Blackberry Pistachio Dream Bars (Printable)
Layered dessert bars with pistachio crust, blackberry compote, and creamy cheesecake topping
# What You'll Need:
→ Pistachio Shortbread Crust
01 - 1 cup shelled unsalted pistachios
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
→ Blackberry Layer
06 - 2 cups fresh blackberries
07 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
08 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
09 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch
→ Cream Cheese Layer
10 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
11 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
12 - 1 large egg
13 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Garnish
14 - 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
15 - Fresh blackberries
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
02 - Pulse pistachios in food processor until finely ground. Add flour, sugar, and salt; pulse to combine. Add cold butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press firmly and evenly into pan bottom. Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden.
03 - Combine blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice in saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring and mashing berries, until juicy (3-4 minutes). Dissolve cornstarch in 1 tablespoon water, add to pan, and cook 1-2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
04 - Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
05 - Spread blackberry mixture evenly over baked crust. Pour cream cheese layer over berries and gently smooth top.
06 - Bake for 20-22 minutes until center is just set. Cool completely in pan, then refrigerate at least 2 hours before slicing.
07 - Garnish with chopped pistachios and fresh blackberries if desired. Cut into bars and serve chilled.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The three distinct layers create an incredible texture contrast in every single bite
- They look impressive but come together with simple pantry staples
02 -
- Letting the crust cool slightly before adding the fruit prevents it from sinking into the hot shortbread
- The chilling time is not optional because warm bars will be impossible to cut cleanly
03 -
- Grinding pistachios with a little of the flour from the recipe prevents them from turning into pistachio butter
- Room temperature cream cheese eliminates lumps without overmixing which can make the layer tough