5 Pistachio Extract Recipes: Pudding, Cookies & Cake

Pistachio extract vs. pistachio paste

Pistachio extract contributes flavor; pistachio paste or chopped nuts also add solids, fat and texture. Keep the nuts in the recipes below unless you are using a separately developed recipe without them. Extract is not a cup-for-cup substitute for paste, and the word “flavoring” does not establish an allergen claim.

How much pistachio extract should you use?

Use the selected product’s current instructions. The water-soluble product currently gives approximately 0.3–0.6% by total recipe weight for most flavoring applications: 1.5–3 g in a 500 g total batch. Product-specific directions take precedence. The teaspoons in the existing recipes below are starting formula quantities, not a universal conversion for different concentrates. Test the finished baked, chilled or frozen sample before scaling.

Which format suits chocolate or drinks?

For compatible drinks and custards, compare water-soluble pistachio extract. For chocolate and fat-based fillings, compare oil-soluble pistachio flavoring. Select by application, not bottle name alone. Check current ingredient and allergen documentation before using either format in a recipe for someone with a food allergy.

Use pistachio extract to add a nutty flavor to pudding, cookies, ice cream, dressing and cake. The recipes below include pistachios as well as flavoring: extract adds flavor but does not replace the nuts, texture or fat in the recipe. Dolce Flav water-soluble pistachio extract is intended for compatible drinks, baked goods and frozen desserts. For chocolate and other fat-based applications, compare oil-soluble pistachio flavoring and follow that product’s directions.

Here are 5 delicious ways to use pistachio flavoring:

1. Pistachio pudding: This classic dessert is made by combining milk, sugar, cornstarch, and pistachio flavoring. It's easy to make and can be served as-is or used as a topping for cake or ice cream.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 tsp Dolce Foglia Pistachio Flavoring
• 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
• Whipped cream, for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium-sized saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt.

2. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth.

3. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it starts to thicken and comes to a boil.

4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the Dolce Foglia Pistachio Flavoring until well combined.

5. Fold in the chopped pistachios.

6. Transfer the pudding to a serving dish and let it cool to room temperature.

7. Cover the pudding with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.

8. Serve the pistachio pudding chilled, topped with whipped cream if desired.

Enjoy your delicious homemade pistachio pudding!

2. Pistachio cookies: These cookies are soft, chewy, and full of flavor. They're perfect for an after-school snack or a lunchbox treat. You can find the recipe here.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp Dolce Foglia Pistachio Flavoring
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Beat in the egg and Pistachio Flavoring until well combined.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

5. Gradually stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture until well combined.

6. Stir in the chopped pistachios.

7. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

8. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon.

9. Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges.

10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

11. Serve the pistachio cookies and enjoy!

Note: If you prefer softer cookies, bake them for 10-12 minutes instead of 12-15 minutes.

3. Pistachio ice cream: This flavorful ice cream is made with milk, cream, sugar, pistachios, and green food coloring. It's perfect for a summer day or a special occasion.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp Dolce Foglia Pistachio Flavoring
• 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved.

2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

3. Stir in the Dolce Foglia Pistachio Flavoring until well combined.

4. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions.

5. During the last few minutes of churning, add the chopped pistachios and continue churning until the ice cream is thick and creamy.

6. Transfer the ice cream to a container and freeze for at least 2 hours or until firm.

7. Serve the pistachio ice cream with additional chopped pistachios and enjoy!

4. Pistachio salad dressing: This fresh salad is made with lettuce, cucumber, feta cheese, and a pistachio dressing. The dressing is made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, pistachios, and basil leaves.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp Dolce Foglia Pistachio Flavoring
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a blender or food processor, pulse the chopped pistachios until finely ground.

2. Add the white wine vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, honey, and Pistachio Flavoring to the blender or food processor and blend until well combined.

3. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Transfer the pistachio salad dressing to a jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid.

5. Refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes before using.

6. Serve the pistachio salad dressing over your favorite greens or vegetables and enjoy!

Note: If the dressing is too thick, you can thin it out with a little bit of water or extra-virgin olive oil.

5. Pistachio cake: This cake is moist and fluffy with a hint of almond flavor. It's perfect for birthdays or any other special occasion. You can find the recipe here.

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp Dolce Foglia vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 tsp Dolce Foglia Pistachio Flavoring
• 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, chopped

For the frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 2 tbsp whole milk
• 1 tsp Dolce Foglia vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp Dolce Foglia Pistachio Flavoring
• 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch cake pans.

2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

5. Gradually beat in the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk and sour cream, until the mixture is smooth.

6. Stir in the Dolce Foglia Pistachio Flavoring and chopped pistachios.

7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.

8. Bake the cakes for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean.

9. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter for the frosting with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

11. Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar, followed by the milk, vanilla extract, and Pistachio Flavoring.

12. Beat the frosting until it is light and fluffy.

13. Spread a layer of frosting over one of the cooled cakes, then place the other cake on top.

14. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.

15. Sprinkle the chopped pistachios on top of the frosting.

16. Serve and enjoy your delicious pistachio cake!

Note: You can also add a few drops of green food coloring to the cake batter and frosting to enhance the pistachio color.

Pistachios are not just for snacking! Their unique flavor makes them perfect for use in both sweet and savory dishes. Now that you know some of the best ways to use pistachio flavoring, shop pistachio flavoring here!