Dubai Chocolate-Inspired Pistachio Ice Cream
There’s something truly magical about the flavor combination of pistachios, cardamom, and chocolate. Inspired by the luxurious flavors of Dubai chocolate, this pistachio ice cream is a creamy, crunchy, spiced dream—swirled with crackly dark chocolate and studded with roasted pistachios.
But what really takes this recipe to another level is the quality of the dairy. I used Alta Dena heavy cream and buttermilk, and the result was a smooth, scoopable texture and incredibly rich flavor that you just can’t get with lesser ingredients.
If you’ve been craving a new summer favorite, this ice cream delivers elegance and indulgence in every bite.
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This post was sponsored by Alta Dena Dairy. All opinions, recipes, and taste-testing enthusiasm are entirely my own.
Why I Use Alta Dena Dairy
When it comes to ice cream, the quality of your dairy makes a huge difference. I always reach for Alta Dena products because they’re farm-fresh, hormone-free, and minimally processed for flavor and nutrition you can trust. Alta Dena cows are never treated with artificial growth hormones, and their milk is sourced locally in Southern California, which means it’s delivered fresh and full of natural richness.
Health-wise, whole milk and cream from Alta Dena provide important nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and protein. They also contain conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been linked to immune support and heart health. And because Alta Dena doesn’t ultra-pasteurize its cream, it retains more of the natural enzymes and subtle sweetness that give homemade ice cream that pure, nostalgic flavor.
How to Make Dubai Chocolate-Inspired Pistachio Ice Cream
This recipe builds on a simple custard-free base, meaning no eggs and no cooking required—just mix, churn, and freeze. The star flavors come from pistachio cream, warm spices, and a drizzle of dark chocolate that hardens like magic shell when added during churning.
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups Alta Dena heavy cream
- 1 cup Alta Dena buttermilk
- 1/2-3/4 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons vodka (optional, for scoopable texture)
- 1/4 cup pistachio cream (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Good pinch of sea salt
- 1/3 cup roasted pistachios, finely chopped
Magic Shell Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Make the base: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream, milk, sugar, pistachio cream, vodka, cardamom, cinnamon, and sea salt until smooth. Be sure no clumps of powdered milk remain.
- Churn the ice cream: Pour the mixture into the frozen bowl of your ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions—usually 20 to 30 minutes. Add chopped pistachios during the last 5 minutes of churning.
- Make the chocolate drizzle: While the ice cream churns, melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil until smooth (in a microwave or double boiler). Let cool slightly.
- Drizzle and freeze: During the last minute of churning, slowly drizzle the melted chocolate into the ice cream. It will harden into thin, magical shards as it hits the cold mixture. Transfer to a freezer container, cover, and freeze at least 6 hours or overnight.
The Best Gluten Free Waffle Cones
These homemade gluten‑free waffle cones are the summer dream you never knew you needed. Crisp yet tender, gently spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, they rival any ice cream shop cone—without the gluten. Made with simple ingredients like heavy cream, gluten‑free flour blend, and a hint of vanilla and almond extract, they’re easy to whip up in a waffle cone or panini press. Shape them while they’re hot for perfect cones you can dip in chocolate or dress with sprinkles.
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How This Pistachio Ice Cream Tastes
This ice cream is creamy, fragrant, and layered with texture. The pistachio cream adds a naturally sweet, nutty base that’s enhanced by the floral warmth of cardamom and a subtle hint of cinnamon. The chopped pistachios give each bite a satisfying crunch, while the magic-shell chocolate brings an unexpected crackle of deep cocoa flavor. Thanks to Alta Dena’s ultra-creamy dairy, the mouthfeel is silky and indulgent.
FAQ: All About Pistachio Ice Cream
What is the flavor of pistachio ice cream?
Pistachio ice cream has a naturally nutty, slightly sweet flavor that’s earthy and rich. When made with real pistachio cream—as in this recipe—it also carries a subtle buttery depth. In this version, warm spices like cardamom and cinnamon enhance the pistachio’s floral notes for a uniquely luxurious twist.
Why is pistachio ice cream not green anymore?
Many modern pistachio ice creams skip the artificial coloring that gave older versions a bright green hue. When made with natural pistachio paste or cream, the color tends to be a muted green or tan. It’s a sign of a more authentic, less processed product—and often a better flavor.
Is pistachio ice cream the same as spumoni?
Not quite. Spumoni is a traditional Italian molded dessert that includes layers of different flavors, typically cherry, chocolate, and pistachio, often with fruit or nuts mixed in. Pistachio is just one of the components, whereas pistachio ice cream focuses solely on the nutty flavor.
What pairs with pistachio ice cream?
Pistachio ice cream pairs beautifully with dark chocolate, honey, rosewater, orange blossom, or dried fruits like apricots and figs. For contrast, try it with something crunchy and salty—like candied nuts or a crisp wafer cookie.
Why are pistachios so addictive?
Pistachios have a uniquely satisfying crunch and a natural balance of fat, fiber, and protein that makes them both delicious and satiating. Their rich umami flavor and slight sweetness hit multiple taste receptors, and the ritual of shelling them slows you down just enough to keep going back for more.
If you’re looking for a dessert that feels both rich and comforting, this Dubai Chocolate-Inspired Pistachio Ice Cream is a dream come true. Made with premium Alta Dena dairy and luxurious mix-ins, it’s a spoonful of elegance straight from your freezer.
I Scream, You Scream – More Homemade Ice Cream Recipes to Try
- The Best Homemade Lemon Honey Ice Cream
- Super Easy Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe
- Why Cinnamon Ice Cream with Candied Oranges Should Be Your New Obsession
Did you make this pistachio ice cream recipe? Be sure to leave a comment and star rating below (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) and post a picture and tag us on Instagram using the hashtags #agirldefloured #deflouredrecipes! Thank you!
Dubai Chocolate-Inspired Pistachio Ice Cream
Equipment
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups Alta Dena heavy cream
- 1 cup Alta Dena buttermilk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons vodka optional, for scoopable texture
- 1/4 cup pistachio cream unsweetened or lightly sweetened
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Good pinch of sea salt
- 1/3 cup roasted pistachios finely chopped
Chocolate Crackle Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Make the base: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream, milk, sugar, pistachio cream, vodka, cardamom, cinnamon, and sea salt until smooth. Be sure no clumps of powdered milk remain.
- Churn the ice cream: Pour the mixture into the frozen bowl of your ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions—usually 20 to 30 minutes. Add chopped pistachios during the last 5 minutes of churning.
- Make the chocolate drizzle: While the ice cream churns, melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil until smooth (in a microwave or double boiler). Let cool slightly.
- Drizzle and freeze: During the last minute of churning, slowly drizzle the melted chocolate into the ice cream. It will harden into thin, magical shards as it hits the cold mixture. Transfer to a freezer container, cover, and freeze at least 6 hours or overnight.
Nutrition
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