Silky Pistachio Cream Pie Recipe: A Sweet Nutty Dream

Creamy desserts have a magical way of stealing the spotlight, and this pistachio cream pie recipe proves exactly why.

Rich, velvety, and packed with nutty goodness, this pie delivers a decadent experience that surprises and delights.

Green-hued and dreamy, the silky filling promises a flavor journey unlike any ordinary dessert.

Every forkful combines smooth custard with the distinctive crunch of fresh pistachios.

The buttery graham cracker crust provides a perfect foundation for this luxurious treat.

Each slice promises a moment of pure indulgence that transports you straight to dessert heaven.

Dive into this recipe and treat yourself to a slice of pure pistachio perfection.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 9

What You’ll Need for Pistachio Cream Pie

• Flour: Provides the delicate, crumbly base for a perfectly tender crust that melts in your mouth.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps create a delicate texture in the pie crust.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the pie.
• Butter: Delivers rich, creamy flavor and creates those heavenly flaky layers.
• Egg: Binds the crust ingredients together and adds richness.

• Pistachios: The star ingredient that brings nutty depth and vibrant green color to the filling.
• Sugar: Sweetens the luscious filling and balances the pistachio's natural earthiness.
• Cornstarch: Ensures a silky, thick pudding-like consistency.
• Salt: Brightens and deepens the overall flavor profile.
• Eggs: Provide structure and create a luxurious custard base.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and helps achieve the perfect pudding texture.
• Butter: Introduces a rich, smooth finish to the filling.
• Almond Extract: Amplifies the nutty essence and adds a subtle aromatic touch.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a tangy, rich base for the whipped cream.
• Sugar: Sweetens the topping with a delicate touch.
• Vanilla: Adds warm, comforting flavor and aroma.
• Heavy Cream: Whips into dreamy, pillowy peaks that crown the pie.
• Chopped Pistachios: Provides a crunchy, nutty garnish that adds texture and visual appeal.

Pistachio Cream Pie Essentials and Tools

• Food processor: Essential for creating pie crust and grinding pistachios into smooth butter.
• Pie plate (9-inch): Crucial for forming and baking the pie crust.
• Rolling pin: Perfect for rolling out the dough evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Medium pot: Used for cooking the pistachio pudding filling.
• Fine mesh sieve: Helps strain the pudding for a smooth texture.
• Mixer with whisk attachment: Ideal for creating the whipped cream topping.
• Whisk: Helps mix ingredients smoothly in the pudding and whipped cream.
• Parchment paper: Useful for blind baking the pie crust.
• Pie weights (or dry rice/beans): Prevents crust from puffing during initial baking.
• Fork: Used for pricking the pie crust before baking.

Baking Your Pistachio Cream Pie

• Crust Foundation

Create a delicate pastry base using flour, sugar, and butter in a food processor. The mixture should resemble soft pebbles with a delicate texture.

• Crust Preparation

Roll out the dough into a circular shape, gently draping it into a pie plate. Crimp the edges and poke small holes in the bottom. Chill the crust to ensure a perfect structure.

• Baking Transformation

Bake the crust until golden and crisp, using pie weights to maintain its shape. The goal is a perfectly structured shell ready for its creamy filling.

• Pistachio Essence

Transform raw pistachios into a rich, smooth butter by blending until oils release and create a luxurious paste. This becomes the heart of the pie’s unique flavor.

• Creamy Filling Creation

Combine pistachio butter with eggs, milk, and sweet seasonings in a pot. Cook slowly, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens into a silky pudding-like consistency.

• Cooling and Setting

Pour the pistachio filling into the baked crust, allowing it to cool naturally. Refrigerate for several hours to develop deep, rich flavors.

• Dreamy Topping

Whip cream cheese and heavy cream into a light, airy topping. Spread generously over the chilled pie, creating a cloud-like finish.

• Final Touch

Sprinkle chopped pistachios across the top for a beautiful and crunchy garnish. Serve chilled and enjoy the layers of nutty, creamy delight.

