Chocolate Pistachio Almond Bars

Name: Chocolate Pistachio Almond Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 16 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chopped pistachios; 1/2 cup chopped almonds; 1/4 cup additional pistachios for garnish; Sea salt to sprinkle on top

Highlighted under: Modern Baking Collection

I’ve always been a fan of chocolate and nuts, so I decided to combine them into one delectable treat: Chocolate Pistachio Almond Bars. The rich chocolate mingles beautifully with the nutty flavors of pistachios and almonds, creating a delightful crunch in every bite. These bars are easy to make and can satisfy my sweet tooth perfectly. Plus, they’re great for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them again and again!

Created by

Ophelia Turner

Last updated on 2026-01-21T20:03:35.461Z

Making these Chocolate Pistachio Almond Bars became a culinary adventure in my kitchen. I experimented with different nut combinations and discovered that the sweet and salty flavors of pistachios paired perfectly with the rich chocolate. One tip I learned is to toast the nuts lightly before adding them to the mix; it enhances their flavor and gives the bars a remarkable depth of taste.

As I crafted these bars, I realized they would be perfect for gift-giving or celebrations. Wrapping them in nice packaging not only makes them look inviting but also adds a personal touch. Each bite offers a chewy, nutty experience that I believe everyone will love. Don’t skip the sea salt sprinkle on top—a little touch goes a long way in balancing the sweetness!

Why You Will Love These Bars
Rich chocolate flavor paired with crunchy pistachios and almonds
Simple preparation method with impressive results
Perfectly sweet yet balanced with a hint of saltiness

Why the Ingredients Matter

The choice of dark chocolate is crucial for the rich flavor profile of these bars. A high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content contributes to the depth of flavor, balancing sweetness with slight bitterness. This richness harmonizes beautifully with the nutty crunch of pistachios and almonds, making each bite a delightful experience. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can experiment with semi-sweet chocolate; just keep in mind that this will alter the overall taste of the bars.

Butter plays a fundamental role in achieving a moist and chewy texture. Unsalted butter is recommended here as it allows you to control the overall saltiness of the bars. When melting the butter with chocolate, pay close attention to the heat. Keeping it low helps prevent overheating, which can cause the chocolate to seize. Trust me, a smooth mixture results in a perfectly blended batter, ensuring that every piece retains its rich chocolate essence.

Baking and Texture Tips

When baking the bars, it's important to use a toothpick to test for doneness. Insert it into the center; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the bars are done. This guarantees a soft and fudgy interior. Overbaking can lead to dry bars, so keeping an eye on them in the last few minutes is key. I often mark a timer for 20 minutes and start checking every couple of minutes thereafter to catch that perfect moment.

Once the bars are out of the oven, allow them to cool for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step prevents them from becoming too dense by giving them time to set without becoming soggy. As they cool, the flavors will deepen, enhancing the overall taste. When cutting the bars, a sharp knife will yield cleaner edges, giving you that bakery-style appearance that's sure to impress guests.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

These Chocolate Pistachio Almond Bars are incredibly versatile for serving. You can enjoy them warm, straight from the oven, allowing the chocolate to be extra gooey. Alternatively, let them cool fully and pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. For a festive touch, serve them with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream. They also make for a delightful treat to accompany your afternoon coffee or tea.

For storage, keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Just wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top bag; they can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours, or microwave them for 15-20 seconds for that 'just baked' quality.

Ingredients

For the Bars

1 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped pistachios
1/2 cup chopped almonds

For Topping

1/4 cup additional pistachios for garnish
Sea salt to sprinkle on top

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well before baking!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Melt Chocolate and Butter

In a medium saucepan, melt together the dark chocolate chips and unsalted butter over low heat until smooth, stirring frequently.

Mix Sugars and Eggs

In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and eggs until well combined.

Combine Mixtures

Add the chocolate mixture to the sugar and egg mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. Then, add flour, baking powder, and salt.

Add Nuts

Fold in the chopped pistachios and almonds until evenly distributed.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, slice into squares and garnish with additional pistachios and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Enjoy these delightful bars with a cup of coffee or as a sweet treat any time of the day.

Pro Tips

For added richness, try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the batter before baking. It complements the chocolate beautifully.

Flavor Variations

If you're looking to switch up the flavors, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate's richness. Alternatively, you can incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth, or even a splash of vanilla extract for a sweeter note. Each of these additions pairs beautifully with the nuttiness of pistachios and almonds, creating a unique twist that can suit different palates.

For a different texture, try swapping out almonds for walnuts or hazelnuts. These alternatives not only offer distinct flavors but also introduce a different mouthfeel. You might also experiment with adding dried fruits, such as cranberries or apricots, for a chewy pop that contrasts nicely with the crunch of the nuts.

Common Problems and Solutions

A common issue when making these bars is the chocolate seizing during melting. To prevent this, make sure to use a medium saucepan over low heat and continuously stir until melted. If you accidentally add too much heat, don't despair. Just add a small amount of warm cream to the seized chocolate and stir briskly until it becomes smooth again.

Another frequent concern is achieving the perfect bake. If your bars end up underbaked, they'll be gooey in the center; while still delicious, they may not hold together when cut. If this happens, you can pop them back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, which could lead to a dry bar.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute other nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can replace pistachios and almonds with any nuts you prefer, such as walnuts or pecans.

→ 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 freeze these bars?

Yes, they freeze well! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to three months.

→ What pairs well with these bars?

These bars are delicious with a glass of milk, but pair wonderfully with coffee or tea as well.