Chocolate Pistachio Snack Bars

Name: Chocolate Pistachio Snack Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup almond butter; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup chopped pistachios; 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips; 1 tablespoon coconut oil; Extra chopped pistachios for garnish

Highlighted under: Favorite Baking Inspiration

I absolutely love making Chocolate Pistachio Snack Bars as they perfectly combine my two favorite flavors: rich chocolate and crunchy pistachios. Whenever I need a quick energy boost or a sweet treat to share, these bars are my go-to recipe. It’s easy to whip up a batch in under an hour, and the combination of textures keeps every bite exciting. Plus, they’re easily customizable, so I can switch up the ingredients based on what I have on hand. Trust me, once you try them, you'll be hooked!

Created by

Honoria Blake

Last updated on 2026-01-12T01:45:34.576Z

When I first decided to create these Chocolate Pistachio Snack Bars, I was inspired by my love for quick, healthy treats. I experimented with different nut combinations before settling on pistachios due to their unique flavor and crunch. I found that toasting the nuts enhances their richness significantly, making the bars even more irresistible!

One of my favorite things about this recipe is its adaptability. I’ve swapped out the honey for maple syrup and added dried fruits when I want to change things up. Each time I make these bars, I’m reminded of how just a few simple ingredients can create something so delicious and satisfying!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Decadent taste of chocolate balanced with nutty pistachios
Nutrient-dense, making it an excellent snack for energy
Perfect for meal prep, easy to store and grab on-the-go

      

Mastering the Base Layer

The base layer of these Chocolate Pistachio Snack Bars is a delightful combination of rolled oats, almond butter, honey, cocoa powder, and pistachios. Rolled oats are not only a great source of fiber but also help to bind the bars together, giving them a chewy texture. I recommend using creamy almond butter for easy mixing, but if you prefer, you can substitute it with peanut butter for a different flavor profile.

When mixing the ingredients, make sure to incorporate them well until no dry cocoa powder or honey streaks remain. This will help ensure even flavor distribution throughout the bars. If you find the mixture too dry, add a teaspoon of water or extra honey to achieve a more cohesive consistency before spreading it into the baking dish.

Perfecting the Topping

The topping transforms these bars from good to extraordinary. Melting dark chocolate chips with coconut oil not only gives a glossy finish but also enhances the flavor profile. The coconut oil helps the chocolate remain creamy without solidifying completely once cooled, making each bite melt in your mouth.

Be cautious when melting the chocolate; heat it in 15-second intervals in the microwave. Stir in between to prevent scorching. You want it smooth and glossy without any lumps. If you're feeling adventurous, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt atop the melted chocolate before it sets for an added touch of sophistication and flavor contrast.

Ingredients

Base

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup almond butter
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup chopped pistachios

Topping

1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil
Extra chopped pistachios for garnish

Mix all the ingredients well for the best flavor.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.

Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, almond butter, honey, cocoa powder, and chopped pistachios. Mix until everything is well combined.

Spread and Bake

Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes or until set.

Prepare the Topping

While the bars are baking, melt the dark chocolate chips with coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth.

Finish the Bars

Once the bars have cooled slightly, pour the melted chocolate over the top. Garnish with additional pistachios if desired.

Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares. Enjoy your delicious snack!

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature.

Pro Tips

For a sweeter touch, you can add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before the chocolate sets.

Storage Tips

Once your snack bars are completely cooled and sliced, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresher for a longer duration, consider refrigerating them, which can extend their shelf life to about two weeks. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

For even longer storage, these bars freeze beautifully! Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months, making them a fantastic meal prep idea. Simply take one out of the freezer, let it thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes, and they're ready to enjoy.

Variations to Try

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to get creative with ingredients based on personal preference or what you have on hand. For a tropical twist, try substituting half the pistachios with shredded coconut or adding dried fruit like cranberries or apricots for a chewy texture. You can also swap almond butter for cashew butter for a different nutty flavor.

If you're looking for a protein boost, consider mixing in some protein powder or flaxseed meal into the base. Just keep in mind that this might slightly alter the consistency, so add small amounts of liquid as needed. Getting inventive with toppings is also fun; try using butterscotch chips instead of chocolate, or drizzling a nut butter over the top before it sets.

Questions About Recipes

→ How long do these snack bars last?

They can last up to a week when stored in an airtight container.

→ Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios?

Absolutely! Almonds or walnuts can be great alternatives.

→ Is there a vegan option for this recipe?

Yes, substituting maple syrup for honey and using dairy-free chocolate chips works perfectly.

→ Can I freeze the snack bars?

Yes, these bars freeze well! Just wrap them individually before placing them in a freezer bag.