Description
Indulge in rich, fudgy Pistachio Brownies topped with a luscious Pistachio Ganache. These brownies combine the deep flavor of dark chocolate with crunchy pistachios and a silky white chocolate ganache infused with pistachio paste and subtle almond notes, creating an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any chocolate lover.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Brownies
- 1 ½ sticks (170g) unsalted butter
- 10.5 oz (300g) dark chocolate, chopped
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons almond extract
- 1 cup (130g) pistachios, roughly chopped
For the Pistachio Ganache
- 8 oz (227g) white chocolate, finely chopped
- ½ cup (120g) heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons pistachio paste
- 1 pinch salt
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 335°F (170°C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies after baking.
- Mix Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar by hand until the mixture becomes pale and thick, about 30 seconds. This step helps to aerate the batter.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter and chopped dark chocolate together using 30-second bursts, stirring after each interval until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine Chocolate with Egg Mixture: Pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the bowl with eggs and sugar. Whisk lightly until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
- Add Extracts: Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract to infuse the batter with a subtle nutty aroma.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet ingredients to avoid lumps. Gently fold the flour mixture into the batter until no streaks remain, ensuring not to overmix.
- Incorporate Pistachios: Fold in the roughly chopped pistachios evenly throughout the batter for added crunch and flavor.
- Pour and Bake: Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the surface is shiny and slightly cracked, and a skewer inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Brownies: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan to set properly before adding ganache.
- Prepare Ganache—Heat Cream: While the brownies bake, warm the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium-low heat until it just starts bubbling around the edges.
- Combine Cream and White Chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chopped white chocolate and let it sit undisturbed for 1 minute to soften the chocolate.
- Mix Ganache: Stir the cream and chocolate mixture until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy.
- Add Pistachio Paste and Flavorings: Stir in the pistachio paste and a pinch of salt until fully incorporated. Optionally, add almond extract to enhance the flavor and stir well.
- Cool the Ganache: Allow the ganache to cool to room temperature so it thickens slightly, making it easier to spread without running.
- Spread Ganache: Evenly spread the cooled pistachio ganache over the cooled brownies for a decadent finish.
Notes
- Ensure the brownies are completely cool before spreading the ganache to avoid melting it.
- For extra texture, reserve some pistachios to sprinkle on top of the ganache before it sets.
- If pistachio paste is unavailable, finely ground pistachios blended with a little oil can be used as a substitute.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Bring refrigerated ganache brownies to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pistachio brownies, pistachio ganache, chocolate brownies, nutty dessert, homemade brownies
