Chocolate Pistachio Almond Bars

Name: Chocolate Pistachio Almond Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped; 1/2 cup almonds, chopped

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making Chocolate Pistachio Almond Bars whenever I need a sweet treat that combines rich flavors and satisfying crunch. This recipe is a delightful blend of creamy chocolate, nutty pistachios, and crunchy almonds that truly captures the essence of indulgence. The best part is, it comes together in just a few minutes, allowing me to whip up a batch without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try these bars, you’ll be hooked on this delicious combination!

Created by

Maisie Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-15T12:57:59.967Z

When I first made these Chocolate Pistachio Almond Bars, I was amazed by how simple yet decadent they turned out. The layers of flavors from the chocolate, pistachios, and almonds harmonize beautifully, creating a treat that feels luxurious despite being quick to prepare. The key is to let the mixture cool slightly before cutting, which ensures that the bars hold their shape perfectly.

As I experimented, I found that adding a pinch of sea salt on top enhances the overall flavor, giving each bite a delightful contrast of sweet and salty. Whether I’m serving them at a gathering or enjoying them myself, these bars never fail to impress!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Decadent chocolate layers complemented by crunchy nuts
Easy to make and perfect for any occasion
A delightful mix of flavors that everyone will enjoy

      

The Importance of Quality Chocolate and Nuts

When making Chocolate Pistachio Almond Bars, the quality of the chocolate directly influences the final taste. I recommend using high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content for a rich, deep flavor. This chocolate not only enhances the bars' taste but also contributes to the glossy texture once melted. If you're looking for a sweeter flavor, consider using semi-sweet chocolate chips as a substitute, but don’t go too sugary, as it can overshadow the nutty elements.

The choice of nuts is equally crucial. Pistachios provide a unique creaminess and light saltiness, while almonds add a nice crunch. If you're allergic to one of these nuts or prefer a different flavor, walnuts or hazelnuts can work as suitable substitutes. Just ensure that any nut you choose is freshly roasted to maximize their flavor and crunch.

Achieving the Perfect Texture

To ensure your Chocolate Pistachio Almond Bars have the perfect balance of chewy and crunchy textures, pay attention during the mixing stage. Once you fold in the flour mixture, avoid overmixing it; this helps maintain the bars' moistness. The batter should be just combined, with a few streaks of flour still visible. This will ensure that your bars rise beautifully and give them a soft interior without becoming too cake-like.

Timing is essential when baking. Aim for around 20 minutes in the oven, but keep an eye on your bars. They should be set on the edges and slightly firm in the center. If you notice the edges starting to pull away from the sides of the pan, it’s a good indication they're done. Remember, they will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven due to residual heat.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Chocolate Pistachio Almond Bars

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

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.

Melt Chocolate and Butter

In a medium saucepan, melt the dark chocolate chips and unsalted butter over low heat. Stir until smooth and combined.

Mix in Sugar and Eggs

Remove from heat and mix in the granulated sugar. Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, and add the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually fold in the flour mixture into the chocolate mixture until well combined.

Add Nuts

Gently fold in the chopped pistachios and almonds into the batter.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Cut

Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, drizzle some melted chocolate over the cooled bars or sprinkle some sea salt on top before baking.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

For the best flavor and texture, these bars are best enjoyed within the first few days. However, if you need to store them, place the cooled bars in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to avoid sticking. They can last up to a week at room temperature or be refrigerated for up to two weeks. If you're prepping for an event, these bars can be made a few days in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.

Cut the bars into squares for easy portioning, and for an extra touch, consider drizzling melted chocolate on top or sprinkling additional chopped nuts before serving. If you’d like to make these bars even more indulgent, a layer of creamy caramel on top before baking could elevate them to a whole new level.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to customize the nuts according to your preference. A mix of nuts like pecans and walnuts can add new flavors and crunch. For a sweeter profile, you might fold in some dried fruits like cranberries or cherries to complement the chocolate. Also, consider adding a tablespoon of espresso powder to the batter to intensify the chocolate flavor without altering the sweetness.

For those wanting a gluten-free option, try substituting the all-purpose flour with almond flour. Just note that you may need to adjust the baking time slightly, as almond flour can create a denser texture. I’ve made these bars using almond flour before, and they turn out delightfully chewy while still packing that nutty punch!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate for dark chocolate, but keep in mind that the sweetness levels may change.

→ How should I store these bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I add other nuts to the recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts such as walnuts or hazelnuts for a unique flavor.

→ Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.