Pistachio Panna Cotta is a silky and rich dessert that combines the creamy texture of panna cotta with the nutty flavor of pistachios.
Pistachio panna cotta is a creamy, elegant dessert that combines the rich flavor of pistachios with the smooth, velvety texture of classic Italian panna cotta. This indulgent treat is made by gently heating cream with sugar and gelatin, then blending it with finely ground pistachios or pistachio paste to create a nutty, aromatic custard. Once chilled, it sets into a delicate, jiggly pudding that feels luxurious with every spoonful.
The beauty of pistachio panna cotta lies in its subtle gentle flavor and simplicity. The pistachios add a distinct nuttiness that complements the cream’s richness without overpowering it. A touch of vanilla or almond extract enhances the flavor profile, while the natural green hue from the nuts gives the dessert an earthy, sophisticated appearance. Served in individual glasses or unmolded onto dessert plates, it makes a lovely presentation for dinner parties, holidays, or a quiet indulgence at home.
Pistachio panna cotta pairs beautifully with a range of toppings. A drizzle of honey or dark chocolate sauce brings out its depth, while crushed pistachios add texture and crunch. For a brighter note, consider adding a spoonful of berry compote or fresh raspberries, which cut through the richness with a touch of acidity. You can also incorporate a thin biscuit or tuile for contrast and elegance.
As a make-ahead dessert, panna cotta is incredibly convenient. It requires no baking, can be prepared in advance, and only needs a few hours in the fridge to set. The result is a perfectly smooth and flavorful dessert with minimal effort. Pistachio panna cotta is a wonderful way to showcase simple ingredients in a refined, satisfying form that’s both comforting and elevated.

Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream for the base
- 1 cup whole milk for the base
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure
- 2 1/2 teaspoons gelatin unflavored, powder form
- 3 tablespoons cold water to bloom gelatin
- 1/2 cup pistachio paste store-bought or homemade
- 1/4 cup crushed pistachios for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, milk, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is heated, but not boiling.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and pistachio paste until well combined.
- Add the bloomed gelatin to the warm mixture and stir until it is completely dissolved.
- Pour the mixture into four serving glasses or molds. Allow it to cool slightly before covering with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
- To serve, top with crushed pistachios and enjoy.
Wow, what a treat! I shared this with my friends and they loved it. So creamy and nutty. Perfect dessert!
Glad you and your friends enjoyed it! The creaminess is wonderful, isn’t it? I can’t wait to make this again.
I tried making this but I think I messed up with the gelatin. It didn’t set properly! I need help.
This panna cotta was delicious! I added a little extra pistachio paste for more flavor. Will definitely make again!
I tried this recipe, but it didn’t firm up. What did I do wrong?
Maybe you didn’t let it chill long enough? It needs time to set properly! Mine turned out great!
You probably missed the gelatin blooming step. That’s super important! Did you do that?
Is it normal for panna cotta to be so sweet? Next time, I’m reducing sugar!
I dunno, mine turned out kinda soupy. Followed the recipe but something was off.
Delicious dessert! My family loved it and asked for more. Thumbs up!
This is sooo good, I made it twice this week. Pure heaven!
So rich and creamy, just like I like. Will make again for sure. Yum!
This was a hit at our dinner party! Everyone loved it.
Y’all this is TOO rich for me. Why do people love panna cotta so much? I prefer cake.
Gelatin is weird. I don’t like how it feels. But my hubby liked it a lot!
Gelatin is odd, I agree! But like it or not, it sure does give a nice texture. Did you know you can make panna cotta without it? You should check that out!
I totally get what you mean about gelatin! It can be a bit jiggly and strange. But it’s great that your hubby enjoyed it! Maybe next time try something like a mousse?
So good!!! 🍨✨
I tried this recipe and it really is amazing! Perfectly creamy! 😍
Made this for a party. Nobody ate it. Maybe too fancy? Idk.
Don’t worry! Sometimes people just stick to what they know. It does sound a bit posh for a party, though. Maybe next time go for something more classic! 😅
Wait, do you really have to use heavy cream? Isn’t that bad for health? 😬
Delicious and elegant! Made it for my anniversary and it was perfect. 😍
Happy to hear you liked it! Perfect for a special occasion! 🎉
Too heavy for my taste. I prefer lighter desserts. Pass!
