If you’re on the hunt for a no-fuss treat that combines decadent chocolatey richness with a pop of salty, nutty flavor, these Chocolate and Pistachio Bars are about to become your new obsession. Sweet, chewy, and studded with vibrant pistachios, each bite is a delightful blend of texture and intense flavor—a perfect snack for gatherings, gifting, or simply indulging your sweet tooth at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of core ingredients, you’ll create something truly special! Each component in these Chocolate and Pistachio Bars brings an important element—creamy sweetness, crunchy bite, and a balanced touch of salt all work together for irresistible results.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The melting heart of the bars, providing smooth richness and balanced cocoa flavor.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Acts as both sweetener and binder, giving the bars a decadently chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a mellow warmth that complements chocolate and elevates all the flavors.
- Salt: Just a pinch to sharpen the sweetness and enhance complexity.
- Shelled pistachios (roughly chopped): These introduce crunch, vibrant color, and a distinct nutty profile that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- Flaky sea salt (optional): A sprinkle on top brings out even more depth and a touch of gourmet flair.
How to Make Chocolate and Pistachio Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave a little overhang on the sides—this clever trick makes lifting the finished bars a total breeze, so you get perfect squares every time without any sticking or crumbling.
Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Milk
Grab a medium saucepan, set it over low heat, and combine your semi-sweet chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly (this is where that dreamy, glossy mixture comes together!) until the chocolate is completely melted and your mixture turns silky and smooth.
Step 3: Add Flavor and Texture
Quickly remove the pan from the heat and stir in vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and those gorgeous chopped pistachios. The warm chocolate mixture coats every nut so each bar is packed with flavor and the signature crunch that makes Chocolate and Pistachio Bars so memorable.
Step 4: Spread and Top
Pour the mixture into your lined dish and use a spatula to spread it into an even layer. If you love a salty finish, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the top—the contrast with the sweet chocolate is absolute magic!
Step 5: Chill and Set
Pop your dish into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours. This is the hardest part (waiting!), but also essential—your Chocolate and Pistachio Bars need time to firm up for easy, mess-free slicing.
Step 6: Slice and Enjoy
Once fully set, grab those parchment handles, lift the whole slab out, and transfer to a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut into 16 squares. That’s it—unbelievably simple, yet so satisfying.
How to Serve Chocolate and Pistachio Bars
Garnishes
A classic touch of flaky sea salt sprinkled right before serving makes each bite sing, but you can also dust with a little cocoa powder or add an extra scatter of chopped pistachios on top for a vibrant, bakery-worthy finish.
Side Dishes
These bars play nicely with coffee or tea, especially bold dark roasts or spiced chai. For dessert platters, pair them with fresh berries or tangy citrus segments to balance their chocolaty richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Chocolate and Pistachio Bars on a rustic wooden board with mixed nuts and dried fruit for a casual get-together, or stack them neatly and wrap in parchment for charming edible gifts. They also make a striking addition to a festive cookie box alongside other homemade sweets.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra Chocolate and Pistachio Bars in an airtight container in the fridge—they’ll stay fresh for up to a week and maintain that perfect chewy texture and crunch. Try layering parchment between rows to prevent sticking.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the bars in a well-sealed container for up to 2 months. I recommend flash-freezing the squares individually first so you can grab just one or two whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
If you prefer your bars a little softer, simply let them come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes after pulling them from the fridge or freezer. There’s no need to reheat them, but a few seconds in the microwave will make the chocolate extra melty if you want a warm treat!
FAQs
Can I use different nuts instead of pistachios?
Absolutely! Almonds, hazelnuts, or even a mix of your favorites can stand in for pistachios, though the unique flavor of pistachios is hard to beat in Chocolate and Pistachio Bars.
Is it possible to make these dairy-free?
While the classic recipe relies on sweetened condensed milk, you can try using a plant-based condensed milk and check that your chocolate chips are dairy-free for a vegan-friendly batch.
Do I need to toast the pistachios first?
You don’t have to, but toasting pistachios before adding them amps up their flavor and gives the bars an extra layer of crunch—it’s totally worth the few extra minutes!
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Just keep an eye on the chilling time, as a larger batch may need a little longer to set fully.
Are Chocolate and Pistachio Bars gluten-free?
Yes! As long as your chocolate chips and other ingredients are certified gluten-free, these bars are naturally gluten-free, making them ideal for a range of diets.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to fall in love with a new homemade treat, whip up a batch of these Chocolate and Pistachio Bars. They’re easy, crowd-pleasing, and just a little bit addictive—so pour yourself a cup of coffee and get ready to savor every bite!
Print
Chocolate and Pistachio Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these rich and decadent Chocolate and Pistachio Bars that are a perfect blend of sweetness and crunch. Easy to make and no baking required, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup shelled pistachios (roughly chopped)
- flaky sea salt for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a saucepan, melt chocolate chips and condensed milk. Add vanilla, salt, and pistachios.
- Set and Chill: Spread the mixture in the dish, add sea salt, then chill for at least 2 hours.
- Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- You can swap pistachios for almonds or hazelnuts.
- For extra crunch, toast the pistachios before adding.
- Store bars in the fridge for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
