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Saffron Rose Pistachio Dessert

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Delights.

Imagine a dessert that's basically edible poetry - golden saffron, delicate rose, and crunchy pistachios coming together in the most incredible ice cream you've ever tasted. This isn't just a dessert, it's a flavor adventure that'll make your taste buds do a happy dance. Fancy enough for a dinner party, easy enough to make at home!
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Updated on Mon, 14 Apr 2025 18:53:57 GMT
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Saffron Rose Pistachio Dessert | homedeliciousrecipes.com

Imagine a dessert that transports you to the gardens of Persia—a golden, fragrant ice cream that dances with the exotic flavors of saffron, rose water, and pistachios. This isn't just a dessert; it's a sensory journey that tells a story of tradition and culinary artistry.

My first encounter with this ice cream came during a family gathering. The moment those first spoonfuls disappeared, conversation gave way to pure, silent appreciation.

Gathering Your Flavor Champions

  • Whole milk
  • Heavy cream
  • Saffron threads
  • Rose water
  • Pistachios
  • Sugar
  • Cornstarch

Ingredient selection is an art. Take your time choosing each component—quality makes all the difference.

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Easy Saffron Rose Pistachio Dessert Recipe | homedeliciousrecipes.com

The Art of Preparation

Creating this dish is like conducting a flavor symphony. Start by blooming the saffron, building a creamy base that captures the essence of Persian desserts. The magic is in the details—each step a brushstroke of flavor.

Cooking to Perfection

The key is patience and precision. Carefully cook the base, allowing flavors to meld. Whether using an ice cream maker or a no churn method, watch for that perfect moment when cream transforms into something extraordinary.

My grandmother always said cooking is about love—and this ice cream is love in its most delicate form. The way saffron's golden hue meets rose water's delicate aroma, the pistachios adding their nutty whisper—it's a story told through taste.

Serving Suggestions Beyond the Scoop

  • Garnish with extra pistachios
  • Serve between thin wafers
  • Add a drizzle of honey
  • Sprinkle with rose petals
  • Pair with strong coffee

Recipe Variations Make It Your Own

  • No Churn Option: Use condensed milk
  • Lighter Version: Substitute half and half
  • Spice Twist: Add cardamom
  • Alternative Floral Notes: Try orange blossom
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Saffron Rose Pistachio Dessert Recipe | homedeliciousrecipes.com

Storage Wisdom

  • Freeze in airtight container
  • Best within first week
  • Store in back of freezer
  • Let soften before serving

Cooking is about creating moments, about transforming simple ingredients into memories. This Persian Ice Cream is more than a recipe—it's a celebration of culture, flavor, and the art of dessert.

Close your eyes, take a spoonful, and let the magic of Persia unfold.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What does saffron taste like?
Saffron has a subtle, slightly sweet, and floral flavor with a hint of earthiness. It adds a beautiful golden color and unique aroma to desserts.
→ Can I make this without an ice cream maker?
You can try the no-churn method by whipping the cream and condensed milk together, but the texture won't be quite the same as a churned ice cream.
→ Where can I find rose water?
Check the international or baking aisle of your grocery store, Middle Eastern markets, or online. A little goes a long way!
→ How long will this ice cream keep?
It'll stay good in the freezer for about 2 weeks. Always keep it in an airtight container with parchment paper on top to prevent ice crystals.
→ Can I substitute the pistachios?
If you're not a fan of pistachios, try almonds or even white chocolate chunks. Just keep the amount the same.

Exotic Saffron Rose Ice Cream

A dreamy, aromatic ice cream that's like a magical journey through exotic flavors - saffron, rose, and pistachio in every heavenly spoonful.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes

Category: Desserts & Baking

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: Dessert

Yield: 4 Servings (1 quart of ice cream)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Base Ingredients

01 ½ teaspoon saffron threads
02 1 pinch salt
03 2 tablespoons rose water
04 1½ tablespoons corn starch
05 1½ cups whole milk
06 ¾ cup sugar
07 2 cups heavy cream
08 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
09 3 tablespoons unsalted pistachios, chopped or slivered

→ Optional Garnishes

10 Waffle cookies
11 Dried rose petals

Instructions

Step 01

Using a mortar and pestle, grind the saffron threads with a pinch of salt until you have a fine powder. Transfer to a small bowl, add the rose water, and let it steep for 15-20 minutes to extract the color and flavor.

Step 02

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with ½ cup of the milk until completely smooth with no lumps. Set aside.

Step 03

Pour the remaining milk and sugar into a large saucepan. Heat over medium-high until it just begins to boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.

Step 04

Reduce the heat to low. While whisking constantly, slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the hot milk. Continue to simmer gently and stir until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 05

Remove the pan from heat and place it in an ice bath (a larger bowl filled with ice and water). Stir occasionally to help it cool down faster. Once cooled, stir in the heavy cream, saffron-rose water mixture, and vanilla extract if using.

Step 06

Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This step is crucial for developing flavors and ensuring the best texture when churning.

Step 07

Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer's instructions, usually about 20-25 minutes or until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.

Step 08

When the ice cream is almost set, add the chopped pistachios and continue churning just until incorporated.

Step 09

Transfer to an airtight container, placing a piece of parchment paper directly on the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals. Freeze for at least 2 hours or until firm. Serve in bowls or with waffle cookies, garnished with additional pistachios or dried rose petals if desired.

Notes

  1. For authentic frozen cream pieces, freeze a thin layer of heavy cream and break into chunks
  2. Store in the freezer door for a more scoopable texture
  3. Let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving for best flavor and texture

Tools You'll Need

  • Mortar and pestle
  • Large saucepan
  • Ice bath
  • Ice cream maker
  • Airtight container
  • Parchment paper

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains nuts (pistachios)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 380
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 25 g
  • Protein: 5 g