Banana Toast, plus Pistachio Cream

A unique twist on classic flavors Banana Toast, plus Pistachio Cream is a simple anytime toast that can be enjoyed as breakfast, lunch, or even a snack. If you thought peanut butter and bananas were a match made in heaven, then you need to try this creamy, dreamy, nutty pistachio version. And the best part? That final drizzle of sweet honey for a little something extra.

We've been obsessed with pistachios lately. Between making ice creammuffins or chopping them and adding them to salads they are so versatile (we're also a sucker for the pretty green hue).

After getting tired of staring at our jar of peanut butter, we decided to swap out the classic for creamy pistachio. Paired with bananas, it's as good as it sounds, and more reason for us to keep the green stuff stocked in our pantry.

This banana toast is a full on meal, that will keep you satisfied and full. It's fancy enough for even the snobbiest brunch-goers, and will win the hearts of toddlers everywhere!

Let's talk pistachio cream

Before we talk about the creamy stuff, there are 3 different pistachio spreads you will come across- pistachio paste, pistachio butter, and pistachio cream.

Pistachio paste is a thick, smooth paste made from ground pistachios. It does not contain any other ingredients, like sugar, oil, or milk often found in other ground pistachio products such as pistachio cream.

Pistachio butter is also made from ground pistachios similar to peanut or almond butter. It's more coarse than pistachio paste.

Pistachio cream (pistachio crema) on the other hand, is a sweetened, flavored version of pistachio paste. Some are decadent, incorporating sugar, milk, butter, and white chocolate. Others are more flavored with only sugar and/or honey. The consistency is usually smooth, and creamy, and the color ranging from bright green to less intense greens.

While technically you can use any of the above for this banana toast, we opt for the sweet, creamy, flavored stuff-because our bananas deserve the best!

Once you hunt down pistachio cream, the rest is smooth sailing. And don't worry, pistachio cream is becoming more and more popular, and is readily available either in store or online.

• Pistachio cream (pistachio cremacrema di pistacchio) - Look for Italian or Mediterranean brands for the best quality. We buy ours online but larger retailers like Costco have been carrying it as well as smaller grocery stores. Our neighborhood grocery store started selling pistachio cream, although it was located in the cheese section (as a charcuterie option). It will most likely be found near the peanut butter.
• Bananas Not overripe, but suited to slicing.
• Honey For drizzling over the toast.
• Pistachios we crush a few pistachios on top for added texture and crunch.
• Bread Choose a hearty bread that can stand up to heavy toppings (sourdough, multigrain, etc.).
• Edible rose petals Totally optional. If you know us, you know we like a little extra sparkle. We love the contrast of color too.

Step by step instructions

Grab a knife, and start spreading! It's that easy. Toast the bread in a skillet for best results.

Start with two slices of toasted bread.

Spread 1-2 tablespoons of pistachio cream over the toast.

Slice up some bananas and place them on top of the pistachio layer.

Drizzle with honey, then add the crushed pistachios and rose petals if using.

Expert tip

For even toasting, heat a skillet on medium with a little butter, add the bread, and toast until golden brown on both sides.

Substitutions and variations

This easy Banana Toast, plus Pistachio Cream be prepared with a few tweaks. Here are some suggestions to try:

1. Use different fruit Replace the bananas with apples or peaches.
2. Add spices For a unique flavor twist, sprinkle ground cardamom or cinnamon over the pistachio cream, before adding the bananas.
3. Skip the toast Not in the mood for a full on meal? Skip the bread, and prepare a platter of sliced bananas topped with a dollop of pistachio cream.
4. Replace the pistachio cream Use traditional peanut butter or almond butter.
5. Drizzle the top with melted chocolate Even better- try melting a little Nutella and drizzling it over the top.

Serve it with

Since this is pretty decadent as is, we recommend washing it down with a refreshing beverage, or your favorite coffee or tea drink.

If you have a bolder appetite, try adding a side of scrambled eggs or a lighter fruit parfait.

Lastly, for a fun appetizer, or personal dessert, make mini banana toast versions using crostini. slice a baguette on an angle, toast it up and proceed with the toast instructions. Guests will love these hand held toasts!

Keeping leftovers

This toast is best eaten right away, but rest assured, leftovers are highly unlikely!

Kitchen questions

Can we use pistachio paste or pistachio butter?

Yes, you certainly can. The textures will range depending on which you choose, but the pistachio flavor will still shine. Keep in mind, depending on the brand and type of pistachio spread you choose, the colors can range from green to brown. Lastly, you can always add a bit more honey to sweeten the pistachio butter or paste if it's too bland.

Solid pairings

Let's toast to good pairings!

Ingredients

Makes 2 toasts

• 2 slices thick, crusty bread (sourdough, multigrain, etc.)
• 2-4 tbsp pistachio cream (pistachio crema, crema di pistacchio)
• 1 banana, sliced
• 2 tbsp chopped, shelled pistachios (unsalted)
• honey for drizzling
• 1 pinch flaky sea salt, optional
• edible rose petals for topping, optional

Equipment

• toaster or skillet

Method

1. Toast the bread in a toaster or pan fry on medium with a little butter until golden brown on both sides.

2. Spread the pistachio cream evenly on the toast—top with bananas, a drizzle of honey, and the chopped pistachios. Serve immediately sprinkled with sea salt and rose petals (if using).

Kitchen notes

Pistachio cream: Pistachio cream (pistachio crema) is a sweetened, flavored version of pistachio paste (a spread made from ground pistachios). The consistency is usually smooth, and creamy, and the color ranges from bright green to dull green.

You can substitute pistachio butter or pistachio paste, but it won't be sweet like cream. If choosing pistachio butter, you can add more honey to sweeten it to your liking.