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Nothing beats the delightful combination of rich chocolate and crunchy pistachios, and that’s exactly what makes the Chocolate & Pistachio Brownies Recipe a true crowd-pleaser. This recipe brings together the deep, luxurious flavor of dark chocolate with the nutty, vibrant bite of roasted pistachios, creating brownies that are fudgy, hearty, and irresistibly textured. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or impressing friends with a homemade treat, these brownies deliver comfort and sophistication in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Chocolate & Pistachio Brownies Recipe plays a special role, blending together to create the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. The list might look simple, but every component is essential to achieve that ideal fudgy yet crunchy brownie.
- 100g pistachios: Roasted for a crunchy texture and nutty burst that lifts the chocolate flavors.
- 100g unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and richness to the batter, helping the brownies stay moist.
- 100g dark chocolate (70%), broken into chunks: Provides deep, intense chocolate flavor and ensures fudgy decadence.
- 2 eggs: Essential for structure and tenderness, keeping the brownies perfectly firm yet soft.
- 225g granulated sugar: Adds sweetness while helping to create that shiny brownie crust.
- 50g plain flour: Just enough to bind everything without making the brownies cakey.
- 5ml baking powder (1 tsp): A subtle lift to keep the texture slightly springy and not too dense.
- 1.25ml salt (¼ tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
How to Make Chocolate & Pistachio Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Nuts and Oven
Start by lining an 18x28cm (7×11-inch) baking tin with parchment paper, letting it extend just above the sides for easy removal. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Roughly chop the pistachios so they keep some bite, then roast them in the oven for about 8 minutes—this extra step unlocks their deep, toasty flavor. If you prefer a shortcut, feel free to use already roasted nuts or skip the roasting altogether for a softer crunch.
Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter
Next, melt the butter and dark chocolate together gently using a heatproof bowl set over simmering water. This classic double-boiler method ensures your chocolate doesn’t overheat or seize up. Once melted and smooth, remove the bowl from heat and get ready to mix in the rest of the ingredients. The luscious, glossy base you’ve created is what makes these brownies incredibly fudgy.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients and Add Nuts
Beat the eggs and sugar into the warm chocolate mixture until well combined and slightly thickened—this is where the magic starts to build, giving the brownies their character. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt just until incorporated, then fold in your perfectly roasted pistachios. This step ensures every bite is studded with nutty surprises without overworking the batter.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared tin and bake in the center of the oven for roughly 30 minutes. You’re aiming for brownies that are springy in the center, so don’t overbake—these beauties continue to set as they cool. After removing from the oven, let them rest for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely or serve slightly warm for an extra gooey treat.
How to Serve Chocolate & Pistachio Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your brownies by sprinkling a few extra chopped pistachios on top when they’re fresh from the oven or dusting them lightly with powdered sugar. For a festive twist, drizzle melted white chocolate to contrast with the dark base, adding a beautiful visual and flavor pop.
Side Dishes
Serve these brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of homemade whipped cream for a classic pairing. A fresh berry compote or a cup of rich espresso also complements the deep chocolate and pistachio notes perfectly, rounding out the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifts, cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and place them in pretty cupcake liners or stack them on a dessert platter with edible flowers. You can even sandwich two brownies together with a layer of pistachio buttercream or chocolate ganache for an indulgent treat that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Chocolate & Pistachio Brownies Recipe comes with the bonus of lasting beautifully for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them moist and perfectly chewy, ready for a quick snack or dessert whenever the craving hits.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these brownies longer, they freeze exceptionally well. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re craving a treat, just thaw them at room temperature or warm gently.
Reheating
To revive the warmth and softness, pop brownies in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds or warm briefly in a low oven wrapped in foil. This little trick restores that fresh-from-the-oven feeling, making every bite as delightful as the first.
FAQs
Can I substitute pistachios with other nuts?
Absolutely! While pistachios bring a unique flavor and color, walnuts, pecans, or almonds can be great alternatives, each adding their own twist to the texture and taste of the brownies.
Is it necessary to roast the pistachios?
Roasting the pistachios enhances their nutty flavor and gives a satisfying crunch, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step or use pre-roasted nuts and still achieve delicious results.
What type of chocolate works best in this recipe?
Dark chocolate with around 70% cocoa content is ideal as it offers rich flavor without too much sweetness, balancing beautifully with the sugar and nuts.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the plain flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures the same, and be sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Look for brownies that are set around the edges and slightly springy in the center when gently pressed. They should not be wet but still fudgy, baking for about 30 minutes usually hits the mark.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to enjoy the perfect marriage of rich chocolate and crunchy pistachios, this Chocolate & Pistachio Brownies Recipe is the one to try. It’s easy to make, utterly delicious, and always draws compliments. Trust me, once you bake these, they will become your go-to recipe for sharing smiles and sweet moments with friends and family!
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Chocolate & Pistachio Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 53 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
Description
Indulge in these rich and decadent Chocolate & Pistachio Brownies, featuring a perfect balance of dark chocolate and crunchy roasted pistachios. These fudgy brownies offer a delightful texture and deep cocoa flavor, making them an ideal treat for dessert or special occasions.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 225g (8 oz) granulated sugar
- 50g (scant 2 oz) plain flour
- 5ml (1 tsp) baking powder
- 1.25ml (¼ tsp) salt
Chocolate & Nuts
- 100g (4 oz) pistachios
- 100g (4 oz) dark chocolate (70%), broken into small chunks, plus extra for topping
Wet Ingredients
- 100g (4 oz) unsalted butter
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Tin and Roast Pistachios: Line an 18x28cm (7×11 inch) tin with baking parchment, allowing the paper to extend about 2cm (1 inch) above the edges. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F/gas mark 4). Roughly chop the pistachios so they remain chunky, then roast them in the preheated oven for 8 minutes. This step is optional but enhances the nutty flavor.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: Place the butter and dark chocolate chunks in a heatproof metal or Pyrex bowl resting over a pan with barely simmering water. Stir occasionally until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat once fully melted.
- Combine Ingredients: Beat in the eggs, followed by the granulated sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, and roasted pistachios. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a consistent batter.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking tin and place it in the center of the oven. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the middle feels slightly springy to the touch.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Use a palette knife to transfer the brownies onto a wire cooling rack. Allow them to cool fully or serve slightly warm, cut into about 15 squares.
Notes
- Roasting pistachios is optional but recommended to amplify their flavor and crunch.
- Ensure not to overbake the brownies to maintain their fudgy texture.
- You can add extra dark chocolate chunks on top before baking for a richer chocolate experience.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 38 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
