Description
Blackberry Pistachio Dream Bars are a layered dessert featuring a buttery shortbread crust, creamy cheesecake, tangy blackberry filling, and a crunchy pistachio topping. These vibrant bars are rich, elegant, and full of texture and flavor.
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- For the cheesecake layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the blackberry filling:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- For the topping:
- 1/3 cup chopped pistachios
- 2 tbsp white chocolate chips or drizzle (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Combine flour, powdered sugar, salt, and butter until crumbly. Press into the bottom of the dish and bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- While the crust bakes, beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- In a saucepan, simmer blackberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch until thickened. Let cool slightly.
- Spread cheesecake mixture over the baked crust. Swirl or spoon blackberry filling over the top.
- Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top, pressing them in lightly.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until the center is set.
- Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing. Optionally drizzle with white chocolate or dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Use frozen blackberries if fresh aren’t available—just thaw and drain first.
- Bars slice best when fully chilled.
- Swap pistachios for other nuts or a nut-free topping if needed.
- Store in fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Try mixing in raspberries or using a graham cracker crust for variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
