Chocolate Pistachio Almond Bars

Name: Chocolate Pistachio Almond Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped; 1/2 cup almonds, chopped

Highlighted under: Sweet Favorites

I absolutely love making these Chocolate Pistachio Almond Bars when I want to impress my friends with a sweet treat that's both unique and delicious. The combination of rich chocolate and crunchy pistachios creates a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to whip up, making them perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of coffee or as an after-dinner dessert, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Created by

Ffion Llewellyn

Last updated on 2026-01-19T22:53:34.530Z

During one of my baking adventures, I stumbled upon the idea of combining chocolate and pistachios. The result was a luscious bar that not only looks appealing but also has a fantastic texture. The addition of almonds provides a nice crunch, balancing the creamy chocolate. One of my favorite moments was watching my guests savor each bite, their eyes lighting up with surprise at the unique flavor profile.

I realized that using good quality ingredients makes a substantial difference. The chocolate must be rich and high in cocoa content, while fresh pistachios enhance the overall taste. Each bite should be an experience, and by toasting the nuts slightly before using them, you unlock a deeper flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Why You'll Love These Bars
Decadent chocolate flavor mixed with nutty pistachios
Crispy texture from almonds adds a delightful crunch
Perfect for gifting or enjoyed with a cozy cup of tea

The Importance of Chocolate Quality

When making these Chocolate Pistachio Almond Bars, the quality and type of chocolate you choose significantly affect the end result. I recommend using high-quality dark chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 60% for a richer flavor. This chocolate will melt beautifully, creating a glossy finish when combined with the butter. Lower quality chocolates may not melt as well and can result in a grainy texture, which can detract from the smoothness of the bars.

If you're feeling adventurous, consider experimenting with different dark chocolate blends or even incorporating milk chocolate or white chocolate. Just keep in mind that adjusting the sugar content might be necessary if you choose sweeter varieties. This flexibility allows you to tailor the bars to your taste preferences while maintaining the deliciousness.

Nut Selection and Preparation

Pistachios and almonds provide both flavor and texture in these bars. When selecting pistachios, opt for unsalted varieties to balance the sweetness of the chocolate and sugar. It's easy to chop them coarsely with a chef’s knife, but if you're short on time, you can use pre-chopped nuts available at most grocery stores. Just ensure they're not overly processed, as the texture should still have some crunch when baked.

For almonds, slicing them into slivers can offer a delightful crunch and enhance the visual appeal of the bars. Toasting the almonds briefly in a dry skillet for about 3-5 minutes can greatly enhance their flavor. Just watch them closely to prevent burning; they should be golden and fragrant before being folded into the batter.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious Chocolate Pistachio Almond Bars.

Ingredients for Chocolate Pistachio Almond Bars

1 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup pistachios, chopped
1/2 cup almonds, chopped

Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your bars.

Melt the Chocolate

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the dark chocolate chips and unsalted butter together, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the melted chocolate to the mixture, stirring continuously.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Add Nuts

Carefully fold in the chopped pistachios and almonds into the batter, ensuring they're evenly distributed.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish (8x8 inch) with parchment paper, pour in the batter, and spread it evenly. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Cut

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares or bars.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Pro Tips

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet and salty balance.

Storage Tips

These bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. This allows the flavors to meld even further, making each bite as delicious as the last. If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerating them can also be a good option. Just be sure to slice them after refrigeration, as they tend to harden and can be challenging to cut through.

For longer storage, these bars freeze very well. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing these Chocolate Pistachio Almond Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate the dessert experience even further. The cold creaminess contrasts beautifully with the rich chocolate and crunchy nuts, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that is sure to impress your guests.

For a festive touch, consider dusting the cooled bars with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or cocoa powder before serving. You can also drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel sauce to add an extra layer of indulgence. Feel free to customize toppings based on seasonal flavors like peppermint during the holidays or fresh berries in the summer.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can use white chocolate, but it will give a different taste. Make sure to adjust the sweetness accordingly.

→ Are there any nut-free options?

Yes, you can exclude the nuts entirely or substitute them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

→ How do I know when they are done baking?

The bars will look set and a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs when inserted in the center.

→ Can I freeze these bars?

Absolutely! Allow them to cool completely, slice them, and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.