Did you know you can make a creamy pistachio ice cream with only 4 ingredients? It’s naturally sweetened with maple syrup and gets its creaminess from blended pistachios rather than milk.
While it might sound crazy, it actually works.
This recipe is inspired by my dairy-free coffee ice cream , which uses a similar concept. The nuts add creaminess, and the sweetener prevents the ice cream from becoming “too icy” in texture. Keep this in mind if you’d like to reduce the sugar content, because it’s essential for an ice-cream-like texture.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Featured Review “HANDS DOWN THE BEST PISTACHIO ICE CREAM!!!” – Kerrie
Why You’ll Love This Pistachio Ice Cream Recipe
- It’s dairy-free. This pistachio ice cream gets its creaminess from blended pistachios, rather than milk or cream. This way you’ll get maximum pistachio flavor!
- It’s naturally sweet. All you need is pure maple syrup to sweeten this ice cream, so it shouldn’t spike your blood sugar as much as traditional ice cream might.
- It’s simple. With just 4 ingredients (and no eggs), you won’t find an easier ice cream to make.
- It’s flexible. I love this ice cream recipe with almond extract added in (this seems to be a common addition with pistachio ice cream recipes), but you can leave it out if you or a family member has an almond allergy.
- It’s vegan & gluten-free. Perfect for those following a number of special diets!
Best of all, it’s delicious. I couldn’t stop taste-testing the mixture before I poured it into the ice cream machine.
Note: Keep in mind that the flavors will mellow once the ice cream is frozen. (This happens with any recipe that you freeze.) So if the mixture tastes extra-sweet, or more flavorful than you are expecting, don’t be surprised if that flavor is slightly more diluted once the ice cream is frozen.
How to Make Pistachio Ice Cream
- Blend. Simply blend all 4 ingredients together. If you want more almond flavor or want to add a pinch of salt, now is the time to add them.
- Freeze. Pour the ice cream mixture into the frozen bowl of your ice cream maker, and process until it’s thick and creamy, about 30 to 35 minutes.
- Enjoy! As soon as the ice cream is thick, it’s ready to serve. I like to stir in a few more chopped pistachios (or you can just sprinkle them on top) for an added crunch with each bite.
Nut-based ice creams, like this one, tend to freeze very well overnight. (They won’t get as hard as a coconut milk-based ice cream.)
So, you should be able to scoop this ice cream for the next few days, if you have any leftovers.
Don’t have an Ice Cream Maker?
Instead of using an ice cream machine, you can pour the blended mixture into an airtight container and store it in the freezer until firm, about 6 to 8 hours. For the creamiest results, be sure to stir the ice cream every hour or so to help incorporate some air into the mixture.
If you don’t stir the ice cream, it will still turn out fine, just slightly more icy in texture.
IngredientsUS CustomaryMetric1x2x3x
- 1 1/2 cups shelled raw pistachios (208 grams; not salted)
- 1 1/2 cups water (12 ounces)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (155 grams)
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional; but recommended)
Instructions
- Be sure to freeze the bowl of your ice cream maker at least 24 hours in advance, if your ice cream machine requires it. In a high-speed blender, combine the pistachios, water, maple syrup, and almond extract, and blend until completely smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the frozen bowl of your ice cream maker, then process until thick and creamy, about 30 to 35 minutes.
- You can serve this ice cream right away, or stir some extra chopped pistachio pieces into it for added crunch. For a more firm ice cream, transfer it to an airtight container with a lid, and store in the freezer for 2 to 4 hours. This should give it a firmer, more scoop-able texture. Leftover ice cream can be stored in the airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Notes
Nutrition
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Vegan Pistachio Ice Cream
Equipment
- Vitamix
- Ice Cream Maker
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups shelled raw pistachios (208 grams; not salted)
- 1 1/2 cups water (12 ounces)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (155 grams)
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional; but recommended)
Instructions
- Be sure to freeze the bowl of your ice cream maker at least 24 hours in advance, if your ice cream machine requires it. In a high-speed blender, combine the pistachios, water, maple syrup, and almond extract, and blend until completely smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the frozen bowl of your ice cream maker, then process until thick and creamy, about 30 to 35 minutes.
- You can serve this ice cream right away, or stir some extra chopped pistachio pieces into it for added crunch. For a more firm ice cream, transfer it to an airtight container with a lid, and store in the freezer for 2 to 4 hours. This should give it a firmer, more scoop-able texture. Leftover ice cream can be stored in the airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
