Blackberry pistachio dessert bars are a symphony of flavors and textures, a perfect treat for any occasion. Imagine the sweet burst of blackberries mingling with the nutty richness of pistachios, all nestled in a buttery, crumbly crust. These blackberry pistachio dessert bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a little piece of sunshine on a plate. The recipe happened because I had a surplus of blackberries and a craving for something both sweet and sophisticated. This recipe takes the best of both worlds, bringing vibrant fruit and earthy nuts together in a delightful baked treat.
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Why You Will Love This blackberry pistachio dessert bars Recipe
These blackberry pistachio dessert bars are incredibly comforting, taking minimal effort with maximum flavor. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dessert or a potluck contribution that will have everyone asking for the recipe. I remember the first time I made these; my family devoured them in minutes! The combination of sweet blackberries and crunchy pistachios is simply irresistible. This recipe is special because it is so easy to adapt to your preferences. You can use different berries, add other nuts, or even drizzle with a simple glaze for an extra touch of sweetness. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those summer berries.
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Ingredients Needed for This blackberry pistachio dessert bars Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delectable pistachio berry bars:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
For the Filling:
- 4 cups fresh blackberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
How to Make This blackberry pistachio dessert bars Recipe
Follow these simple steps to create amazing blackberry pistachio dessert bars:
- Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the Crust: Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, gently toss blackberries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the blackberry mixture over the prebaked crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the blackberries. Finally, sprinkle chopped pistachios on top.
- Bake: Bake for 30 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This will help the filling set and prevent them from falling apart.
If you’re a fan of citrus, consider trying these Cranberry Lemon Dessert Bars for a refreshing twist.
How to Serve This blackberry pistachio dessert bars Recipe
These blackberry pistachio dessert bars are delicious on their own, but they can also be elevated with a few simple additions.
- Serving Tips: Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.
- Pairing Ideas: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A cup of hot coffee or tea also complements the flavors beautifully.
- Topping Recommendations: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze or a light blackberry coulis for an extra touch of elegance.
- Plating Ideas: Arrange the cut bars on a platter and garnish with fresh blackberries and a few sprigs of mint.
How to Store This blackberry pistachio dessert bars Recipe
Proper storage will help keep your pistachio berry bars fresh and delicious for days.
- Refrigeration Instructions: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing Guidelines: For longer storage, freeze the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheating Tips: If frozen, thaw completely in the refrigerator before serving.
- Shelf Life Information: At room temperature, the bars are best enjoyed within 12 days.
Tips to Make This blackberry pistachio dessert bars Recipe
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your blackberry pistachio dessert bars turn out perfectly every time:
- Ingredient Swaps: Use other berries such as raspberries or blueberries if you don’t have blackberries on hand. Almonds or pecans can be substituted for pistachios.
- Success Tips: Make sure the butter is very cold when making the crust. This will create a flakier and more tender crust. Do not overbake the bars, as this can make the filling dry.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: Avoid using overly ripe or mushy blackberries, as they can make the filling too watery.
- Pro Tips for Best Results: Gently toss the blackberries with the sugar and cornstarch mixture to avoid crushing them. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from crumbling.
Helpful Notes for This blackberry pistachio dessert bars Recipe
Here are some additional details to help you make the perfect batch of pistachio berry bars:
- Extra Clarifications: The baking time may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the bars and adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Ingredient Details: Use highquality vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- Equipment Recommendations: A 9×13 inch baking pan is essential for this recipe. A pastry blender or food processor can be helpful for making the crust, but it can also be done by hand.
Variation of This blackberry pistachio dessert bars Recipe
There are many ways to customize these blackberry pistachio dessert bars to suit your taste preferences.
- Seasonal Twists: In the fall, try using apples or pears in place of the blackberries. In the winter, cranberries and walnuts would be a festive combination.
- Optional Versions: Add a layer of cheesecake filling between the crust and the blackberry mixture for an extra decadent treat.
- Creative Modifications: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for a chocolate blackberry pistachio dessert experience. Or, if you’re feeling experimental, give my Homemade Blackberry Pie a try!
What ingredients do I need for blackberry pistachio dessert bars?
You’ll need fresh blackberries, pistachios, flour, butter, sugar, and a few other basic baking ingredients. The full recipe with exact measurements is provided in the post above.
Can I use frozen blackberries in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen blackberries, but be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the recipe. This will prevent the bars from becoming soggy.
How do I store blackberry pistachio dessert bars?
Store the baked and cooled blackberry pistachio dessert bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Can I substitute other nuts for pistachios?
Yes, you can substitute other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans for pistachios in this recipe. Just make sure to chop them to a similar size for even distribution.
How do I know when the blackberry pistachio dessert bars are done?
The bars are done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Conclusion
These blackberry pistachio dessert bars are a delightful blend of sweet and nutty flavors, all wrapped up in a buttery crust. They’re simple to make, perfect for any occasion, and sure to impress anyone who tries them. So, go ahead and give this delicious recipe a try and share your creations with friends and family. Nothing beats a homemade blackberry pistachio dessert bars!
Blackberry Pistachio Dessert Bars: EASY Recipe!
- Total Time: 1 hour (plus cooling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Blackberry Pistachio Dessert Bars are a delightful blend of sweet blackberries and crunchy pistachios nestled in a buttery, crumbly crust. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- For the Filling:
- 4 cups fresh blackberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
Instructions
- 1. Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- 2. Press the Crust: Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- 3. Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, gently toss blackberries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- 4. Assemble the Bars: Pour the blackberry mixture over the prebaked crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the blackberries. Finally, sprinkle chopped pistachios on top.
- 5. Bake: Bake for 30 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- 6. Cool: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This will help the filling set and prevent them from falling apart.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: blackberry, pistachio, dessert, bars, easy, baking