I don’t like pistachios much, but my friend made this for me and I ate it all! Crazy good.
Beautiful dessert! I used almond extract instead of vanilla ’cause I was out, still delicious!
Not exactly what I expected. The gelatin was tricky, and I messed it up. Anyone got tips?
I had the same problem with gelatin! Make sure to really let it bloom and don’t stir too much afterward. Also, try adding it to the warm mix slowly!
I dunno, mine didn’t set right. Was too runny. Maybe too much cream?
I was skeptical at first, but wow! The pistachio flavor is the best!
This was super easy to make and tastes heavenly! My friends loved it!
Panna Cotta? More like Panna NOTta! 😂 Not for me!
Not a fan of panna cotta? It can be tricky to get the texture right, but it’s worth a try!
Haha, I get that! Some things just ain’t for everyone. What do you like instead?
Why does the gelatin have to bloom? Can’t we just mix it?
This panna cotta turned out amazing! The pistachio flavor is spot on. Will definitely make again!
Incredible! The pistachio flavor was so rich and creamy. Will definitely make again!
Yum! So easy to make! I’m not a chef but felt like one with this.
I agree! This dessert is super easy and tastes fancy. It’s perfect for impressing guests!
I dunno, it seems too simple. Can it really taste that good? Maybe I should add chocolate?
YUM!!! My new fav dessert. So creamy and dreamy. Perfect for summer!
I don’t have pistachio paste, can I just use peanut butter instead?
Peanut butter will totally change the flavor! Not sure it’ll work. 😬
Taste reminds me of my trip to Italy! So authentic. Will definitely make it again.
Delicious! I swapped the pistachio paste for almond and it was still yum. Thanks for this!
Glad you enjoyed it! Almond sounds like a good twist. I might try that next time.
?? Too many steps. I just want a quick dessert!
Tasty but expensive to make with all that cream and pistachio paste. Not worth it for me.
Yum! Easy to make and perfect for dinner parties. Everyone loved it!
Why does it use gelatin? You could just do it with just cream and milk, right?
Using gelatin gives it that nice, creamy texture and helps it hold its shape better. It really makes a difference in desserts like this!
Honestly, I found it too sweet. Maybe I’ll reduce the sugar next time.
What’s the point of pistachios? I don’t get it. This was too green for me.
This panna cotta was sooo good! Sweet but not too sweet. Making it again!
HMMM… is gelatin vegan? I want to make this for my friend who’s a vegan. Confused.
Great recipe! Easy to follow. My family was impressed at dinner. Highly recommend!
I had trouble with the gelatin part. It didn’t seem to set right. Maybe I did something wrong?
Maybe you didn’t let the gelatin bloom long enough? It’s super important to follow that step. Don’t worry, you’ll get it next time!
Don’t trust it. Too many steps for a dessert. Who has time to wait for gelatin?
Come on, it’s just some waiting! Good things take time! This panna cotta looks delish!
I get that it seems like a lot, but it’s totally worth it! The flavor is amazing! Just plan ahead a bit.
Easy recipe. Just make sure you watch the heat closely with the cream. Mine almost boiled over!
Why use gelatin? Can’t I just use some cornstarch instead? Seems weird to use animal products.
Seriously who has pistachio paste lying around? Couldn’t find any at my local stores.
I know right? It’s super hard to find pistachio paste. Maybe try making your own if you have raw pistachios?
Who needs pistachio paste? You could use almond butter instead. Just as good!
Tastes like something from a restaurant! This is my new favorite dessert. Thanks!
Honestly, I found it to be too sweet. Maybe less sugar next time?
So pleased to hear you enjoyed it! It’s really easy to make. 😍
I tried making this, but my gelatin didn’t bloom right. What did I do wrong? 🙁
Gelatin? I ain’t never heard of that! You sure it didn’t go bad?
Hmm, maybe the water was too warm? It should be cold to bloom properly. Don’t worry! You’ll get it next time!
I dunno, pistachios are ok but this was too creamy for my taste. Just not for me.
Too creamy? Really? I loved it! Maybe you just used too much of the heavy cream. Anyway, I think it tastes amazing!
I think it’s supposed to be creamy! That’s the whole point of panna cotta, lol. But if it’s too much for you, maybe try reducing the cream next time?
This was soooo good! The pistachio flavor is just heavenly, my family loved it!