Name: Chocolate & Pistachio Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 cups powdered digestive biscuits; 100 grams unsalted butter, melted; 10 kiri cheese cubes or 10 tbsp Philadelphia cream cheese (not liquidy processed cheese); 250 ml thick cream; 1 cup powdered pistachios; 1 tin sweetened condensed milk; 160 grams plain milk chocolate; Pistachios for garnish; 2 tsp vegetable oil

These decadent chocolate and pistachio bars combine the nutty richness of pistachios with smooth cream cheese and chocolate for an irresistible dessert. A buttery biscuit base supports layers of pistachio cream and chocolate, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors that’s impressive yet surprisingly simple to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors
Beautiful layers create a stunning presentation
Make-ahead friendly for entertaining
No complex baking techniques required
Crowd-pleasing dessert that’s not overly sweet
Easily customizable with different flavor variations
Combines the luxury of pistachios with the comfort of chocolate

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Digestive biscuits provide the perfect crumbly, slightly sweet base for these bars, offering a subtle graham-like flavor that complements the richer layers above. You can substitute graham crackers or any plain sweet biscuit if digestives aren’t available.
Unsalted butter binds the biscuit base together and adds richness. Using melted butter ensures the crumbs stick together properly when pressed into the pan.
Kiri cheese cubes or Philadelphia cream cheese forms the creamy foundation of the pistachio layer. These provide tanginess that balances the sweetness of the condensed milk. Make sure to use block-style cream cheese rather than the spreadable variety in tubs for the best texture.
Thick cream adds silkiness to the pistachio layer, ensuring a smooth, velvety texture. Heavy whipping cream works perfectly here.
Powdered pistachios contribute the distinctive nutty flavor that makes these bars special. Grind shelled, unsalted pistachios to a fine powder in a food processor for the best results.
Sweetened condensed milk brings sweetness and helps the pistachio layer set properly during baking. Its concentrated milk proteins and sugars create the perfect texture.
Plain milk chocolate creates the glossy top layer that complements the pistachio flavor. Choose a good quality milk chocolate for the best flavor, though semi-sweet or dark chocolate can be substituted for a less sweet variation.
Vegetable oil helps achieve the perfect consistency in the chocolate topping, making it easier to cut through when serving while preventing it from cracking.
Additional pistachios for garnish add visual appeal and textural contrast. The pop of green against the chocolate looks stunning and reinforces the pistachio flavor.

Directions

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting. Grease the paper.
Mix powdered biscuits with melted butter and press firmly into the base of the pan.
In a food processor or blender, combine kiri cheese cubes, thick cream, condensed milk, and powdered pistachios. Blend until smooth. (Optional: add orange blossom or rose water.)
Pour the pistachio cream mixture over the biscuit base and bake for 15-20 minutes until firm. If not set after 20 minutes, cover with foil and bake under top heat until firm.
Melt milk chocolate in 10-second bursts in the microwave, stirring in between until smooth. Stir in vegetable oil.
Pour melted chocolate over the pistachio layer and spread evenly.
Sprinkle sliced pistachios on top.
Refrigerate for 1 hour.
Before serving, let sit at room temperature for about 1 hour so the chocolate softens and slightly melts for the best texture and taste.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 9 generous bars, perfect for serving at a small gathering or family dessert. The bars contain approximately 310 calories each.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Variations

White Chocolate Topping: Replace the milk chocolate with white chocolate for a different flavor profile that accentuates the pistachio layer.
Cardamom Infusion: Add ½ teaspoon of ground cardamom to the pistachio mixture for a Middle Eastern-inspired flavor combination.
Chocolate Base: Use chocolate biscuits for the base instead of digestives for an extra chocolate punch.
Rose Water Addition: Incorporate 1-2 teaspoons of rose water into the pistachio mixture for a fragrant, Turkish delight-inspired dessert.
Hazelnut Substitution: Replace pistachios with hazelnuts for a Nutella-like variation that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
Almond Version: Substitute almonds for pistachios and add a splash of almond extract for an elegant twist.
Chocolate Swirl: Swirl some of the melted chocolate into the pistachio layer before baking for a marbled effect.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator Storage: These bars will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the best texture, remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving.
Freezer Storage: The bars can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
Maintaining Texture: The chocolate layer may develop a white “bloom” if temperature changes are too sudden. This doesn’t affect the taste but impacts appearance. Always let refrigerated bars come to room temperature slowly.
Cutting Tip: For the cleanest cuts, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between slices.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter for the biscuit base?

While unsalted butter is recommended, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just be aware that it will add a slight saltiness to the base, which some people actually prefer as it creates a sweet-salty contrast.

My pistachio layer didn’t set properly. What went wrong?

Under-baking is the most common reason for a soft pistachio layer. Every oven is different, so your bars might need a few extra minutes of baking time. The layer should be just set but still slightly jiggly in the center when you remove it from the oven.

Can I make these bars without nuts for someone with allergies?

Absolutely! You can create a vanilla cream layer instead by omitting the pistachios and adding 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. The texture and process remain the same, just without the nut element.

What’s the best way to powder the digestive biscuits?

A food processor works best for creating evenly powdered biscuits. Alternatively, place the biscuits in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they reach a fine, sand-like consistency.

Can I use regular cream instead of thick cream?

Heavy whipping cream is the best substitute for thick cream in this recipe. Using a lighter cream might result in a filling that doesn’t set properly, as the fat content is important for structure.

Do I really need to let the bars sit at room temperature before serving?

Yes, this step is important. Cold chocolate straight from the refrigerator can be too hard and might crack when cut. Allowing the bars to come to room temperature creates that slightly soft, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate texture that makes these bars special.

What can I use instead of Kiri cheese?

Any good quality block-style cream cheese will work well. Philadelphia is specifically mentioned as an alternative, but any similar product that’s firm rather than spreadable will give you the right consistency.

Is there a non-dairy version of this recipe?

You can create a dairy-free version by using plant-based butter, coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. The condensed milk can be replaced with coconut condensed milk, and choose dairy-free chocolate for the topping.

Can I make these bars in advance for a party?

These bars are perfect for making ahead! You can prepare them 1-2 days before your event and store them in the refrigerator. Just remember to bring them to room temperature about an hour before serving.

Why add oil to the melted chocolate?

The small amount of vegetable oil helps create a smoother chocolate topping that’s less likely to crack when cutting. It also gives the chocolate a beautiful shine and slightly softer texture at room temperature.

Conclusion

These Chocolate & Pistachio Bars represent the perfect balance of flavors and textures – from the crumbly biscuit base to the creamy pistachio center and the smooth chocolate topping. The combination of pistachios and chocolate creates a sophisticated dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself, these bars are sure to impress with their beautiful layered appearance and decadent taste. The make-ahead convenience makes them perfect for busy hosts, while the room for variations allows you to adapt the recipe to your personal preferences. Try these bars once, and they’re bound to become a regular in your dessert rotation!

Chocolate & Pistachio Bars