Pistachio Cream Pie: Variations to Try

• Prepare the pie crust and pistachio filling a day in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator to save time on serving day.
• Swap some pistachios with almonds or cashews to create a unique nutty flavor profile that suits your taste preferences.
• Toast the pistachios briefly before grinding to enhance their natural oils and deepen the nutty flavor, adding complexity to the pie's overall taste.
• Experiment with garnishes like chocolate shavings, caramel drizzle, or a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the visual appeal and add unexpected flavor dimensions.
• Replace the traditional flour crust with a gluten-free graham cracker or nut-based crust to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising on taste and texture.

When and How to Serve Pistachio Cream Pie

• Elegant Dessert Presentation: Slice the pie on a beautiful marble or wooden board, highlighting its creamy texture and green pistachio hues for an Instagram-worthy moment.
• Festive Garnish Options: Sprinkle additional chopped pistachios around the pie's edge, dust with powdered sugar, or add fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
• Complementary Beverage Pairing: Serve alongside a rich espresso, chai latte, or sweet dessert wine that will enhance the pistachio's nutty flavor profile and creamy consistency.
• Temperature Serving Tip: Allow the pie to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before slicing to ensure smooth, clean cuts and optimal flavor release.

Store Your Pistachio Cream Pie Like a Pro

• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store this delightful pistachio cream pie in an airtight container within the refrigerator, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days. Covering the pie prevents moisture absorption and maintains its delicate texture.
• Freezing Foundation: Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve the creamy consistency and prevent texture separation.
• Serving Temperature Secrets: Remove the pie from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the filling to soften slightly. This small waiting period enhances the flavor profile and creates a more luxurious mouthfeel.
• Topping Timing: Add the whipped cream garnish just before serving to maintain its fluffy texture and prevent liquid seepage into the pistachio filling. Fresh chopped pistachios should be sprinkled immediately to ensure maximum crunch and visual appeal.

Silky Pistachio Cream Pie Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Creamy pistachio cream pie offers a luxurious dessert experience from Mediterranean kitchens. Rich nutty flavors and silky smooth texture invite you to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (140 grams) raw shelled unsalted pistachios
• 3 cups (680 grams) milk
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 ½ cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup (30 grams) powdered sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 3 tbsps (21 grams) cornstarch
• ½ tsp (3 grams) coarse kosher salt
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 2 tbsps (30 grams) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (230 grams) heavy cream
• 2 tbsps (30 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsps (30 grams) granulated sugar (optional)
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Pulse flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a food processor. Incorporate cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then add egg and process into a cohesive dough ball.
2. Crust Shaping: Roll out dough on a flour-dusted surface, transfer to pie plate, trim edges, and crimp decoratively. Pierce bottom with fork and freeze for 15 minutes to stabilize.
3. Initial Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line crust with parchment, fill with pie weights, and bake for 20 minutes. Remove weights and continue baking for 10 more minutes until golden, then cool completely.
4. Pistachio Butter Creation: Process pistachios in food processor for 5-10 minutes until transformed into a smooth, oily paste, scraping sides as needed.
5. Filling Preparation: Combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan. Whisk in eggs, pistachio butter, and milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens and bubbles dramatically, about 8 minutes.
6. Filling Refinement: Strain pudding through a fine mesh sieve, then fold in butter and almond extract until silky smooth. Pour into prepared crust and refrigerate for minimum 3 hours.
7. Cream Topping: Whip cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until creamy. Gradually add heavy cream, beating until soft peaks form. Spread delicately over chilled pie and garnish with chopped pistachios.
8. Final Chilling: Refrigerate pie until serving, maintaining freshness for up to 24 hours.

Notes

• Chill Butter Strategically: Cut cold butter into small cubes before incorporating into flour mixture for optimal flaky crust texture.
• Handle Dough Gently: Minimal handling prevents tough pastry; overworking develops gluten and creates dense crust.
• Monitor Pudding Closely: Constant stirring prevents scorching and ensures smooth, lump-free filling consistency.
• Whip Cream Precisely: Beat cream just until soft peaks form to maintain stable, airy topping without becoming grainy or over-whipped.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg