Copycat Shake Shack Pistachio Shake Recipe

This Shake Shack Pistachio Shake blends the rich, nutty essence of pistachios with the luxurious smoothness of homemade custard, all topped with a crackling dark chocolate shell promising a symphony of textures in every sip. Yes, it’s no small feat, but for those who yearn for a sip of splendor or are simply curious about what makes this shake a standout in the realm of frozen desserts, you’re in for a treat.

How to make Shake Shack Pistachio Shake

The Shake Shack Pistachio Shake is a limited-time dessert beverage inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate bar. It features a blend of real pistachio frozen custard and toasted kataifi shredded phyllo dough, encased in a crackable dark chocolate shell and topped with chopped pistachios and additional toasted kataifi.

Ingredients

For the Pistachio Shake:

• 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, plus extra finely chopped for garnish
• 2 cups quality vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
• 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust based on preference and sweetness of ice cream)

For the Chocolate Magic Shell:

• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil

For the Garnish (Optional):

• Whipped cream
• Toasted shredded phyllo (kataifi), if available
• Extra chopped pistachios

Instructions

Preparing the Pistachio Paste:

1. Start by prepping the pistachios – blanch them for a minute in boiling water, then quickly transfer them to ice water. This step is crucial for removing the skins. Once cooled, peel the pistachios.
2. In a food processor, blend the peeled pistachios with 2 tablespoons of sugar and ¼ cup of milk until you have a smooth, thick paste. This might take a few minutes. The aim here is to extract as much pistachio flavor as possible.

Making the Shake:

1. Add the pistachio paste, vanilla ice cream, remaining milk, and almond extract to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the sweetness or almond extract as needed.
2. Pour the shake into your serving glass, leaving room for the magic shell topping.

Preparing the Chocolate Magic Shell:

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth.
2. Let the chocolate mixture cool slightly but not harden.

Assembling the Shake:

1. Slowly pour the chocolate magic shell over the top of the pistachio shake. Wait for a couple of moments, and it will harden. If desired, you can squeeze the cup slightly to crack the shell.
2. If you have it, garnish with a dollop of whipped cream, extra chopped pistachios, and toasted shredded phyllo.

Tips for the Perfect Shake:

• Pistachio Paste: It’s key to achieve a smooth pistachio paste. If your processor struggles, add a bit more milk to help it along. The finer the paste, the better the texture of your shake.
• Serving Glasses: Chill your serving glasses before pouring the shake. This helps to keep your shake cold and thick while you work on the magic shell topping.
• Magic Shell Cool Down: Ensure the chocolate mixture is not too hot when pouring over the cold shake to achieve the perfect crackling effect without melting your masterpiece.
• Customization: Feel free to adjust the thickness of your shake by playing with the ice cream-to-milk ratio. More milk makes a thinner shake, and more ice cream makes a thicker one.

What to serve with

Pairing the right goodies with the Shake Shack Pistachio Shake can elevate your indulgence to a whole new level, crafting an unforgettable dessert experience. Given the shake’s rich texture and the unique flavor combination of pistachio and chocolate, you’ll want to serve items that complement rather than compete.

• Classic Butter Cookies: A plate of buttery, crumbly classic butter cookies makes for a simple yet sophisticated sidekick to the pistachio shake. Their delicate flavor doesn’t overpower the shake’s rich taste, while their crispy texture contrasts beautifully with its creaminess. Homemade or store-bought, these cookies are a must-try pairing.
• Fruit Skewers: For a refreshing counterpart, consider serving fruit skewers featuring a mix of berries, melon, and a mint leaf or two for garnish. The fruits’ natural sweetness and acidity can cut through the richness of the shake, making each sip afterward taste like a new discovery. This combination is particularly appealing during warmer weather, offering a vibrant, refreshing element to your dessert course.
• Mini Pistachio Baklava Bites: To complement your shake with a pistachio theme, mini pistachio baklava bites can be a show-stopper. Their syrupy sweetness and nutty layers harmonize with the shake’s flavors, enhancing the pistachio presence and adding a delightful textural contrast with their flaky pastry.
• Coffee or Espresso: For adults, serving a strong coffee or a shot of espresso alongside can create a sophisticated café-style experience. The bitterness of coffee balances the sweet, rich flavors of the shake, making for a well-rounded palate cleanser in between sips. This pairing is a match made in heaven for coffee lovers looking to indulge.
• Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread: Another elegant pairing option is chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies. The buttery shortbread and the rich chocolate echo the components of the shake, especially the magic shell topping, offering a crunchy texture that complements the smoothness of the shake. Opt for dark chocolate dipping to cut through the sweetness.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating your version of the Shake Shack Pistachio Shake at home allows you to adapt and substitute ingredients based on availability, dietary restrictions, or preference.

Pistachio Ice Cream

If you can’t find pistachio ice cream or prefer a homemade or healthier version, consider making your own by blending vanilla ice cream with pistachios. For a vegan alternative, use a base of bananas, pistachios, nondairy milk, vanilla extract, and a medjool date for sweetness.[1][2] This provides a creamy texture and a distinct pistachio flavor without the need for traditional pistachio ice cream.

Whole Milk

For those avoiding dairy, whole milk can be easily substituted with any nondairy milk, such as almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk. Choose unsweetened varieties to control the sweetness of your shake. Almond milk, with its nutty taste, can especially complement the pistachio flavor.

Whipped Cream

Vegan whipped cream is available in most grocery stores and can be a direct substitute for traditional dairy whipped cream for topping your shake. Alternatively, you can make your own by chilling a can of coconut cream and then whipping it with a bit of powdered sugar and vanilla extract.

Maraschino Cherries

While maraschino cherries add a nice visual touch and a hint of sweetness, you can also consider using fresh cherries when in season for a more natural alternative. Or, for a different twist, a slice of dried or fresh fig can add an interesting flavor complement to the pistachio.

Final Thoughts

Enjoy making this flavorful Shake Shack Pistachio Shake, which is sure to impress with its combination of creamy pistachio goodness and the fun, crackly chocolate magic shell.