Dark Chocolate Pistachio Bars

Indulge in a nutritious delight with these Dark Chocolate Pistachio Bars. Quick, easy, and bursting with wholesome ingredients, this no-bake dessert is a heavenly blend of rich dark chocolate, nutty pistachios, and aromatic spices, making it the most irresistible treat you’ll taste all year.

Imagine sinking your teeth into a divine dessert that requires no baking, takes minimal effort, and is actually good for you. That’s exactly what you’ll experience with these Dark Chocolate Pistachio Bars. My hubby and I are completely smitten, declaring it the most heavenly treat I’ve whipped up all year. I know it’s a bold statement, but trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this delightful treat!

They’re made with just 8 wholesome ingredients such as pistachios, rolled oats, coconut flakes, and Medjool dates. Plus, they’re gluten-free and vegan-friendly! The combination of rose water, cardamom, and cinnamon gives these bars a unique and exotic flavor that will transport your taste buds to the middle east.

Health Benefits

Not only are these bars delicious, but they also have some impressive health benefits. Pistachios are a great source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. They’re also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, such as vitamin B6, potassium, and magnesium, which can support heart health and lower blood pressure. Medjool dates are a natural sweetener that’s packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, such as potassium, magnesium, and iron. Dark chocolate is another superfood that’s loaded with antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage and reduce inflammation.

Ingredients in Dark Chocolate Pistachio Bars

Let’s dive into the recipe and see how these bars come together effortlessly. First, gather your ingredients. You’ll need:

• Pistachios: Either raw or roasted, salted or unsalted shelled pistachios work in this recipe. Feel free to substitute half or all of the pistachios with other nuts or seeds such as walnuts, cashews, or pumpkin seeds to better suit your taste and budget. Reserve a handful to sprinkle over the chocolate layer for an added crunch.
• Rolled oats: Look for a GF label on the package (like this one) if you’re trying to eat gluten-free since not all oat products are gluten-free. To make the recipe grain-free, substitute the oats with equal amounts of coconut flakes. Quick-cooking oats are okay to use instead, but I don’t recommend using steel-cut oats as they can make the bars too tough in texture.
• Unsweetened coconut flakes: Make sure to use a product with only 1 ingredient, unsulfured coconut, and no added sugar, like this. In case of a coconut allergy, replace it with equal amounts of oats.
• Dates: I used large Medjool dates, but an equivalent amount of other types of dates would also work. If your dates are not soft and easy to blend, soak them in hot water for at least 15 minutes. Drain and reserve the soaking water to add to a smoothie or porridge later.
• Rose water goes perfectly with pistachios, so it’s highly recommended. You can purchase it online, at most Middle Eastern grocery stores, or in the ethnic aisle of some health food stores. However, if you couldn’t find it, you could simply leave it out.
• Ground cardamom: If using cardamom seeds, you could grind a whole bunch in a coffee or spice grinder and store the excess for later. Alternatively, use a mortar and pestle to crush the seeds from 4 pods for this recipe.
• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is perfect for adding warmth and a sweet aromatic flavor. It can also help to stabilize blood sugar levels.
• Dark chocolate: Use high-quality organic fair-trade dark chocolate free from dairy and soy lecithin (such as this), which typically offers a richer, more intense flavor and smoother texture. Alternatively, you could make your own dark chocolate by mixing 1/3 cup melted raw cacao butter or coconut oil with 1/2 cup raw cacao powder and 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup and stirring until it becomes super smooth.
• Sea salt: Adding a pinch of sea salt to chocolate enhances its flavor by balancing the sweetness and bringing out its rich, complex taste. Omit or add sparingly if using salted pistachios.
• Rose petals are used as a garnish to make the bars look pretty! They’re totally optional.

How to Make Dark Chocolate Pistachio Bars

Now that we have everything we need, let’s get started.

1. The first step is to blend together the pistachios, rolled oats, coconut flakes, dates, rose water, cardamom, cinnamon, and water in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture breaks down into a sticky dough. This combination of flavors and textures is already making my taste buds dance!
2. Once the mixture reaches a dough-like consistency, transfer it into a 7×7-inch dish lined with parchment paper, and set it aside. This will be the base of our delectable bars.
3. Now, it’s time to bring in the irresistible chocolate element. Grab your chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips and place them in a small heat-resistant bowl. Set the bowl on top of a pot of boiling water, making sure the water doesn’t touch the bowl. Cover it and let it sit for about 5 minutes, allowing the chocolate to melt into smooth, velvety goodness. Alternatively, you could make your own chocolate by melting 1/3 cup raw cacao butter or coconut oil in the same manner and whisking in 1/2 cup raw cacao powder and 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup until no clumps remain.
4. Pour the melted chocolate over the pistachio mixture into the dish. Be generous! Trust me, the combination of rich dark chocolate and the nutty goodness of pistachios is absolutely divine. To enhance the flavor profile even more, garnish the bars with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, some chopped pistachios, and if you’re feeling fancy, a few delicate dried rose petals.
5. Now comes the waiting game. Pop the dish into the freezer and let it chill for approximately 30 minutes until the bars firm up. I know it can be hard to resist the temptation. But trust me, it’s worth the wait! Once the bars have firmed up nicely, take them out of the freezer and cut them into squares.

Take a moment to appreciate their beautiful appearance, with the chocolate glistening and the pistachios peeking through. It’s almost too pretty to eat, but I assure you, you won’t be able to resist. Now, grab a square, take a bite, and let the flavors sweep you off your feet. The chewiness from the dates, the crunch from the pistachios, the subtle hints of rose water and cardamom—it’s an explosion of textures and flavors in every mouthful. And that dark chocolate layer? Pure bliss!

How to Store Dark Chocolate Pistachio Bars

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to extend their lifespan, they can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. But let’s be honest, they probably won’t last that long. They are just too delicious to resist!

Remember, you can always experiment with different nuts or seeds to suit your taste and budget. So, go ahead, whip up a batch of these Dark Chocolate Pistachio Bars, and savor the sweet satisfaction of a quick, easy, and healthy dessert that will leave you and your loved ones craving for more.

More Delicious Pistachio Recipes

• Pistachio Baklava Balls
• Pistachio Orange Scones
• Vegan Pistachio Pudding
• Vegan No-churn Pistachio Ice Cream

If you try and enjoy these Dark Chocolate Pistachio Bars, please leave a comment and rate the recipe. Don’t forget to tag your photo @nutriholist #nutriholist on Instagram or share a picture on our Facebook page. We love seeing your creations!