Why Make This Recipe
These No-Bake Pistachio and Dark Chocolate Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of pistachios with the sweetness of honey and dark chocolate. They are easy to make and require no baking, which means you can have a delicious snack ready in no time. Perfect for busy days, this recipe is healthy, satisfying, and just what you need for a pick-me-up. Plus, they make a great dessert or snack to share with friends and family.
How to Make No-Bake Pistachio and Dark Chocolate Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup oats (rolled or quick oats)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smooth melting)
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped pistachios, oats, shredded coconut, and sea salt.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the almond butter and honey (or maple syrup) in 20-30 second intervals, stirring between, until melted and smooth.
- Stir the vanilla extract into the melted mixture.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until well coated.
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Press the mixture evenly into the pan.
- In a small bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips with coconut oil (if using) in 20-30 second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the pressed mixture and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set and firm.
- Cut into bars and serve.
How to Serve No-Bake Pistachio and Dark Chocolate Bars
You can serve these bars as a healthy snack or dessert after meals. They are great on their own but can also be paired with a cup of coffee or tea. For an extra treat, you can sprinkle some crushed pistachios on top of the melted chocolate before it sets.
How to Store No-Bake Pistachio and Dark Chocolate Bars
To keep these bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay good for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap or foil before freezing.
Tips to Make No-Bake Pistachio and Dark Chocolate Bars
- Make sure to chop the pistachios into small pieces for better texture.
- If you don’t have almond butter, peanut butter works great too.
- For a sweeter treat, you can add more honey or maple syrup.
- Don’t skip refrigerating the bars; this helps them set properly.
Variation
You can customize these bars by adding different nuts like almonds or walnuts, or by using different nut butters. For a fruity twist, add dried cranberries or raisins to the mixture.
FAQs
1. Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
Yes! You can replace pistachios with any nut of your choice, like almonds or walnuts.
2. Is there a way to make these bars vegan?
Yes! Just use maple syrup instead of honey, and make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
3. How can I make these bars chocolatey?
You can add cocoa powder to the mixture for a richer chocolate flavor or use more chocolate chips on top.
