Dreamy High Protein Pistachio Ice Cream Recipe for Summer Bliss

Whipping up a delectable high protein pistachio ice cream can transform your dessert game in unexpected ways.

Creamy textures blend perfectly with nutty undertones, creating a surprisingly indulgent treat.

Protein-packed ingredients elevate this classic dessert beyond traditional expectations.

Nutrient-dense pistachios contribute rich flavor and smooth consistency to every spoonful.

Each bite delivers a satisfying balance of sweetness and nutritional benefits.

Health-conscious dessert lovers will appreciate the smart approach to enjoying a guilt-free indulgence.

You’ll fall in love with this simple yet sophisticated frozen delight that promises both taste and wellness in one scoop.

Variations on Pistachio Protein Ice Cream

• Chocolate Pistachio Swirl: Incorporate rich dark chocolate ganache into the base, creating marbled swirls throughout the ice cream for an indulgent flavor combination.
• Honey Lavender Pistachio: Infuse the base with fragrant lavender and sweeten with local honey, adding a delicate floral note to the nutty pistachio profile.
• Salted Caramel Pistachio: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce between layers of churned ice cream, enhancing the nutty essence with a sweet-salty contrast.
• Pistachio Rose Water Fusion: Delicately blend rose water into the mixture, introducing a subtle Middle Eastern-inspired essence that complements the pistachio's natural richness.

Pairings to Enjoy with Pistachio Protein Ice Cream

Savor Sweet Harmony: Pistachio Ice Cream Pairings

• Complementary Wine Companion: Select a crisp Moscato d'Asti with light sweetness that mirrors the nutty richness of pistachio, enhancing the dessert's delicate flavor profile.
• Perfect Dessert Partner: Pair with warm honey-drizzled baklava, creating a Mediterranean-inspired flavor experience that celebrates nutty textures and sweet undertones.
• Espresso Elevation: Serve alongside a smooth, rich espresso shot to cut through the cream's richness and highlight the pistachio's subtle earthiness.
• Textural Contrast Plate: Accompany with crisp almond biscotti, providing a crunchy counterpoint to the smooth ice cream and amplifying the nutty essence.

Storage Advice for Pistachio Protein Ice Cream

Transfer leftover ice cream to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, pressing plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent freezer burn. Keep in the coldest part of the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

Wrap the container in an additional layer of aluminum foil to maintain optimal texture and prevent absorption of other freezer odors.

Remove the ice cream from the freezer 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly, allowing easier scooping and preserving the creamy consistency.

If ice cream becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for 3-5 minutes, then gently stir with a spatula to reincorporate any separated ingredients and restore smoothness.

FAQs

• Why use pistachios in this ice cream recipe?

Pistachios provide a rich, nutty flavor and contain healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants that enhance both taste and nutritional value of the dessert.

• Can I make this recipe without an ice cream maker?

You can use the no-churn method by whipping heavy cream, condensing the milk mixture, and freezing in stages, stirring every hour to break up ice crystals.

• How do I know when the pistachios are chopped correctly?

The right consistency is a slightly coarse paste with small visible chunks, which helps maintain texture and ensures even flavor distribution throughout the ice cream.

High Protein Pistachio Ice Cream Sensation

• Crack the Protein Punch: This high-protein ice cream delivers a powerful nutritional boost, making it a guilt-free treat for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious dessert lovers.
• Master Gourmet Simplicity: Despite its sophisticated flavor profile, the recipe requires minimal cooking skills, allowing even novice cooks to create a restaurant-quality dessert with ease.
• Customize Your Creamy Adventure: With simple adjustments like food coloring and garnish options, this recipe offers flexibility to match personal taste preferences and visual appeal for different occasions.
• Texture Sensation Delight: The combination of finely chopped pistachios creates a unique mouthfeel, providing delightful small chunks that add exciting texture to every creamy spoonful.

Ingredients for Pistachio Protein Ice Cream

• Heavy Cream: A rich and luxurious ingredient that provides a smooth and creamy texture to the ice cream.
• Milk: Helps create a balanced and lighter consistency in the ice cream.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps prevent ice crystals from forming during freezing.

• Pistachios: The star ingredient that provides a nutty flavor and unique green color to the ice cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm background flavor that complements the pistachios.
• Almond Extract: Offers a deep, nutty undertone that intensifies the pistachio flavor.

• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall sweetness of the ice cream.
• Green Food Coloring: Optional ingredient that creates a vibrant green color matching the pistachio theme.

How to Make High Protein Pistachio Ice Cream

Step 1: Crush Pistachio Powerhouse

Grab your food processor and pulverize pistachios until they transform into a rough paste with delightful tiny chunks. This creates an incredible nutty foundation for your creamy dessert.

Step 2: Craft Silky Smooth Base

• Heavy cream
• Milk
• Sugar

• Chopped pistachios
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract
• Pinch of salt

Optional: Add a few drops of green food coloring for a vibrant look.

Step 3: Chill and Rest

Allow the mixture to cool down to room temperature. Transfer to the refrigerator and let it relax for 4-8 hours or overnight.

This helps develop deeper flavors.

Step 4: Churn Magic

Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker.

Let it spin and transform into a dreamy soft-serve consistency following your machine’s instructions.

Step 5: Freeze and Celebrate

Scoop the churned goodness into a freezer-safe container.

Cover and freeze for minimum 2 hours until perfectly firm. When ready, serve in bowls or cones and sprinkle extra chopped pistachios on top for a crunchy finish.

Tips to Achieve Creamy Pistachio Protein Ice Cream

• Chop nuts finely but leave some small chunks to create delightful texture and bursts of nutty flavor in every bite.
• Warm cream mixture slowly and avoid boiling to prevent scorching and ensure smooth, creamy consistency.
• Add a few drops of green food coloring to achieve a vibrant, appetizing pistachio-green hue that makes the dessert visually appealing.
• Refrigerate the base for at least 4 hours to develop deep, rich flavors and help the mixture set properly before churning.
• Top each serving with extra chopped pistachios to boost crunch, flavor, and provide a beautiful, professional-looking finish.

High Protein Pistachio Ice Cream Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy pistachio ice cream delights with rich, nutty flavors packed with protein power. Smooth Mediterranean-inspired dessert provides cool comfort and satisfying nutrition for health-conscious taste buds.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup pistachios (shelled)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk

Sweeteners:

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

Flavor Enhancers and Optional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 pinch salt
• A few drops green food coloring

Additional Garnish:

• Extra pistachios (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Grind pistachios in a food processor until they create a slightly chunky paste-like consistency, ensuring some texture remains intact.
2. Heat cream, milk, and sugar in a saucepan over medium temperature, stirring gently until sugar completely dissolves without reaching a boiling point.
3. Remove from heat and incorporate ground pistachios, vanilla and almond extracts, and salt into the warm mixture. Add green food coloring for a vibrant appearance if desired.
4. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or preferably overnight to develop rich flavors.
5. Pour the thoroughly chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn for approximately 20-25 minutes until it reaches a soft, creamy consistency.
6. Transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an even layer.
7. Freeze for at least 2 hours until the ice cream firms up completely.
8. Scoop into serving dishes and garnish with additional chopped pistachios for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Notes

• Crush pistachios thoroughly to release their rich, nutty oils and enhance the overall flavor profile of the ice cream.
• Avoid boiling the cream mixture to prevent scorching and maintain a smooth, silky texture in the final dessert.
• Experiment with alternative milks like coconut or almond milk for a dairy-free version that still delivers creamy richness.
• Incorporate additional protein by blending in Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla protein powder during the churning process.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 432
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg