Creamy, sweet, and nutty Pistachio Ice cream made without an ice cream machine. It’s unbelievably easy to make and so good!

Ingredients you’ll need for the best Pistachio Ice Cream Recipe

Only 5 simple ingredients are needed to make this homemade ice cream, found in any grocery store:

Heavy whipping cream: This is the main ingredient that gives the ice cream its creamy texture. When you whip it up, it gets fluffy and adds that rich, creamy taste, and it’s needed for a no-churn ice cream.
Sweetened condensed milk: This sweet, thick milk helps bind everything together. It adds sweetness and creaminess without needing an Ice cream maker.
Vanilla extract: A little splash of vanilla extract brings out the flavors and adds a hint of sweetness that makes the ice cream taste even better.
Almond extract: A bit of almond extract adds a subtle nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the pistachios. It’s like a little flavor boost that takes the ice cream to the next level.
Roasted and salted pistachios: The star of the show! These crunchy, salty nuts give the ice cream flavor and add a satisfying texture. Plus, roasting them brings out their natural nuttiness, making the ice cream even tastier.

Put them all together, and you’ve got yourself the best homemade pistachio ice cream ever, without needing any fancy equipment. Just mix, freeze, and enjoy!

How to make this Pistachio Ice Cream Recipe

Using a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream for the ice cream base until stiff peaks form (freeze whisk and metal bowl for 10 minutes for a quicker process)

Add condensed milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract and mix until well incorporated. Fold in with a rubber spatula the ground pistachios into the ice cream mixture, until evenly distributed

Place the mixture in a loaf pan or any freezer-safe container, smooth with the back of a spoon, and top with the remaining chopped pistachios. Cover, and freeze for 6-8 hours

How do you intensify pistachio flavor?

To intensify the pistachio flavor in this amazing ice cream I used both Vanilla and Almond extract. Both enhance the pistachio flavor and give a heavenly depth of flavor to it, so don’t leave them out!

Also, the addition of salt helps bring the pistachio flavor out. In this case, I used roasted and salted pistachios -simply because they’re easier to find- and then developed the recipe accordingly, omitting any extra sea salt in the recipe.

What flavors pair well with Pistachio?

Pistachios are easily paired with many flavors, so if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding any of these add-ons to your ice cream:

White, Dark and milk Chocolate
Mint
Citrus flavors like orange, lemon, mandarin, lime and blood orange
Raspberry
Blackberry
Cherries
Dried Fruits like cranberries, dates, apricots or figs
Almonds
Pumpkin
Coconut
Cardamom
Chai
Honey
Pear

Tips and Tricks for making the best Pistachio Ice Cream

Using high quality ingredients really makes a difference in how your final ice cream turns out, so make sure to use them!
Heavy cream rises quicker when the whisk attachment and metal bowl are cold, so freeze them for 10 minutes before beating the chilled heavy cream for a quicker process
If you’d like a softer consistency, beat the whipping cream until soft peaks form. For a harder consistency, beat to stiff peaks.
If you’d like your ice cream to have a greener shade of pink, add a few drops of green food coloring. The shade you see in the images above comes from a naturally colored ice cream.
Make sure you freeze the ice cream for at least 6 hours before serving it to ensure it’s completely set
Remove it from the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes before serving
Store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer, covered with plastic wrap and the lid on top to prevent ice crystals from forming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?

No, sweetened condensed milk is essential for this recipe because it adds sweetness and creaminess without needing additional sugar or thickening agents.

Can I substitute almond extract with another flavor?

If you don’t have almond extract or prefer a different flavor, you can omit it altogether or substitute it with another extract like coconut or rum. However, keep in mind that it will alter the taste of the final ice cream.

Can I use unsalted pistachios instead of roasted and salted ones?

Yes, you can use unsalted pistachios, but the flavor will be different. Roasted and salted pistachios add a unique flavor profile to the ice cream, so if you use unsalted pistachios, you may need to add a pinch of salt and adjust the saltiness of the overall mixture.

How long does it take for the ice cream to freeze?

After you’ve mixed all the ingredients and poured them into a container, it typically takes around 4-6 hours for the ice cream to freeze completely. However, freezing times may vary depending on your freezer’s temperature and the size of the container.

Can I add other mix-ins to the ice cream?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your pistachio ice cream with additional mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even swirls of caramel or chocolate sauce. Just be sure not to overcrowd the mixture to maintain the creamy texture.

How long will the homemade ice cream last in the freezer?

Homemade pistachio ice cream can typically last in the freezer for up to 3 months. However, for the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to consume it within the first 2 weeks.