Pistachio Brownies Recipe

If you are craving a luscious treat that masterfully combines rich chocolate with the unique crunch and subtle nuttiness of pistachios, these Pistachio Brownies are your new go-to dessert. Each bite delivers a fudgy, chocolaty base layered with a creamy pistachio filling and topped with a silky milk chocolate ganache, creating a decadent experience that feels both indulgent and delightfully fresh. Perfect for sharing or savoring on your own, these brownies elevate a classic favorite with an unexpected, nutty twist that will quickly become a beloved part of your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple yet essential ingredients ensures your Pistachio Brownies turn out perfectly balanced in flavor and texture. Each component plays a unique role from the fudgy brownie base to the creamy pistachio filling and luxurious ganache, creating layers of taste and richness.

• Unsalted Butter (6 Tablespoons, 85g): Provides a rich, creamy base and helps create that irresistibly fudgy texture in the brownies.
• Neutral Oil (2 Tablespoons + 2 Teaspoons): Adds moisture and keeps the brownies tender without overpowering the flavors.
• Granulated White Sugar (1 Cup, 200g): Sweetens the batter while contributing to the characteristic shiny crust on the brownies.
• Salt (½ Teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Cocoa Powder (⅔ Cup, 56g): Infuses the brownies with rich chocolate flavor and a deep, dark color.
• Large Eggs (2 Whole): Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the fudgy brownie layer.
• Vanilla Extract (1 Teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the chocolate notes.
• All-Purpose Flour (½ Cup, 60g): Provides just enough structure to create moist, dense brownies without drying them out.
• Homemade or Store-Bought Pistachio Cream (1 Cup): The star of the filling, bringing a creamy, nutty richness that contrasts wonderfully with the chocolate.
• Kataifi (3 Cups, 120g): Adds a delightful crisp texture when cooked, introducing an exciting crunch within the pistachio layer.
• Unsalted or Salted Butter (3 Tablespoons): Used to toast the kataifi, providing a golden color and buttery flavor.
• Milk Chocolate Bar (7 Ounces, 198g): The key component in the ganache, offering smooth, sweet chocolate lusciousness.
• Heavy Cream (⅓ Cup + 1 Tablespoon for milk ganache or ¾ Cup + 2 Tablespoons for dark ganache): Creates a silky, rich ganache that melts perfectly atop the pistachio layer.

How to Make Pistachio Brownies

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan

Start by setting your oven rack in the middle position and preheat to 325ºF (162ºC). Prepare an 8-inch square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides to easily lift the brownies out after baking. This simple prep step ensures flawless removal and clean cuts once the brownies are set.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt together the butter, neutral oil, sugar, and salt until smooth and combined. Be sure to remove the pan from heat before adding the cocoa powder to avoid scrambling the eggs. Sift in the cocoa powder and whisk until just combined, then add the vanilla and eggs one at a time, stirring after each addition. The mixture should be thick and glossy now. Finally, sift in the flour and gently fold it in with a spatula to preserve the fudgy texture.

Step 3: Bake the Brownie Layer

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 19 to 22 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out with moist crumbs—this is the magic sign for perfectly fudgy brownies. Let the brownies cool completely at room temperature or chill them in the fridge to firm up before adding the next layers.

Step 4: Prepare the Pistachio Filling

If you haven’t made homemade pistachio cream, now’s the time to use the store-bought option, adjusting sweetness if needed with a pinch of salt or pistachio butter for extra depth. Cut the thawed kataifi into small pieces about ¼ to ½ inch wide. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat, add the kataifi and stir constantly for 12 to 15 minutes until it turns golden and crispy. Remove from heat and stir in the pistachio cream until everything is beautifully combined.

Step 5: Assemble Pistachio Filling Over Brownies

Spread the crunchy, creamy pistachio filling evenly over the cooled brownie layer. This creates a luscious, nutty middle layer that offers contrast to the dense chocolate base.

Step 6: Make the Chocolate Ganache

Chop your milk chocolate finely and place it aside. Heat the heavy cream just until it simmers, then pour it over the chocolate and let it sit untouched for about 4 to 5 minutes to melt the chocolate. Gently stir the mixture into a silky, smooth ganache that’s ready to spread.

Step 7: Add Ganache Layer and Garnish

Spread the ganache evenly over the pistachio layer. For an artistic touch, swirl a couple of tablespoons of reserved pistachio cream on top and sprinkle with ground pistachios. Chill the pan for 30 to 45 minutes or until the ganache has fully set before slicing and serving your divine pistachio brownies.

How to Serve Pistachio Brownies

Garnishes

Sprinkling a bit of finely chopped pistachios or a light dusting of cocoa powder on top amplifies the nutty flavors beautifully. A few extra swirls of pistachio cream add a pretty, personalized finish that makes your brownies look as good as they taste.

Side Dishes

Complement the richness of these Pistachio Brownies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream. Fresh raspberries or strawberries can also add a refreshing tartness that contrasts gorgeously with the chocolate and pistachio layers.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting your pistachio brownies into elegant small squares for a sophisticated dessert platter or stacking them into mini towers with a drizzle of extra ganache or warmed pistachio cream. For gatherings, serve alongside a pot of mint tea or coffee for a truly indulgent experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Pistachio Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; this helps retain their fudgy texture. Refrigeration extends their life to about a week and can also intensify the pistachio flavor when enjoyed chilled.

Freezing

These brownies freeze beautifully. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil or place in a freezer-safe container. They will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture maintenance.

Reheating

If you prefer your brownies warm, gently reheat a slice in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or let it come to room temperature before serving. Avoid overheating to keep the ganache smooth and the brownie base from drying out.

FAQs

Can I make pistachio cream at home for these brownies?

Absolutely! Homemade pistachio cream can be made by blending shelled pistachios with a bit of oil, sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth. It’s fresher and less sweet than many store-bought versions, making it a fantastic option for these brownies.

What if I can’t find kataifi for the filling?

If kataifi is hard to find, you can substitute with shredded phyllo dough or even finely chopped nuts for texture, but kataifi offers that signature crispness and golden color that elevates the filling layer.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for the ganache?

Yes! Using dark chocolate gives a more intense, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet pistachio filling. For a darker ganache, increase the cream slightly to maintain a smooth consistency, as noted in the recipe.

How do I prevent the eggs from curdling when mixing them into the brownie batter?

The key is to remove the melted butter and sugar mixture from heat before adding the eggs, adding them one at a time, and whisking continuously. This helps the eggs incorporate smoothly without cooking prematurely.

Can I make these Pistachio Brownies vegan or gluten-free?

With some substitutions like a flax egg and gluten-free flour blend, plus a vegan butter alternative and dairy-free cream and chocolate, you can adapt the recipe to suit vegan or gluten-free diets. The texture and flavor might vary a bit but should still be wonderful!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow your friends, family, or just treat yourself, these Pistachio Brownies are a must-bake. The combination of fudgy chocolate, creamy pistachio, and crisp kataifi creates an unforgettable flavor and texture sensation that turns an everyday brownie into something magical. Dive into this recipe and watch your appreciation for brownies grow to a whole new level!

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