Pistachio Pudding For Two (From Scratch)
Whether you’re impressing a date or treating yourself, Pistachio Pudding from scratch is a luscious small batch dessert that makes two servings. The hardest part is deciding if you should share.
Valentine’s Day is coming up. For the average person, it means a romantic evening without leftovers.
For me, it’s how I cook everyday. It’s practically my expertise since I’ve been cooking for myself since 2007.
One of the hardest parts about cooking for one is dessert. Cinnamon rolls, cupcakes, cookies, ice cream. Not exactly one or two servings.
However, some desserts do scale down well. Today’s recipe for Pistachio Pudding from scratch serves two – one for you, one for your Valentine.
Or if you’re like me – one for now, one for later.
Pistachio pudding is probably my favorite pudding, so I’ve been dying to try it from scratch for years now.
When I needed pistachios for my Goat Cheese Truffles, I knew immediately I was making pudding with the extra nuts.
Then the challenge – how exactly do you make instant pudding from scratch and still retain that pistachio flavor?
The answer – homemade pistachio paste. Grind up the nuts in a food processor with some sugar and water then it’s off to make the pudding.
As you can see, it’s not exactly a pretty green color like its boxed cousin, but it tastes phenomenal. So good that I’m glad I didn’t have to share.
I did take whatever I didn’t eat and made Watergate Salad, which I love more than the pudding itself.
If you find yourself with leftover pistachios, use them up in pistachio muffins from So Yummy Recipes.
Pistachio Pudding For Two (From Scratch)
Whether you’re impressing a date or treating yourself, Pistachio Pudding from scratch is a luscious small batch dessert that makes two servings. The hardest part is deciding if you should share.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons salted pistachios, shelled and chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Whipped cream, for garnish
Instructions
- In a food processor, grind up 1/4 cup pistachios until they are in tiny pieces. Add 2 tablespoons sugar and water then grind until a paste forms.
- Scrape the paste into a medium saucepan then add the milk. Heat until hot and it starts to steam, whisking often.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, egg yolk, cornstarch, and salt. Add a little bit of the hot milk, whisking constantly. Pour the entire yolk mixture into the saucepan.
- Continue cooking the mixture until thick and bubbly, whisking constantly. Remove from the heat and whisk in vanilla and butter. Whisk until the butter has melted.
- Divide the pudding between two ramekins, cover with plastic wrap, and chill for at least 4 hours. When ready to serve, garnish with whipped cream and remaining 2 tablespoons pistachios.
Source: Adjusted from Joy The Baker
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mmm homemade pudding!!! this sounds yummy
Thanks Shaina!
Carla! I love pistachios. . can’t wait to try this. . and the pudding looks fabulous. . your looks perfect in every way. . you don’t want the green color anyway. . and love that you tackled a recipe you’ve been wanting to try! love this!
The green color does bring a bit of nostalgia, but this natural color one tastes much better ;) Thanks Alice!
Mmmmm pudding. I’d rather it be the natural color than the fake green.
And I adore Watergate salad, and look forward to that one, too.
Yes less chemicals ;) And stay tuned! It probably won’t be until the end of the month, but I can’t wait to share my favorite way to eat pistachio pudding.
We are huge fans of pistachios and your pudding would be a sure hit in our house!!!
Thanks Jennifer!
I’m just going to go ahead and send thanks from my husband for sharing this recipe. This is a dessert for him because he loves pistachios and pudding. I’m planning to make it for him soon.
Haha when he thinks that first bite, tell him he’s welcome ;)
I’d certainly be happy to pass on the fake green, for the amazing taste of homemade pistachio pudding! It looks like a winner, Carla :)
Thanks Liz!
I’ve never made pistachio pudding — this looks delicious! I love your pictures as well! Yum!
Thanks Jennifer :)
Very elegant dessert, and it sounds delicious!
Thanks Katy!
From scratch pudding is one of my favorite treats, but I don’t make it nearly enough. This looks and sounds great!
Same here. I can’t even tell you the last time I made chocolate pudding, but I love eating it. Thanks Laura!
Mmm that looks wonderful!
