💚 Decadent Delight: No-Bake Pistachio Dark Chocolate Bars
Rich, creamy, crunchy, and utterly irresistible! These No-Bake Pistachio Dark Chocolate Bars are the ultimate easy dessert for when you crave something luxurious but don't want to turn on the oven. Featuring a simple, nutty crust, a vibrant pistachio filling, and a smooth, dark chocolate topping, this treat is a delightful balance of sweet and salty flavors that will disappear fast!
⭐ Recipe Highlights
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours (minimum)
- Total Time: Approx. 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yields: 16 bars
- Cuisine: Dessert
📝 Ingredients
For the Nutty Crust
- 1 cup (about 120g) rolled oats (use certified gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 cup (about 60g) raw almonds or almond flour
- 1/4 cup (about 30g) shelled pistachios
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (60ml) maple syrup or agave nectar
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
For the Creamy Pistachio Layer
- 1 cup (about 120g) shelled pistachios, raw or lightly toasted
- 1/4 cup (60ml) maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) full-fat coconut milk (the thick cream from the top of a chilled can) or heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- (Optional: 1/4 teaspoon almond extract for extra flavor, or a tiny drop of green food coloring for a brighter color)
For the Dark Chocolate Topping
- 6 ounces (about 170g) high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), chopped
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios (for garnish)
- Flaky sea salt (for garnish, optional)
🥄 Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan
- Line an 8x8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal later. Set aside.
2. Make the Nutty Crust
- In a food processor, combine the oats, almonds, pistachios, cocoa powder, and salt. Process until the mixture resembles a coarse, sandy flour.
- Add the maple syrup and melted coconut oil/butter. Pulse until the mixture is sticky and holds together when pressed (it should feel like wet sand).
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust. Use the back of a measuring cup to get a smooth, compact layer.
- Place the pan in the freezer to chill while you prepare the filling (about 10 minutes).
3. Create the Creamy Pistachio Layer
- Clean the food processor bowl. Add the shelled pistachios and process until they break down into a fine powder. Scrape down the sides.
- Add the maple syrup, coconut milk/heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt (and optional extracts/coloring). Process again, scraping down the sides as needed, until the mixture is very smooth and creamy. This may take a couple of minutes.
- Remove the chilled crust from the freezer. Spread the pistachio filling evenly over the crust.
- Return the pan to the freezer for at least 45-60 minutes to allow the pistachio layer to firm up completely.
4. Finish with the Dark Chocolate Topping
- In a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate and coconut oil/butter.
- Melt the chocolate using a double boiler (a bowl set over a pot of simmering water) or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until completely smooth and glossy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool slightly for a couple of minutes.
- Remove the bars from the freezer. Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the pistachio layer. Tilt the pan gently to spread the chocolate, or use an offset spatula for a perfect finish.
- Immediately sprinkle the top with the chopped pistachios and a pinch of flaky sea salt, if using.
5. Chill and Serve
- Place the bars back in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or freezer for 30 minutes) until the chocolate topping is fully set and firm.
- Once set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
- Cut into 16 squares using a sharp knife. For clean cuts, run the knife under hot water and wipe it dry before each slice.
- Enjoy immediately!
💡 Baker's Notes & Tips
- Pistachio Butter: For a deeper pistachio flavor and easier blending, you can use store-bought pistachio butter in place of the raw pistachios in the filling. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly.
- Sweetness Control: The sweetness level is moderate. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the maple syrup in the crust by 1-2 tablespoons. The dark chocolate helps balance the sweetness perfectly!
- Storage: Store the No-Bake Pistachio Dark Chocolate Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If frozen, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best texture.
- Coconut Cream Tip: If using coconut milk, be sure to chill the can overnight without shaking it. Scoop the thick, white cream from the top, avoiding the watery liquid at the bottom.
✨ Why You'll Love This Recipe
These bars are a delightful explosion of textures and flavors—the chewy, rich crust gives way to a smooth, bright pistachio center, all sealed with a satisfying crack of dark chocolate. They are naturally gluten-free (if using GF oats) and can easily be made vegan, making them a crowd-pleaser for any gathering. Say goodbye to baking stress and hello to pure, effortless decadence!
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