Chocolate Pistachio Breakfast Bars

Name: Chocolate Pistachio Breakfast Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats; ½ cup almond flour; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ cup honey or maple syrup; ½ cup almond butter; ¼ cup chopped pistachios; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup chopped pistachios; A pinch of sea salt

Highlighted under: Sweet Moments Studio

I can't get enough of these Chocolate Pistachio Breakfast Bars! They’re a delightfully indulgent way to start the day, perfectly blending rich chocolate with the crunchy texture of pistachios. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch while also being packed with energy-boosting ingredients. Made with simple pantry staples, they are easy to prepare and can be enjoyed on the go. Whether for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert, these bars are a scrumptious treat that will keep you coming back for more.

Created by

Elodie Brooks

Last updated on 2026-01-18T04:22:11.259Z

When I first decided to make these Chocolate Pistachio Breakfast Bars, I was unsure how they would turn out, but I was pleasantly surprised! The combination of chocolate and pistachios not only adds a great flavor but also provides a nice crunch that's hard to resist. I experimented with different ratios until I found the perfect balance between the sweet and nutty flavors.

To make the bars even more special, I added a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking. This enhances the chocolate and nut flavors beautifully and provides a delightful contrast to the sweetness. I can confidently say these bars are a favorite in my household now!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Decadent chocolate flavor complemented by crunchy pistachios
Healthier alternative to store-bought breakfast bars
Versatile enough for breakfast, snacks, or dessert

      

Ingredient Roles

The combination of rolled oats and almond flour acts as the backbone for these bars, providing fiber and healthy fats that keep you energized throughout the day. Almond flour adds a gentle nuttiness and moisture to the texture, complementing the crunchy pistachios. Using unsweetened cocoa powder ensures that you get rich chocolate flavor without extra sweetness, allowing the honey or maple syrup to provide a natural, nuanced sweetness.

Honey or maple syrup not only acts as a sweetener but also binds the ingredients together, making it easier to form the bars and maintain their shape during baking. Almond butter not only contributes creaminess but also enhances the bars' nutritional profile with added protein. If you're looking for a nut-free option, consider substituting sunflower seed butter, which will yield a similar texture.

Baking Tips

When baking the bars, keep an eye on the edges—if they start to brown too much, it's a sign that they’re done. Allowing the bars to cool completely in the dish is crucial; this sets the mixture, making for easier cuts later. If you attempt to cut them while still warm, you risk crumbling, so patience here really pays off.

To cleanly lift the bars from the dish, the parchment paper overhang is your secret weapon. Make sure to leave enough overhang when lining to avoid awkwardly prying at the edges. Once removed, using a sharp knife will help you achieve clean squares, and I recommend wiping the knife with a kitchen towel between cuts to keep the edges neat.

Ingredients

For the Bars

1 cup rolled oats
½ cup almond flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup honey or maple syrup
½ cup almond butter
¼ cup chopped pistachios
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt

For Topping

¼ cup chopped pistachios
A pinch of sea salt

Mix these ingredients well to ensure even distribution of flavors!

Instructions

Directions

Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, cocoa powder, honey, almond butter, chopped pistachios, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until well combined.

Spread the Mixture

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it down evenly using a spatula or your hands.

Add Toppings

Sprinkle the additional chopped pistachios and a pinch of sea salt on top.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the edges are slightly firm.

Cool and Cut

Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish. Use the parchment overhang to lift out the bars, then cut them into squares.

Store the bars in an airtight container for up to a week!

Pro Tips

Feel free to substitute almond flour with any nut flour of your choice or to add dried fruits for a different flavor profile.

Storage and Make-Ahead

These Chocolate Pistachio Breakfast Bars store beautifully! You can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them, where they can last for two weeks. Just remember that refrigeration may alter the texture slightly, so give them a minute at room temperature before savoring.

If you want to prep ahead, feel free to double the recipe and freeze half. After baking and cooling, slice them, and place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay good for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge or on the countertop for a few hours.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to experiment with flavors by adding a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to intensify the chocolate taste without adding liquid. You can also play around with spices—cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a delightful kick to your bars. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins can be included for a chewy texture and extra sweetness, balancing out the chocolate richness.

If you're looking for a different nut profile, try substituting walnuts or pecans for pistachios. Just remember to adjust the quantities slightly to maintain balance in texture and crunch. You can also experiment with protein powder for an added boost, especially if you're using these bars as a post-workout snack.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use peanut butter instead of almond butter?

Absolutely! Peanut butter will give a deliciously different flavor to the bars.

→ How do I store these breakfast bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the fridge for a longer shelf life.

→ Can I freeze these bars?

Yes! Wrap them individually and freeze for up to three months. Just thaw before enjoying.

→ What can I substitute for honey?

You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a vegan-friendly alternative.