Thanks Erin!
I’m so happy that there is a homemade version of this treat. The weird artificial coloured store bought pudding freaks me out, this is a wonderful option that I’m sure tastes so much better.
Yea, who knows what is in those powdered mixes! And not to toot my own horn but yea my version tastes much better ;) Thanks Shannon!
Never had pistachio pudding before, love this!! Happy Valentine’s Day!!
Oh never ever? You must try it :) Happy Valentine’s Day, Tara!
Um, excuse me, but homemade is ALWAYS better than the boxed variety. Don’t worry about the color, so long as the taste is there.
Haha agreed! I don’t think I’ve ever met a homemade version of anything I didn’t like better than the store bought.
Looks delicious Chocolate Moosey :) Pistachio ice cream is one of my favorite desserts so I would be all over this puddin’. ;)
Mine too! First pudding, next ice cream. Thanks Ali.
What a great idea! I use the same paste as base for ice creams (pistachios, hazelnuts, walnuts…)… delicious! I love these puddings! I will surely be making them!
Oh great idea! I need to attempt ice cream next.
I must try this pudding. I love pistachios and it looks and sounds so good!
I never had pistachio pudding but it sounds delicious! Thank for a recipe, Carla!
I am not a fan of instant pudding mixes so I am really excited to give your recipe a try.
I love, love, love pistachio anything! This looks amazing, thanks so much for posting!
Love pistachio pudding! How great that you made it for two!
I don’t use pistachios often enough, but I should. This sounds so good. I love creamy desserts with some texture.
I’ve never even heard of pistachio pudding, but it sounds so good! A nice change from all the chocolate lately :)
I have never had pistachio pudding! I do love pistachios, though, so I’m guessing I’d like it. I also like this ‘one for me now and one for later’ philosophy. He’s on his own. :)
You made this pudding look so very pretty!! Great job! :)
My mother used to make a dessert using pistachio pudding, but she always used a mix. I really love this idea!
I loveeee pistachios and pudding. This looks absolutely delish and doesn’t make nearly enough for me to share!
Pistachios are probably my favourite type of nut, I am going to have to try this recipe out!
Thank you for this recipe! But from all the comments here, latest date February 2014, there are none from anyone who shared their opinion of it after they actually made it.
Before I try this myself, is there anyone who left these comments saying they would make it and then did, would be willing to let us know how it turned out? Thank you for your time!
Not sure if anyone will come back and see your comment since they won’t be notified, but I understand your hesitance in trying a new-to-you recipe without assurance. I can give you my personal assurance, but of course there’s a little bias in that ;) If you do make it (and I encourage you to try it!), please come back and let me know how it went. I find that people do make my recipes but don’t leave a comment on the blog post, whether they are busy or simply forgot. Usually if they do remember, they’ll tell me via email, social media, or face to face. I did share someone making it via Instagram last year if this helps you any: https://www.instagram.com/p/zF3s8nyA3C/
Hi,
I would like to substitute the sugar in this recipe for maple syrup, is it possible to still get a pudding? And the corn starch with Agar Agar powder. Thank you!
I haven’t used either ingredient in this recipe. I’m not sure if the maple syrup would be too much liquid for the recipe. You’re probably ok with a small amount, but I haven’t tried it so I can’t promise anything. As for the agar agar, you probably can but I don’t think it’s a 1:1 ratio. I recommend reading the package and/or googling for how much to substitute. Let me know how the substitutes work out for you!
I made this recipe and thought it was very good. I also made the Watergate salad recipe and thought it was perfect. Thank you!
Wonderful! Glad both recipes worked out for you.
Bonjour Carla,
Thank you for this brilliant recipe. I always make pudding from scratch (vanilla, chocolate, coffee, caramel…) and I’m happy to try something new. It turned out perfect, with a nice texture and natural-green color. I’m really happy I came across your cooking blog, keep up the inspiring recipes!
Thanks Anaïs! Happy to hear you enjoyed the pudding.
My daughter says, not only is box pudding a fake green, but it isn’t even made with pistachios. It is made with ground almonds.
Interesting. That would explain the taste difference.