. You can remove the pista ice cream and serve directly, or transfer it to a box or container to be served later.

There likely will be a bit of pistachio ice cream stuck to the walls of the ice cream maker bowl and it might be difficult to scrape it. So wait for 20 to 30 minutes to let the walls soften. Then you can easily remove the ice cream.

pista ice cream placed in container

15. I froze the ice cream for a few hours before scooping and serving. But feel free to serve immediately after making the pista ice cream.

pistachio ice cream scooped in ice cream maker

16. Serve pistachio ice cream as dessert or enjoy as a sweet snack anytime.

pistachio ice cream scoops in bowl with a spoon on blue table

FAQs

How can I garnish homemade pistachio ice cream?

Add some chopped pistachios on top for great crunch. You can also top the ice cream with whipped cream for an extra treat.

How long does the ice cream keep well?

Stored in an airtight sealed container the pistachio ice cream will keep well for up to 1 month.

Can you make pista ice cream without an ice cream maker?

Absolutely! I share easy steps in the notes of the full recipe card below.

More Ice Cream Treats!

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pistachio ice cream scoops in bowl with a spoon on blue table with text layovers

Pistachio Ice Cream (Pista Ice Cream)

Pistachio ice cream (also known as Pista ice cream) is a wonderfully light and nutty frozen treat that's perfect for summers. This easy and best pistachio ice cream is made using an ice cream maker. I also share details on making the recipe without an ice cream maker.
5 from 7 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Cuisine World
Course Desserts
Diet Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Difficulty Level Easy
Servings 18 scoops
Units

Ingredients

  • ½ cup whole milk – cold or chilled
  • ½ cup sugar – 75 grams
  • 2 to 2.25 cups whipping cream or heavy cream – 25% to 40% fat, cold or chilled
  • ½ cup pistachios – 60 grams, unsalted

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Take ¼ cup of pistachios in a food chopper or spice-grinder or mixer-grinder. Grind the pistachios to a semi-fine or fine powder. Remove and set aside.
  • Now take another ¼ cup of pistachios in the food chopper or spice-grinder or mixer-grinder. Process the nuts to small bits or chunks. Remove and keep aside.

Making pistachio ice cream mixture

  • In a pan take, the cold or chilled milk and sugar.
  • Mix very well till the sugar dissolves with a wired whisk or spoon.
  • Then add the chilled or cold cream.
  • With a wired whisk mix the cream with the milk evenly.
  • Add the coarsely ground pista powder.
  • Add a few drops of natural green food color. This is optional and you can skip it. Mix well.

Making pista ice cream

  • Now add this entire mixture in the ice cream maker. Please follow the manufacturer's instructions before operating the ice cream maker.
  • Churn the mixture till the ice cream is frozen and set.
  • Lastly add the chopped pistachios and fold in the ice cream with a spatula.
  • Now you can remove the pista ice cream and serve directly or remove it in a box or container to be served later. 
  • There will be a bit of ice cream stuck to the walls of the ice cream maker bowl and it is difficult to scrape it. So wait for some 20 to 30 minutes. Let the pista ice cream soften on the walls of the ice cream maker bowl. Then you can remove it.
  • Serve pistachio ice cream just plain or as an after meal dessert.

Notes

Pistachio ice cream without ice cream maker

  1. Firstly replace milk with sweetened condensed milk. Add powdered sugar, ground pistachios, chopped pistachios to the condensed milk. Mix very well until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.
  2. Add about ¼ to ⅓ cup powdered sugar or confectioner’s sugar in the above step. Remember to add sugar as per your taste. 
  3. Whip 2 cups heavy cream or whipping cream with an electric beater till stiff peaks.
  4. Then add the condensed milk mixture and whip again till the everything is mixed evenly. You can even fold the condensed milk mixture in the stiffly beaten whipped cream. 
  5. Pour the ice cream in a container. Cover and freeze for 5 to 6 hours or overnight until firm and set.

Nutrition Info (Approximate Values)

Nutrition Facts
Pistachio Ice Cream (Pista Ice Cream)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 137 Calories from Fat 108
% Daily Value*
Fat 12g18%
Saturated Fat 6g38%
Cholesterol 37mg12%
Sodium 13mg1%
Potassium 63mg2%
Carbohydrates 8g3%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 6g7%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 409IU8%
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) 1mg67%
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 1mg59%
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 1mg5%
Vitamin B6 1mg50%
Vitamin B12 1µg17%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Vitamin D 1µg7%
Vitamin E 1mg7%
Vitamin K 1µg1%
Calcium 29mg3%
Vitamin B9 (Folate) 3µg1%
Iron 1mg6%
Magnesium 6mg2%
Phosphorus 38mg4%
Zinc 1mg7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This Pistachio Ice Cream post from the blog archives first published in March 2017 has been updated and republished on April 2023.

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Welcome to Dassana's Veg Recipes. I share vegetarian recipes from India & around the World. Having been cooking for decades and with a professional background in cooking & baking, I help you to make your cooking journey easier with my tried and tested recipes showcased with step by step photos & plenty of tips & suggestions.

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6 Comments

    1. ruchi, in the notes section of the recipe card, i have mentioned on how to make pista ice cream without an ice cream maker. points listed below.

      firstly replace milk with condensed milk. add powdered sugar, ground pistachios, chopped pista to the condensed milk. mix very well. keep aside.
      add ¼ to ⅓ cup powdered sugar. add sugar as per your taste.
      whip the cream with an electric beater till stiff peaks.
      then add the condensed milk mixture and whip again till the everything is mixed evenly. you can even fold the condensed milk mixture in the stiffly beaten whipped cream.
      pour the ice cream in a container. cover and freeze till set.

  1. Looks lovely, had been searching for a pista ice cream recipe fr ever. Looks like you have a kitchenaid icecream maker, I have a cuisinart ice cream maker. They make making icecream and sorbets a breeze. I have stopped buying icecream from the store. Will try and let you know how it turned out.5 stars