Indulging in a rich, velvety dessert is one of life’s simple pleasures, and nothing quite compares to the elegance of a classic crème brûlée. Now, imagine that luscious cream infused with the nutty, buttery flavor of pistachios – a delightful twist that elevates this beloved dessert to new heights.
Our pistachio crème brûlée recipe combines the silky texture of traditional custard with the subtle crunch and vibrant color of finely ground pistachios, making every spoonful an irresistible experience.
Whether you’re preparing a special occasion treat or simply want to impress your guests, this recipe is guaranteed to charm and satisfy.
Creme brûlée is all about balance: the creamy custard beneath a perfectly torched caramelized sugar crust. Adding pistachios not only enhances the flavor but also adds a touch of sophistication and nutritional goodness.
Ready to master this exquisite dessert? Let’s dive into the details and create a dessert that’s both stunning and scrumptious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pistachio crème brûlée recipe is a must-try for several reasons. First, the unique flavor combination of creamy vanilla custard mixed with the subtle nuttiness of pistachios offers a fresh take on a classic favorite.
Second, the recipe is surprisingly simple and straightforward, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. With a little patience during the baking and caramelizing process, you’ll achieve professional-level results that will wow your friends and family.
Lastly, this dessert is incredibly versatile. You can prepare it ahead of time, making it perfect for dinner parties or festive celebrations.
Plus, the beautiful green hue of the pistachios adds visual appeal, making it as pretty as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, finely ground
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for caramelizing
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Equipment
- 4-6 ramekins (4 oz size)
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Fine mesh sieve
- Baking dish or roasting pan (to hold ramekins)
- Kitchen torch (for caramelizing sugar)
- Food processor or spice grinder (for pistachios)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place a kitchen towel at the bottom of a large baking dish or roasting pan to prevent ramekins from sliding.
- Grind the pistachios in a food processor or spice grinder until finely ground but not turned into a paste. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, pour in the heavy cream and add the ground pistachios. Warm the mixture over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let the pistachios infuse for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.
- Slowly strain the warm cream mixture through a fine mesh sieve into the egg yolk mixture, stirring constantly to avoid cooking the eggs. Mix until fully combined.
- Pour the custard evenly into the ramekins. Place the ramekins in the prepared baking dish, then carefully pour hot water into the pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set.
- Before serving, sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar on top of each custard. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden-brown crust.
- Allow the sugar to harden for a minute or two before serving. Enjoy the satisfying crack of the caramelized sugar topping before digging into the creamy pistachio custard.
Tips & Variations
For a smoother custard, be sure to strain the cream mixture before combining it with the eggs.
Use a kitchen torch for the best caramelized sugar crust. If you don’t have one, broil the ramekins for 1-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
For a nut-free variation, replace pistachios with finely ground almonds or hazelnuts, though the unique pistachio flavor is hard to beat.
Try adding a splash of rose water or orange blossom water to the custard for a subtle floral note that complements the pistachios beautifully.
For extra crunch, garnish the top with chopped roasted pistachios just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 ramekin) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Fat | 27 g |
| Saturated Fat | 15 g |
| Cholesterol | 210 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
Serving Suggestions
This pistachio crème brûlée is best served chilled, right after caramelizing the sugar crust. Pair it with a fresh berry compote or a few raspberries on the side to add a pop of tartness and color contrast.
A glass of dessert wine, like Sauternes or Moscato d’Asti, complements the creamy sweetness perfectly. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with a cup of strong espresso or green tea to balance the richness.
Consider finishing your meal with a light salad or a cheese platter to keep the overall dining experience balanced and refreshing.
Conclusion
Our pistachio crème brûlée recipe offers a luxurious twist on a timeless dessert, combining the smooth, creamy custard with the unique flavor and texture of pistachios. This dessert is not only visually stunning with its delicate green tint but also deeply satisfying with its rich yet subtle nutty notes.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying crème brûlée for the first time, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. With a few simple techniques and some quality ingredients, you can create an elegant dessert that’s sure to impress any guest or delight your family.
Give it a try, and savor every spoonful of this luscious pistachio-infused treat!
For more exquisite dessert ideas, check out our Classic Vanilla Crème Brûlée, Chocolate Mousse, and Lemon Tart recipes to keep your sweet tooth satisfied.
📖 Recipe Card: Pistachio Creme Brulee
Description: A rich and creamy custard infused with pistachio flavor, topped with a crisp caramelized sugar crust. Perfectly elegant dessert for special occasions.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT1H5M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, finely ground
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Warm heavy cream and ground pistachios in a saucepan until steaming; remove from heat and let steep 15 minutes.
- Whisk egg yolks and granulated sugar until pale.
- Slowly whisk cream mixture into egg yolks, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Strain mixture and pour into ramekins.
- Place ramekins in a baking dish; add hot water halfway up sides.
- Bake 40-45 minutes until custards are set but slightly jiggly.
- Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 2 hours.
- Sprinkle brown sugar on top and caramelize with a torch before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 30 g | Carbs: 15 g
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