Pistachio Cranberry Ice Cream

This sweet and creamy homemade pistachio and cranberry ice cream brings together the nutty richness of pistachios with the bright tartness of cranberries for a perfectly balanced frozen treat that requires no ice cream maker.

I first created this recipe during a summer heatwave when I was craving something special but didn't want to leave the house. The combination of pistachios and cranberries reminded me of holiday flavors, and now my family requests it for both summer gatherings and winter celebrations.

Ingredients

• Heavy cream: forms the rich base and whips to create the perfect ice cream texture
• Sweetened condensed milk: provides sweetness and prevents ice crystals from forming
• Chopped pistachios: add nutty flavor and delightful crunch in every bite
• Dried cranberries: bring a pleasant tartness that balances the creamy sweetness
• Vanilla extract: enhances all the flavors and adds aromatic depth

Step-by-Step Instructions

Whip the Cream:

Using a stand mixer with the whisk attachment or a hand mixer, whip the heavy cream in a large bowl until stiff peaks form. This usually takes about 3 minutes. The cream should be very cold for best results, and you'll know it's ready when the peaks stand up straight when you lift the beater.

Combine the Ingredients:

Gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk using a rubber spatula, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream. This gives the ice cream its creamy texture without churning. Then fold in the chopped pistachios, dried cranberries, and vanilla extract until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the ice cream light and airy.

Freeze the Mixture:

Pour the mixture into a metal loaf pan or freezer safe container. The metal helps it freeze more evenly. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming. Freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight until firm.

Serve and Enjoy:

Allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping to achieve the perfect consistency. Serve in chilled bowls and garnish with extra pistachios and cranberries if desired.

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The first time I served this ice cream at a dinner party, my friend who claimed to dislike nuts in desserts went back for seconds. The pistachios become almost buttery when frozen in the cream, creating a sophisticated flavor that converts even skeptics.

Storage Tips

This homemade ice cream keeps beautifully in the freezer for up to two weeks when stored properly. I recommend placing a piece of parchment paper directly on the surface of the ice cream after each serving to prevent ice crystals from forming. If the ice cream becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before scooping.

Flavor Variations

The base recipe is incredibly versatile and welcomes creative adaptations. Try swapping the pistachios for toasted almonds or walnuts, or replace the cranberries with dried cherries or chopped dark chocolate. For a more intense pistachio flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla. During the holidays, I sometimes add a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon for a festive twist.

Serving Suggestions

This ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm desserts like brownies or fruit crisps, creating a delightful temperature contrast. For an elegant dessert, serve small scoops in chocolate dipped waffle cones or between two soft ginger cookies for the ultimate ice cream sandwich. During summer, I love to drizzle it with a bit of honey and a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried in this dessert?

Fresh cranberries are not recommended as they might add excess moisture and alter the texture. Dried cranberries work best for this frozen treat.

→ How long do I need to freeze this dessert?

For the best texture, freeze the mixture for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight.

→ Can I substitute sweetened condensed milk?

Sweetened condensed milk is crucial for creating the smooth texture. Alternatives may not yield the same creamy result, but you can try sweetened coconut cream as a dairy-free option.

→ Can I add other mix-ins to this frozen treat?

Yes, you can customize it by adding other ingredients like chocolate chips or shredded coconut for additional flavor and texture.

→ Is an ice cream machine needed for this dessert?

No, this is a no-churn dessert, so an ice cream machine is not required. The whipped cream and condensed milk provide the perfect creamy texture.