Chocolate Pistachio Coconut Squares

Name: Chocolate Pistachio Coconut Squares
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 24 squares
Ingredients: 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup shredded coconut; 1/2 cup crushed pistachios; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup chopped pistachios; 1 tablespoon coconut flakes

Highlighted under: Modern Kitchen

I absolutely love making Chocolate Pistachio Coconut Squares because they combine rich flavors and delightful textures that remind me of special occasions. The blend of chocolate, crunchy pistachios, and shredded coconut creates a heavenly treat that’s perfect for parties or just a sweet indulgence at home. Each bite is a burst of flavor that transports me to a tropical paradise, and the way the ingredients meld together makes for an irresistible square. It's a dessert that always garners compliments and leaves everyone craving more!

Created by

Rhiannon Sutherland

Last updated on 2026-01-21T21:29:34.150Z

Creating these Chocolate Pistachio Coconut Squares has benefited from my experimentation with flavors and textures. After testing various combinations, I found that the sweet richness of chocolate pairs perfectly with the earthy crunch of pistachios. I recommend toasting the nuts for added depth, which elevates the overall flavor profile.

Moreover, using unsweetened coconut gives these squares a delightful chewiness, balancing the sweetness from the chocolate and sugar. To cut them easily, I let them cool completely, then use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean edges. This method transformed my presentation and made these squares even more irresistible!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor complemented by crunchy pistachios
Chewy texture from shredded coconut that adds a tropical twist
Perfectly balanced sweetness for any occasion

      

Understanding the Texture

The texture of Chocolate Pistachio Coconut Squares is a delightful play between creamy, crunchy, and chewy. The dark chocolate layer offers a smooth, glossy finish that contrasts perfectly with the chewy coconut and the satisfying crunch of pistachios. To achieve this balance, ensure that you’re using high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content. This not only enhances the richness of the squares but also provides a nice snap when you cut into them, maintaining the integrity of each square.

When mixing the coconut layer, it’s key to distribute the sugar evenly among the shredded coconut and crushed pistachios. This ensures that every bite carries that sweet, nutty flavor. Press the mixture firmly into the baking dish, as this will help the layers stick together once cut. If you notice the squares crumbling when you cut them, you may have under-compressed the coconut layer, so don’t hold back on firmly pressing it into place!

Storing and Serving Ideas

These Chocolate Pistachio Coconut Squares can be made ahead of time, making them a perfect option for busy bakers. Once set, store the squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze them. Just ensure you wrap each square individually or layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container to prevent sticking. Thaw them in the fridge before serving for a delicious antidote to a sweet craving.

For an extra touch, consider pairing these squares with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for dessert. Drizzling a little melted chocolate over the top right before serving enhances the presentation and intensifies the chocolate flavor. For a fun twist, you can experiment with different nut toppings or even add a hint of sea salt to elevate the flavor profile further.

Ingredient Choices and Substitutions

Selecting the right ingredients can make all the difference in achieving the best flavor and texture for your Chocolate Pistachio Coconut Squares. If you prefer a lighter chocolate taste, you can substitute semisweet chocolate chips for bittersweet or dark chocolate. Additionally, if you are looking for a dairy-free alternative, plant-based sweetened condensed milk can replace traditional condensed milk without compromising creaminess.

For those who are nut-sensitive or looking for a variation, you can substitute the crushed pistachios with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to still achieve that crunch. If you want to add a fruity twist, dried fruits like cranberries or cherries can be mixed into the coconut layer as a surprise element. Just remember to reduce the sugar slightly if you add sweetened dried fruit to keep the balance.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Layer

1 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

For the Coconut Layer

1 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup crushed pistachios
1/4 cup granulated sugar

For Topping

1/2 cup chopped pistachios
1 tablespoon coconut flakes

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Chocolate Layer

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the dark chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk. Stir continually until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the cocoa powder until well combined.

Prepare the Coconut Layer

In a separate bowl, mix shredded coconut, crushed pistachios, and granulated sugar until evenly combined. Press this mixture into a greased baking dish to form an even layer.

Layer the Chocolate

Pour the melted chocolate layer over the coconut layer, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the chopped pistachios and coconut flakes on top for decoration.

Chill and Cut

Refrigerate the squares for at least 30 minutes, or until set. Once set, remove from the dish and cut into squares for serving.

Enjoy Your Treat!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, try adding a pinch of sea salt on top before chilling. It enhances the flavors beautifully!

Tips for Perfect Melting

Melting chocolate can be finicky, as overheating can lead to a grainy texture. To avoid this, use low heat on the stove and stir continuously until the chocolate is smoothly melted. An alternative is to melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until completely melted. This method ensures that you can easily monitor the chocolate's progress and prevent accidental overheating.

If your melted chocolate seems too thick, adding a teaspoon of coconut oil can loosen it up while adding a subtle coconut flavor. This makes it easier to spread evenly over the coconut layer, ensuring each piece has a luscious chocolate coating.

Cooking Equipment Essentials

For this recipe, a medium saucepan is essential for melting the chocolate evenly. Additionally, a sturdy mixing bowl will be helpful for combining the coconut mixture. A rubber spatula is also recommended for scraping down the sides of the pan and transferring the mixture into the baking dish without wasting any ingredients.

A sharp knife is crucial for cleanly cutting the squares once they've chilled. A serrated knife may work well, especially if you’re cutting through the chocolate layer. For precise cuts, allow the squares to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before slicing; this helps warm the chocolate slightly, making it easier to cut without cracking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these squares ahead of time?

Absolutely! These squares can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

→ What type of chocolate is best for this recipe?

I recommend using dark chocolate for a richer flavor, but you can also use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste.

→ How can I make these squares vegan?

You can substitute the sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream or a vegan alternative to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

→ Can I modify the nuts used in the recipe?

Certainly! If you’re not a fan of pistachios, try using almonds or walnuts for a different taste and texture.