These Pistachio Tarts are a deliciously indulgent dessert that combines a rich, buttery cocoa crust with a creamy pistachio filling. The nutty flavor of pistachio butter blends perfectly with the smoothness of cream cheese and heavy cream, creating a decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Flavorful: The combination of pistachio butter and cream cheese creates a smooth, nutty filling that’s perfectly complemented by the cocoa-flavored tart shell.
- Elegant Dessert: These tarts are as visually appealing as they are delicious, making them perfect for dinner parties, special celebrations, or a sweet treat to share with friends and family.
- Balanced Texture: The contrast between the crisp tart shell and the creamy pistachio filling provides a delightful mouthfeel with every bite.
- Simple Ingredients: With a few straightforward ingredients, you can create a sophisticated dessert that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients
For the Tart Shell:
- 42 g unsalted butter (softened)
- 28 g powdered sugar
- 0.6 g salt
- 15 g egg
- 60 g cake flour
- 10 g almond flour
- 8 g cocoa powder
For the Pistachio Filling:
- 80 g cream cheese (softened)
- 15 g caster sugar
- 100 g heavy cream
- 32 g pistachio butter
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Making the Tart Shell:
- Prepare the Dough: Soften the butter and add powdered sugar. Using a hand mixer, beat until the mixture is well combined. Sift in the cake flour, salt, almond flour, and cocoa powder, and beat until fully incorporated.
- Add the Egg: Add the 15g egg and mix until combined into a smooth dough.
- Chill the Dough: Place the dough onto a sheet of parchment paper, then cover it with another sheet of parchment paper. Roll it flat to about 2.5mm thick. Chill the dough in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up.
- Shape the Tarts: Slice three strips from the dough for the sides of the tart. Shape each strip around a tart ring, pressing firmly to seal the ends. Trim off any excess dough around the edges. Chill the tart shells in the fridge.
- Roll Out the Remaining Dough: Take the remaining dough, cover it with parchment paper, and roll it flat again. Let it chill for another 10 minutes in the fridge.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 320℉ (160℃).
- Shape the Tart Bottoms: Place the tart rings onto the rolled-out dough and cut out the bottoms to fit. Trim any excess dough around the edges. Use a fork to prick some holes in the bottom of the tarts to prevent puffing during baking.
- Bake the Tart Shells: Place the tart shells in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Allow the tarts to cool.
Making the Pistachio Filling:
- Prepare the Pistachio Mixture: In a clean bowl, combine softened cream cheese, caster sugar, heavy cream, and pistachio butter. Mix well until smooth and sifted.
- Fill the Tarts: Once the tart shells have cooled, fill each one with the pistachio mixture. Let the tarts chill in the fridge until the filling is set, approximately 1-2 hours.
Serve:
Once set, serve your pistachio tarts chilled, and enjoy the smooth, nutty flavor with the crisp cocoa tart shell.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 tarts
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Bake Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1-2 hours for the filling to set
- Total Time: 2-3 hours (including chill time)
Variations
- Add Toppings: Top your pistachio tarts with crushed pistachios, a dusting of cocoa powder, or whipped cream for added texture and flavor.
- Flavored Fillings: Add a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract to the pistachio filling for an extra layer of flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the pistachio tarts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: These tarts are best served chilled and are not typically reheated. Keep them refrigerated until serving.

FAQs
Can I use pre-made tart shells?
Yes, you can use store-bought tart shells for convenience, though the homemade crust adds a lovely depth of flavor and texture.
Can I make the filling without pistachio butter?
If you don’t have pistachio butter, you can try making your own by blending roasted pistachios with a little bit of oil, or substitute with almond butter for a different flavor.
Can I make these tarts ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the tart shells and filling a day in advance, and simply assemble them when you’re ready to serve. Just allow enough time for the filling to set in the fridge.
How do I know when the tart shells are done baking?
The tart shells should be golden brown and firm to the touch. You can gently press the center of the shell with your finger to check for firmness.
Can I freeze the tarts?
You can freeze the tart shells before adding the filling. Once fully assembled, the tarts may lose some of their texture after freezing and thawing, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh.
Can I use a different type of nut butter for the filling?
Yes, you can substitute pistachio butter with almond butter or cashew butter, though the flavor will differ from the original recipe.
Can I add chocolate to the filling?
For a chocolate twist, you can melt some dark chocolate and fold it into the pistachio filling before chilling.
Is there a substitute for cream cheese in the filling?
You can use vegan cream cheese or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream for a non-dairy option.
How do I store leftover tarts?
Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How can I make the tart shell extra crispy?
To make the tart shell extra crispy, ensure the dough is rolled thin and that it’s properly chilled before baking.
Conclusion
These Pistachio Tarts are the perfect combination of rich, nutty pistachio flavor and a buttery cocoa tart shell. Whether you’re hosting a special event, enjoying a quiet evening at home, or simply indulging in something sweet, these tarts are sure to impress. Their elegant look and sophisticated flavor make them a standout dessert, and with this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll be able to create a truly indulgent treat. Enjoy!
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Pistachio Tarts
- Total Time: 2-3 hours (including chill time)
- Yield: 4 tarts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pistachio Tarts are a deliciously indulgent dessert that combines a rich, buttery cocoa crust with a creamy pistachio filling. The nutty flavor of pistachio butter blends perfectly with the smoothness of cream cheese and heavy cream, creating a decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
42 g unsalted butter (softened)
28 g powdered sugar
0.6 g salt
15 g egg
60 g cake flour
10 g almond flour
8 g cocoa powder
80 g cream cheese (softened)
15 g caster sugar
100 g heavy cream
32 g pistachio butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Soften the butter and add powdered sugar. Using a hand mixer, beat until the mixture is well combined. Sift in the cake flour, salt, almond flour, and cocoa powder, and beat until fully incorporated.
- Add the Egg: Add the 15g egg and mix until combined into a smooth dough.
- Chill the Dough: Place the dough onto a sheet of parchment paper, then cover it with another sheet of parchment paper. Roll it flat to about 2.5mm thick. Chill the dough in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up.
- Shape the Tarts: Slice three strips from the dough for the sides of the tart. Shape each strip around a tart ring, pressing firmly to seal the ends. Trim off any excess dough around the edges. Chill the tart shells in the fridge.
- Roll Out the Remaining Dough: Take the remaining dough, cover it with parchment paper, and roll it flat again. Let it chill for another 10 minutes in the fridge.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 320℉ (160℃).
- Shape the Tart Bottoms: Place the tart rings onto the rolled-out dough and cut out the bottoms to fit. Trim any excess dough around the edges. Use a fork to prick some holes in the bottom of the tarts to prevent puffing during baking.
- Bake the Tart Shells: Place the tart shells in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Allow the tarts to cool.
- Prepare the Pistachio Mixture: In a clean bowl, combine softened cream cheese, caster sugar, heavy cream, and pistachio butter. Mix well until smooth and sifted.
- Fill the Tarts: Once the tart shells have cooled, fill each one with the pistachio mixture. Let the tarts chill in the fridge until the filling is set, approximately 1-2 hours.
- Serve: Once set, serve your pistachio tarts chilled, and enjoy the smooth, nutty flavor with the crisp cocoa tart shell.
Notes
- Top your pistachio tarts with crushed pistachios, a dusting of cocoa powder, or whipped cream for added texture and flavor.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract to the pistachio filling for an extra layer of flavor.
- Substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, Chilling
- Cuisine: Elegant, Sweet Treat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg