Chocolate Pistachio Fudge

Name: Chocolate Pistachio Fudge
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 16 pieces
Ingredients: 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup shelled pistachios; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love indulging in the rich and creamy textures of homemade fudge, and this Chocolate Pistachio Fudge holds a special place in my heart. The moment I made it for the first time, I was captivated by the harmonious blend of smooth chocolate and the crunchy, slightly salty pistachios. The contrast in flavors elevates the sweet experience, making it perfect for sharing or enjoying alone. Plus, it's incredibly easy to prepare, so I always have a batch on hand for unexpected guests or sweet cravings!

Created by

Jasmine Porter

Last updated on 2026-01-12T01:01:10.007Z

When I first decided to combine chocolate with pistachios, I wasn't sure how it would turn out, but the result was nothing short of marvelous! Creating this fudge was surprisingly straightforward. I learned that using high-quality chocolate makes a real difference in flavor and texture. Every bite is a delightful experience!

What’s even better is that, after experimenting, I discovered that adding a pinch of sea salt to the finished fudge enhances the chocolate's richness while balancing the nuttiness of the pistachios. Trust me, this extra step is worth it!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Decadent chocolate flavor complemented by crunchy pistachios
Easily customizable with different nuts or flavors
Perfectly sweet, making it an ideal treat for any occasion

      

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

Each ingredient in this Chocolate Pistachio Fudge plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. The semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a rich, luxurious chocolate base that melts beautifully, while the sweetened condensed milk adds creaminess and sweetness that complements the chocolate without making it overwhelmingly sugary. This combination results in a fudge that’s silky smooth, making it irresistible and indulgent.

Unsalted butter is essential for adding richness and a slight sheen to the finished fudge. By using unsalted butter, you have control over the salt content, allowing the natural flavors of the chocolate and pistachios to shine through. The pistachios, with their unique nutty flavor and satisfying crunch, not only enhance the taste but also add visual appeal, making each bite a delightful blend of creamy and crunchy textures.

Perfecting the Technique

When melting the chocolate, it's important to do so over low heat to prevent scorching. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes glossy and smooth. If you notice any grains or lumps, keep stirring; they often melt down with gentle heat. Use a rubber spatula for easy folding and mixing, ensuring that you scrape the sides and bottom of the saucepan to incorporate all ingredients evenly. This technique leads to a luxurious consistency without any graininess.

Allowing the fudge to set in the refrigerator for at least two hours gives it the firm texture you expect from fudge. For the best results, cover the fudge with plastic wrap during this time to prevent moisture loss. If you’re in a hurry, you can place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes, but make sure to check for firmness after 15 minutes to avoid making it overly hard.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

To store your Chocolate Pistachio Fudge, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will maintain its flavor and texture for up to two weeks. If you want to make the fudge ahead of time for a special occasion, consider freezing it! Just wrap individual pieces in wax paper, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and they’ll taste just as fresh as the day you made them.

Pair your fudge with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat, or serve it alongside fresh berries for a beautiful contrast of flavors and textures. If you're feeling creative, try drizzling some melted white chocolate over the top for an elegant finish or sprinkle with coarse sea salt to enhance the flavors even further.

Ingredients

For the Fudge

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 cup shelled pistachios
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Make sure to have all ingredients ready before you start!

Instructions

Prepare the Mixture

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and unsalted butter. Stir continuously until melted and smooth.

Add Flavorings

Remove the saucepan from heat and mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Stir until fully incorporated.

Incorporate Pistachios

Fold in the shelled pistachios gently until they're evenly distributed throughout the chocolate mixture.

Set the Fudge

Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Pour the fudge mixture into the pan and spread it out evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.

Slice and Serve

Once set, remove the fudge from the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, try adding orange zest or a splash of espresso to the mixture before setting it. This will enhance the overall taste and bring unique notes to your fudge.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your fudge doesn’t set properly, it may have been undercooked. To remedy this, ensure that you are stirring continuously and paying attention to temperature. It should be velvety smooth and slightly thickened before you pour it into the pan. If it still feels too soft after refrigerating, consider remelting the mixture and adding a bit more chocolate to thicken it up before setting it again.

On the other hand, if your fudge becomes too hard, it's possible that it was in the refrigerator for too long. To soften it for serving, cut it into smaller pieces and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before enjoying. This gentle warming will help bring back that creamy texture you desire.

Flavor Variations

While pistachios offer a delightful crunch, feel free to swap them out for your nut of choice! Walnuts, almonds, or even pecans can all work wonderfully in this recipe. If you enjoy a bit of sweetness, consider folding in some dried cranberries or cherries for a fruity contrast that complements the chocolate beautifully.

You can also experiment with additional flavorings such as a hint of espresso powder for a mocha twist or a splash of almond extract to deepen the nutty flavor. For a touch of decadence, try adding a swirl of peanut butter on top before refrigerating. The possibilities are endless and can be tailored to suit your taste.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe can easily be doubled or halved, depending on your needs. If you choose to double it, use a 9x13-inch baking pan to ensure even setting and cutting. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as larger quantities may take slightly longer to melt and combine, but the initial instructions should remain roughly the same.

When cutting down the recipe, be sure to adjust the ingredient proportions accurately. If you’re unsure about your measurements, using a kitchen scale can help ensure that you maintain the correct balance for that perfect fudge consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give the fudge a richer flavor. Just be aware that the sweetness level might change slightly.

→ How should I store the fudge?

Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the fridge for longer freshness.

→ Can I add other nuts?

Yes, feel free to experiment with other nuts like almonds or walnuts for different flavors and textures!

→ Is it possible to make this fudge dairy-free?

Yes! You can use dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut milk to replace sweetened condensed milk for a dairy-free version.