Description
Delight in these rich and decadent Chocolate and Pistachio Bars, featuring a buttery cocoa graham cracker crust, a gooey chocolate layer infused with sweetened condensed milk and vanilla, topped with crunchy crushed pistachios. Perfect as an indulgent treat or an elegant dessert, these bars offer a wonderful balance of chocolatey sweetness and nutty texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- A pinch of salt
Filling & Topping
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed pistachios
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Make the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, unsweetened cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly blended and crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
- Press Crust into Pan: Firmly press the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even and compact layer that will serve as the base for the bars.
- Prepare Chocolate Mixture: In a separate bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- Assemble Layers: Pour the chocolate mixture evenly over the pressed crust in the baking dish and spread it gently to cover the crust completely.
- Add Pistachio Topping: Sprinkle the crushed pistachios evenly over the chocolate layer, pressing them down lightly so they adhere well.
- Bake the Bars: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are set and firm while the center remains slightly soft to the touch.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the dish to firm up before cutting into 16 servings.
Notes
- You can substitute pistachios with other nuts like almonds or walnuts if preferred.
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips.
- Ensure the bars cool completely before cutting to avoid crumbling.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- To make cutting easier, chill the bars for 30 minutes before slicing.
