Blackberry Pistachio Dream Bars (Printable)

Layered bars featuring pistachio crust, blackberry compote, and creamy 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

# Step-by-step:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang on sides for easy removal later.
02 - Pulse pistachios in a food processor until finely ground. Add flour, sugar, and salt; pulse to combine. Add cold butter cubes and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
03 - Bake crust for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside.
04 - Combine blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook while stirring and mashing berries until juicy, about 3-4 minutes. Dissolve cornstarch in 1 tablespoon water, add to pan, and cook 1-2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
05 - Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined and creamy.
06 - Spread cooled blackberry mixture evenly over the baked crust. Pour cream cheese layer over berries and gently smooth top with spatula.
07 - Bake for 20-22 minutes until center is just set. Cool completely in pan, then refrigerate at least 2 hours until firm.
08 - Using parchment overhang, lift bars from pan. Cut into squares and garnish with chopped pistachios and fresh blackberries if desired. Serve chilled.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The tri layered texture creates an incredible contrast between crisp nutty crust tart fruit and silky cream topping
  • They look stunning but come together faster than youd expect for such an elegant dessert
  • These bars actually improve overnight making them perfect for make ahead entertaining
02 -
  • Room temperature cream cheese is absolutely non negotiable for a smooth lump free topping
  • The blackberry layer must cool slightly before adding the cream cheese or it will melt into the fruit
  • These bars need the full chilling time to set properly so plan ahead or make them the day before
03 -
  • Grind the pistachios in short pulses checking frequently to avoid turning them into pistachio butter
  • If the cream cheese layer browns too quickly tent the pan loosely with foil for the last 5 minutes of baking

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