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Chocolate Pistachio Cream Pie Bars

These decadent Chocolate Pistachio Cream Pie Bars combine rich chocolate and creamy pistachio flavors for a delightful dessert experience.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Baked Goods
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chocolate Crust
  • 1.5 cups chocolate cookie crumbs I recommend using Oreos for the best flavor.
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted Make sure it's at room temperature for ease of mixing.
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
For the Bottom Chocolate Layer
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips Ghirardelli is recommended.
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream For the bottom chocolate layer.
For the Pistachio Cream Layer
  • 1 cup shelled pistachios, unsalted
  • 1 cup heavy cream For the pistachio cream layer.
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened Philadelphia is my favorite.
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • a few drops green food coloring Optional, but it’s fun!
For the Ganache Topping
  • 1 cup milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips Ghirardelli will not disappoint.
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream For the ganache topping.
  • 2-3 tablespoons chopped pistachios For garnish.

Method
 

Prepare the Chocolate Crust
  1. Preheat your oven to 350F (175C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until the texture resembles wet sand.
  3. Pack this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even layer.
  4. Bake for 10 minutes and let it cool completely.
Make the Bottom Chocolate Layer
  1. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until warm but not boiling.
  2. Pour it over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a bowl and let sit for a minute.
  3. Stir until smooth. Once your crust is cool, pour this luscious chocolate mix on top, spreading evenly.
  4. Chill in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes, until firm.
Prepare the Pistachio Cream Filling
  1. In a food processor, blend the shelled pistachios until they’re very fine.
  2. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
  3. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until it’s well combined.
  4. Whip the heavy cream in another bowl until soft peaks form.
  5. Gently fold this whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture and then pour in the ground pistachios.
  6. Optionally, add a few drops of green food coloring.
  7. Spread this mixture evenly over the chocolate layer. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
Add the Chocolate Ganache Topping
  1. Heat the heavy cream for the ganache until warm.
  2. Pour it over the milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips, and stir until smooth and glossy.
  3. Let it cool for a couple of minutes.
  4. Pour the ganache over the pistachio layer, smoothing it out.
  5. Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top just before the ganache sets.
  6. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours until firmly set.
Slice and Serve
  1. Once fully chilled, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper.
  2. Place them on a cutting board and slice into squares.
  3. Wiping the knife between cuts ensures clean edges.

Notes

These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or frozen for up to 3 months. Make components a day ahead for easier assembly.