Chocolate Pistachio Almond Bars

Name: Chocolate Pistachio Almond Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup dark chocolate, chopped; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped; 1/2 cup almonds, chopped; 1/4 teaspoon salt

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When I whip up a batch of Chocolate Pistachio Almond Bars, it’s not just about satisfying my sweet tooth; it’s about indulging in a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The richness of chocolate coupled with the nuttiness of pistachios and the crunch of almonds creates a luxurious treat that I simply can’t resist. These bars are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a personal indulgence. Trust me, after making these once, you’ll want to keep them on hand for all your snack cravings!

Created by

Seraphina Moore

Last updated on 2026-01-21T19:22:35.129Z

Every time I make these Chocolate Pistachio Almond Bars, I’m transported to my favorite chocolate shop. The first time I tried this combination, I couldn’t believe how well the sweet, creamy chocolate complemented the toasty almond and earthy pistachio flavors. After several experiments, I’ve learned that gently toasting the nuts before adding them to the mix enhances their flavor and gives the bars a delightful crunch.

Another tip I discovered is to let the bars chill completely before cutting them. This not only makes for cleaner slices but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Each bite of these bars is a perfect harmony of textures and tastes, and I’m sure you’ll love them just as much as I do!

        Why You'll Love These Bars
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with crunchy pistachios and almonds
Perfect blend of textures—creamy, crunchy, and chewy
Ideal for gatherings but just as satisfying as a personal treat

      

Perfecting the Texture

Achieving the ideal texture in your Chocolate Pistachio Almond Bars is key to their success. The combination of dense chocolate and crunchy nuts creates a delightful contrast. Be careful not to overmix after adding the flour; just fold until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars, which detracts from their rich, chewy quality. You want them to hold together well yet remain tender, so take extra care during this step.

Baking time is critical; at 25 minutes, the bars should come out with a few moist crumbs on a toothpick. If you notice that your bars are underbaked, return them to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges—they should just start to pull away from the sides of the pan. This will ensure the bars set properly without becoming dry.

Nuts About Nuts

Pistachios and almonds are more than just flavor boosters; they add textural contrast and nutritional benefits. If you prefer a different nut, feel free to swap in walnuts or hazelnuts, but be cautious with the roasting time. Some nuts may toast more quickly than others, which can alter the overall flavor and texture profile. Lightly toasting your nuts before adding them can enhance their aroma and deepen the flavors; just smell for that nutty scent.

When it comes to chopping, aim for uneven pieces to create varied crunch as you bite into the bars. Consider using a food processor for a quicker option, but pulse only a few times to maintain chunky pieces that provide a satisfying bite, rather than a powdery texture.

Ingredients

For the Bars

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

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Melt the Chocolate and Butter

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

Mix in the Eggs and Sugar

Whisk in the granulated sugar, followed by the eggs and vanilla extract until combined.

Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gently fold in the flour and salt until just combined. Then, fold in the chopped pistachios and almonds.

Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Cut

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into squares.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle some sea salt on the bars before baking for a sweet and salty contrast. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Make-Ahead Tips

These Chocolate Pistachio Almond Bars can easily be made ahead of time. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely before wrapping them in plastic wrap or storing them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to five days, but if you're aiming to keep them for longer, refrigerate them to extend their freshness to up to two weeks.

For longer storage, consider freezing your bars. After cutting them into squares, place a piece of parchment paper between each piece, wrap them tightly in plastic, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They will retain their quality for up to three months, making them the perfect solution for unexpected snack cravings or last-minute gatherings.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are delightful on their own, but they can be enhanced with accompanying flavors. I love serving them with a side of whipped cream or a dollop of vanilla ice cream, which balances the richness of the chocolate beautifully. If you want to impress guests, drizzle a little extra melted chocolate on top before serving—this gives them an indulgent shine and a visual wow factor.

You can also experiment with flavor pairings. Adding a pinch of sea salt on top enhances the chocolate flavors, while a sprinkle of crushed pistachios adds color and texture. For a unique twist, try infusing the chocolate mixture with almond extract instead of vanilla to amplify the nutty nuances in your bars.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate, but it will alter the flavor profile to be sweeter.

→ How should I store the bars?

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

→ Can I freeze these bars?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to three months.

→ What nuts can I substitute for pistachios?

You can use walnuts or cashews as alternatives, but keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly.