Creamy white chocolate cups filled with a rich pistachio paste center, topped with crunchy cacao nibs for a perfect balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and texture in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These White Chocolate Pistachio Cups are a sophisticated yet simple treat that combines smooth, sweet white chocolate with the naturally nutty flavor of pistachios. The addition of cacao nibs provides a delightful crunch and a subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness. Perfect for holidays, gift-giving, or an elegant homemade dessert, this no-bake recipe is quick to prepare and beautifully satisfying.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
coconut oil (optional)
shelled pistachios
honey or maple syrup
vanilla extract
salt
cacao nibs (for topping)

directions

Melt the white chocolate and coconut oil (if using) in a heatproof bowl over a simmering pot of water or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or use silicone molds. Spoon a small amount of melted chocolate into each cavity, swirling it up the sides to coat.
Place the tin in the freezer for 10 minutes to set the chocolate base.
In a food processor, blend the pistachios, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until a thick, smooth paste forms.
Roll the pistachio mixture into small balls or press into flat discs that will fit inside the chocolate cups.
Place a piece of pistachio filling into each prepared chocolate base.
Cover the filling with the remaining melted white chocolate.
Sprinkle with cacao nibs and freeze or refrigerate until fully set, about 20–30 minutes.
Store chilled in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Servings and timing

Servings: Approximately 12 mini cups
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes

Variations

Dark Chocolate Version: Substitute white chocolate with dark or semi-sweet chocolate for a deeper cocoa flavor.
Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter or coconut butter in place of pistachios.
Extra Crunch: Mix chopped nuts or puffed rice into the pistachio filling for added texture.
Sweetener Options: Use agave syrup, date paste, or even a sugar-free sweetener to accommodate different diets.
Toppings Swap: Replace cacao nibs with crushed freeze-dried berries, shredded coconut, or a pinch of sea salt.

storage/reheating

Store the finished cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. These cups are best served chilled or slightly softened at room temperature. Reheating is not necessary and not recommended, as it may cause the chocolate to melt or lose shape.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pistachio butter instead of making my own?

Yes, just make sure it’s unsweetened and stir in honey, vanilla, and salt to achieve the desired flavor.

Are these suitable for vegan diets?

Yes, if you use dairy-free white chocolate and maple syrup instead of honey.

Can I use silicone molds instead of a muffin tin?

Absolutely. Silicone molds make it easy to remove the cups without paper liners.

How long do these cups stay fresh?

They stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week and can be frozen for up to two months.

Do I need to temper the white chocolate?

Tempering isn’t necessary for this recipe, but it can help the cups maintain a glossy appearance if stored at room temperature.

Can I skip the cacao nibs?

Yes, the cacao nibs are optional. You can use another topping or leave them off entirely.

What texture should the pistachio filling be?

It should be thick and pliable, similar to a nut butter that you can roll or press into shape.

Can I add other flavors to the filling?

Yes, a touch of almond extract, cinnamon, or even citrus zest would complement the pistachios nicely.

How can I make these lower in sugar?

Use sugar-free white chocolate and a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit.

Are these good for gift giving?

Yes, they make a beautiful and thoughtful homemade gift when packaged in small candy boxes or bags.

Conclusion

White Chocolate Pistachio Cups are a luxurious yet accessible treat that blends creamy sweetness with rich, nutty undertones and a satisfying crunch. With easy preparation, no baking required, and room for creative variations, they are an ideal recipe for impressing guests or treating yourself. Enjoy these elegant confections chilled for the best texture and flavor.

White Chocolate Pistachio Cups

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Author: Emma Delaney
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 mini cups 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-bake
Cuisine: Fusion
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy white chocolate cups filled with rich pistachio paste and topped with crunchy cacao nibs, offering a delightful mix of sweetness, nuttiness, and texture.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
1/2 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother texture)
1/2 cup shelled pistachios
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons cacao nibs (for topping)

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Instructions

Melt white chocolate and coconut oil (if using) in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until smooth.
Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or use silicone molds. Pour a small amount of melted chocolate into each cavity, swirling up the sides. Freeze for 10 minutes.
In a food processor, blend pistachios, honey, vanilla, and salt into a thick paste. Roll into small balls or press into discs to fit inside the cups.
Place pistachio filling in each chocolate base. Pour more melted chocolate on top to cover completely.
Sprinkle with cacao nibs and freeze or refrigerate until set, about 20–30 minutes.
Store chilled in an airtight container.

Notes

Coconut oil helps make the chocolate smoother and easier to work with.
Use silicone molds for easy removal.
Adjust sweetness of pistachio filling by using more or less honey or syrup.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 180
Sugar: 13g
Sodium: 20mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg