Chocolate Pistachio Almond Bars

Name: Chocolate Pistachio Almond Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 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 chopped pistachios; 1/2 cup chopped almonds

Highlighted under: Golden Kitchen

I absolutely love making Chocolate Pistachio Almond Bars because they strike the perfect balance between richness and crunch. The combination of creamy chocolate with the nutty flavor of pistachios and almonds creates a delightful treat that's hard to resist. These bars are perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth or impressing guests at a gathering. It’s a straightforward recipe that delivers a show-stopping dessert without a lot of fuss. Once you try them, you’ll understand why they’ve become a staple in my kitchen.

Created by

Bethan Rowcroft

Last updated on 2026-01-21T18:46:36.767Z

When I first decided to experiment with these bars, I knew I wanted something that combined my love for chocolate with the health benefits of nuts. After a bit of tweaking and taste testing, I discovered that toasting the nuts before mixing them in really enhances their flavor. This extra step takes just a few minutes but elevates the dish remarkably.

The secret to achieving the perfect texture lies in the balance of ingredients. I’ve learned that using a bit of sea salt enhances the overall sweetness and creates a beautiful contrast that makes these bars utterly addictive. Trust me, they won’t last long once you serve them!

Why You'll Love These Bars
Rich chocolate flavor paired with crunchy pistachios and almonds
Perfect texture that’s both chewy and crunchy
Easy to make and perfect for sharing or snacking

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to achieving the rich flavor in these Chocolate Pistachio Almond Bars lies in using high-quality dark chocolate chips. Look for chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content, as this will provide a deeper chocolate flavor that contrasts beautifully with the nuttiness of the pistachios and almonds. When selecting nuts, opt for raw or lightly salted versions to control the saltiness of the final product. Toasting the nuts lightly enhances their flavor, so consider giving them a quick toast in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes before adding them to the batter.

Butter is a crucial ingredient in this recipe, contributing to the moist texture of the bars. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall salt content, which is important since both the chocolate and nuts can already add a savory element. If you need a dairy-free option, a vegan butter substitute can work well here, just ensure it has a similar fat content to preserve the desired texture.

Baking Tips for Perfect Texture

To achieve that perfect chewy and crunchy balance, be mindful of your baking time. Start checking the bars at the 20-minute mark, as ovens can vary widely in heat. The bars are done when the edges are set, and the center is still slightly soft. Remember that the bars will continue to cook from residual heat after you remove them from the oven, so avoid over-baking, which can lead to a dry texture.

Cooling the bars completely in the pan is essential for the best cutting results. If you try to cut them while they are still warm, they may crumble. Once cooled, lift the parchment paper out of the pan for easy cutting. Using a sharp knife is key to achieving clean edges, and I suggest wiping the blade with a damp cloth between cuts to prevent sticking.

Ingredients

For the 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 chopped pistachios
1/2 cup chopped almonds

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.

Melt the Chocolate and Butter

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

Combine Ingredients

Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well mixed. Add flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped pistachios and almonds.

Bake

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Cut

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into squares or bars.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider using toasted nuts or a pinch of sea salt in the batter. You can also drizzle melted chocolate on top before serving for a decorative finish.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These Chocolate Pistachio Almond Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag; they can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or microwave them for about 10 seconds to soften slightly before serving.

For serving, these bars can be enjoyed plain, but feel free to elevate them with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt on top. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert or cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces for an elegant addition to a dessert platter at your next gathering.

Variations and Dietary Considerations

If you're looking to switch up the flavors, consider substituting the nuts with others like walnuts or pecans, which will bring their unique flavors to the bars. Additionally, for a fruity twist, you can fold in dried cranberries or cherries with the nuts for a tart contrast to the rich chocolate.

For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour to make these bars gluten-free. This will not significantly alter the texture or flavor, making them a suitable option for those who need to avoid gluten while still satisfying their sweet cravings.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the chocolate chips?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate or white chocolate chips based on your preference.

→ How do I store the bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.

→ Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ What other nuts can I use?

You can substitute any nuts you like, such as walnuts or pecans, as long as they are chopped.