Costco Pistachio Cream Recipe

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I was ecstatic to stumble upon this Pisti Pistachio Cream during my routine Costco adventures. It wasn’t long before I daydreamed about all the creative ways to incorporate this velvety delight into my culinary creations. Trust me, once you’ve had a taste, you too will conjure up all kinds of heavenly Costco Pistachio Cream recipes.

How to make Costco Pistachio Cream

Costco Pistachio Cream is a spread or dessert cream available at Costco stores. It is typically made from pistachios, sugar, and other ingredients to create a smooth, sweet, and nutty paste. The cream can be used in various ways, such as a topping for toast, pancakes, or waffles, a filling for pastries, or as an ingredient in baking.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups raw, unsalted pistachios
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup honey or agave syrup (for a vegan alternative)
• 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• Optional: 2-4 tablespoons almond milk (or any plant-based milk) for creamier consistency

Equipment:

• Food processor
• Spatula
• Jar with an airtight lid for storage

Instructions:

1. Prep the Pistachios: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pistachios on a baking sheet in a single layer. Toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until they become fragrant and slightly darker. Let them cool to room temperature after toasting.
2. Process the Nuts: Transfer the cooled pistachios into your food processor. Pulse until the nuts are finely ground. This could take several minutes. Be patient, as this is the foundation of your cream.
3. Add Sweeteners and Oil: Once the pistachios have reached a sandy texture, add the sugar, honey (or agave syrup), melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend until the mixture becomes smoother.
4. Adjust Consistency: Evaluate the consistency of your pistachio cream. If it appears too thick, gradually add almond milk (or any plant-based milk of your choice) one tablespoon at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition until you reach the desired creaminess.
5. Transfer and Store: Use a spatula to transfer your pistachio cream into an airtight jar. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Tips for Perfect Pistachio Cream:

• Quality of Ingredients: Use high-quality, fresh pistachios for the best flavor. The quality of your pistachios can greatly affect the final taste of your cream.
• Oil Choice: We suggest coconut oil for its neutral taste and solid state at room temperature, which helps thicken the cream. However, feel free to experiment with other oils based on your preference.
• Sweetness Adjustments: Adjust the amount of sugar and honey based on your preference for sweetness. You can start with less and add more as needed while blending.
• Smoothness: For an ultra-smooth, spreadable cream, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any remaining larger particles. This step is optional and based on personal texture preference.
• Usage Ideas: Beyond spreading it on toast, consider using your homemade pistachio cream as a dip for fruit, a filling for pastries or cakes, or even as a decadent drizzle over ice cream.

Ways to Serve Costco Pistachio Cream

Nothing quite elevates a snack or dessert like a sumptuous spread, and if you’re a fan of pistachios, the Costco Pistachio Cream can transform ordinary dishes into something extraordinarily delicious.

On Toast:

Breakfast Brilliance: Spread it generously over toasted sourdough or brioche, and top with banana slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a quick and satisfying breakfast.

With Desserts:

• Upgrade Your Pastries: For a special treat, fill croissants, crepes, or puff pastry turnovers with pistachio cream. It can also be used as a layer in parfaits or trifles, alternating with layers of crushed cookies, whipped cream, and berries.
• Cake Frosting Alternative: Use it as a cupcake frosting or drizzle it over cakes. It pairs wonderfully with flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and raspberry.
• Enhance Your Ice Cream: A dollop of pistachio cream on top of vanilla or chocolate ice cream adds a gourmet touch. Mix it into homemade ice cream before freezing for a swirled effect.

As a Dip or Spread:

• Fruit Dip: Serve it as a dip with an assortment of fresh fruit, such as apple slices, pears, or strawberries. The cream’s richness contrasts beautifully with the fruits’ freshness and acidity.
• Cheese Boards: Serve cream on cheese boards along with nuts, fruits, and various cheeses; the cream’s nutty sweetness complements both soft and hard cheeses.
• Bagels and More: Spice up your morning bagels by using pistachio cream instead of regular cream cheese spread.

In Beverages:

• Flavorful Coffee or Hot Chocolate Stirrer: Stir a spoonful into your coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful twist.
• Smoothies: Blend it into your smoothies for added richness and flavor, especially delicious with banana or chocolate-based smoothies.

Ingredients Substitutes

Whether you’re making your version of Costco Pistachio Cream at home because you love the taste but want to customize it or because you can’t get your hands on the actual product, substituting ingredients is a straightforward way to tailor it to your preferences or dietary needs.

Pistachios

• Almonds or Cashews: If pistachios are hard to come by or you are looking for a more affordable option, almonds or cashews are excellent substitutes. They still provide a nutty flavor and creamy texture.
• For Allergies: Consider using sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version. The flavor profile will change, but you’ll still achieve a creamy, spreadable consistency.

Sugar

• Honey or Maple Syrup: If you prefer natural sweeteners, honey or maple syrup can be good options. They also add a unique flavor. Adjust the amount as they might be sweeter than regular sugar.
• Sugar Substitutes: For a lower-calorie option, use stevia or erythritol. Be mindful of conversion rates as these can be much sweeter than sugar.

Vegetable Oil

• Coconut Oil: Offers a slight coconut flavor and a very creamy texture. It’s solid at room temperature, so the consistency of the cream might be slightly thicker.
• Butter: For a richer flavor, butter can be used. It’s best to use unsalted butter to control the overall saltiness of the cream.

Milk Powder

• Almond or Soy Milk Powder: For a dairy-free version, these milk powders offer a similar texture without using dairy.
• Coconut Milk Powder: Adds a coconut flavor and creaminess, suitable for dairy-free alternatives.
• For a complete omission: If you can’t find suitable substitutes or wish to omit them, increase the nuts and oil slightly to compensate for the creaminess.

Salt

• Using a different type of salt (e.g., Himalayan pink salt, sea salt) is more about preference rather than necessity. Each brings a slight variance to the overall flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

Making your Costco pistachio cream at home allows you to tweak the recipe to your liking, experimenting with the sweetness and texture until it’s just right.

More Cream Recipes:

• Homemade Silk Almond Creamer Recipe
• Wedding Cake Creamer Recipe
• Chocolate Covered Strawberry Creamer Recipe