If you love flavors that feel both exotic and comforting, you are going to adore this Rose Pistachio Ice Cream. It’s a luscious blend of creamy textures and delicate floral notes, perfectly balanced by the subtle crunch and earthiness of pistachios. This delightful dessert is a true showstopper—each spoonful offers a refreshing rose fragrance coupled with the rich nuttiness that makes it unlike any ice cream you’ve ever tasted. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just treating yourself on a warm afternoon, this Rose Pistachio Ice Cream will quickly become a personal favorite that you’ll want to savor again and again.

Rose Pistachio Ice Cream Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Rose Pistachio Ice Cream starts with a handful of simple, but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role: creamy cheese and dairy for the smooth texture, rose water for that signature floral hint, and crunchy pistachios for a satisfying bite and vibrant color contrast.

Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Creates a rich, velvety base that gives the ice cream its signature creaminess.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and balances the floral and nutty flavors perfectly.
Heavy whipping cream (2 cups): Adds lusciousness and that irresistible smooth mouthfeel.
Whole milk (1 cup): Lightens the texture slightly, making the ice cream less dense and more scoopable.
Rose water (2 tablespoons): Infuses the ice cream with delicate floral notes—start with less and adjust to your liking!
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, cozy undertone.
Shelled pistachios, roughly chopped (½ cup): Adds crunch, color, and a toasty, nutty depth.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the flavors and prevents the cream cheese from tasting flat.
Optional: Pink food coloring (a few drops): Perfect if you want that lovely pale pink tint to match the rose aroma.

How to Make Rose Pistachio Ice Cream

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Base

Begin by beating the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together in a large bowl until you get a smooth, fluffy mixture. This step is crucial because the cream cheese forms the foundation of that rich texture we’re aiming for. Take your time to eliminate any lumps for the best smoothness.

Step 2: Add the Milky Flavors and Aromatics

Next, blend in the heavy cream, whole milk, rose water, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix everything just until combined—overmixing can introduce too much air and change the texture. If you want that warm pink color that matches the rose notes, this is the moment to stir in a few drops of pink food coloring for visual delight.

Step 3: Churn or Freeze the Mixture

If you have an ice cream maker, pour your mixture in and churn according to your machine’s instructions, generally about 20–25 minutes. Add the roughly chopped pistachios during the last 5 minutes, so they stay crunchy and evenly distributed. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, no worries! Simply fold the pistachios into the mixture, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for at least 6 hours. Occasionally stirring every 1-2 hours will help keep it creamy and smooth without ice crystals.

Step 4: Let It Soften Before Serving

Once frozen, let your Rose Pistachio Ice Cream sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before scooping. This brief rest allows it to soften slightly, making scooping easier and enhancing the first creamy bite.

How to Serve Rose Pistachio Ice Cream

Garnishes

Garnishing is where you get to have some fun and add that extra wow factor. Sprinkle a handful of extra chopped pistachios on top to echo the nutty texture. For an elegant and fragrant touch, dried rose petals make a stunning and edible decoration. A light drizzle of honey can also gently elevate the floral notes.

Side Dishes

This ice cream pairs beautifully with fruity companions—think fresh raspberries or pomegranate seeds for a burst of tartness. A buttery almond shortbread or pistachio biscotti on the side adds a crispy contrast that complements the creamy richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a unique twist, serve the Rose Pistachio Ice Cream in chilled glasses or elegant dessert bowls layered with rose syrup or crushed pistachios. You can even scoop it between delicate rose-flavored cookies for a delightful ice cream sandwich that’s both pretty and delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Rose Pistachio Ice Cream keeps well when stored in an airtight container in the freezer. Make sure to press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing to prevent ice crystals from forming.

Freezing

This ice cream is freezer-friendly and maintains its creamy consistency if frozen properly. Just remember to avoid repeated thawing and refreezing, which can hurt the texture and flavor.

Reheating

Unlike savory leftovers, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended for ice cream. Instead, just let any frozen scoop soften naturally at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to enjoy that perfect creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use almond milk instead of whole milk?

Absolutely! Almond milk will add a subtle nutty flavor that complements the pistachios nicely, though the texture might be slightly lighter than traditional whole milk.

How strong is the rose flavor? Can I adjust it?

The rose flavor is delicately floral but definitely noticeable. You can adjust the rose water amount to suit your preference, starting with a tablespoon and increasing gradually if you’d like a more pronounced aroma.

What if I don’t like cream cheese in ice cream?

The cream cheese here adds creaminess and body, but if you prefer, you can try substituting with mascarpone or a full-fat Greek yogurt for a different tangy twist.

Can I make this ice cream vegan?

While this recipe relies on dairy and cream cheese, you could experiment with vegan cream cheese and plant-based milks, though the texture and flavor will vary slightly from the classic version.

How long can I store Rose Pistachio Ice Cream in the freezer?

For best quality, aim to consume it within 2 weeks. Beyond that, the texture may start to degrade, and the flavors may fade.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got the secret to making the exquisite Rose Pistachio Ice Cream, I encourage you to give it a try and treat yourself to a truly special dessert experience. Its unique and comforting flavors make it the perfect sweet ending to any meal or a comforting indulgence on its own. I promise once you taste this enchanting blend, it’ll be one of your favorite homemade ice creams for years to come.

Rose Pistachio Ice Cream Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 9 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes (including freezing time)
Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delight in the delicate and fragrant Rose Pistachio Ice Cream, a creamy frozen dessert combining the floral essence of rose water with the nutty crunch of pistachios. This no-churn recipe is easy to prepare at home, delivering a luxurious balance of flavors and textures perfect for warm days or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Cream Base

8 oz cream cheese, softened (225 grams)
1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
2 cups heavy whipping cream (480 ml)
1 cup whole milk (240 ml)

Flavorings

2 tablespoons rose water (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional: few drops pink food coloring

Add-ins

1/2 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, ensuring no lumps remain for a creamy texture.
Combine Ingredients: Add the heavy whipping cream, whole milk, rose water, vanilla extract, and lemon juice into the cream cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly until well combined. If desired, add a few drops of pink food coloring to achieve a soft pastel hue.
Churn or Freeze: For an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into the machine and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, approximately 20–25 minutes. Add the roughly chopped pistachios in the last 5 minutes of churning to distribute evenly. For a no-churn method, gently fold the pistachios into the combined mixture, then pour into a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 6 hours or until firm.
Serve: Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften slightly before scooping. Garnish with extra pistachios or dried rose petals to enhance presentation and flavor.

Notes

Adjust rose water to taste, as its flavor can be quite strong.
For a smoother texture, ensure cream cheese is well softened before mixing.
Use high-quality pistachios for better flavor and texture.
If no pink food coloring is available, the ice cream will still taste wonderful without it.
Store leftover ice cream in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes (churning) or 0 minutes if no-churn
Category: Dessert
Method: Churning or No-Churn
Cuisine: Middle Eastern / Persian-inspired