If you’re looking for a dessert that’s a beautiful fusion of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors, Blackberry Pistachio Dream Bars are a must-try! These bars feature a soft, buttery crust, topped with a luscious blackberry filling and finished with a crunchy pistachio topping. The combination of fresh blackberries and roasted pistachios is both elegant and indulgent, making these bars perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special event, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.

The tartness of the blackberries balances perfectly with the sweetness of the filling, while the pistachios add a delightful crunch and a touch of richness. These bars are easy to make and are sure to impress anyone who tastes them. Let’s dive into the recipe and make this delicious dessert that’s as beautiful as it is tasty!

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Ingredients (Makes 16-20 Bars)

For the Crust:

• All-purpose flour – 180g (1 ½ cups)
• Granulated sugar – 50g (¼ cup)
• Salt – ¼ teaspoon
• Unsalted butter, cold and cubed – 115g (½ cup)
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
• Cold water – 2-3 tablespoons

For the Blackberry Filling:

• Fresh blackberries – 300g (2 cups)
• Granulated sugar – 100g (½ cup)
• Cornstarch – 2 tablespoons
• Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon

For the Pistachio Topping:

• Pistachios, shelled and chopped – 80g (½ cup)
• Granulated sugar – 50g (¼ cup)
• Butter, melted – 45g (3 tablespoons)
• Flour – 30g (2 tablespoons)
• Salt – ¼ teaspoon

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 9x9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Pulse to combine.
3. Add the cold butter cubes and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add the vanilla extract and cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to come together.
5. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, ensuring it’s compact and uniform.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

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2. Prepare the Blackberry Filling:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the blackberries, sugar, and cornstarch.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries break down and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and let the filling cool slightly.

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3. Prepare the Pistachio Topping:

1. In a small bowl, combine the chopped pistachios, sugar, melted butter, flour, and salt.
2. Stir until the pistachio mixture is well combined and forms a crumbly texture.

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4. Assemble the Bars:

1. Spread the blackberry filling evenly over the pre-baked crust.
2. Sprinkle the pistachio topping evenly over the blackberry layer, covering it completely.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pistachio topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
4. Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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5. Serve & Enjoy:

1. Once the bars have cooled completely, cut them into squares (about 16-20 pieces).
2. Serve the bars at room temperature or refrigerate for a firmer texture. They can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 1 Bar)

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fat: 10g
• Sugar: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 85mg

(Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.)

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Tips & Tricks for the Best Blackberry Pistachio Dream Bars

✔ Use Fresh Blackberries – Fresh blackberries work best for the filling, as they have the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. If using frozen, be sure to thaw and drain them before using.
✔ Chill the Bars – For cleaner cuts and better texture, refrigerate the bars for 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving. This helps the layers set properly.
✔ Customize the Nuts – If you don’t have pistachios, feel free to use chopped almonds, walnuts, or even hazelnuts as a substitute for the topping.
✔ Make It a Layered Dessert – For an extra indulgent treat, consider adding a layer of whipped cream or Greek yogurt on top of the bars before serving.
✔ Double the Recipe – If you’re serving a crowd, double the recipe and bake in a 9x13-inch pan for larger bars.

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Serving Suggestions

🍦 With Ice Cream – Serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or coconut gelato to balance out the tartness of the blackberries.
🍓 With Fresh Berries – Garnish the bars with fresh blackberries or a mix of berries for an extra pop of color and freshness.
☕ With Coffee or Tea – Enjoy these bars with a hot cup of coffee, green tea, or herbal tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
🎉 For Special Occasions – These bars are perfect for serving at parties, picnics, or holiday gatherings, where the combination of flavors will impress your guests.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Sweet & Tart – The blackberries provide a delightful tartness, while the pistachios add a sweet, nutty crunch to every bite.
✅ Easy to Make – These bars are quick to prepare with simple ingredients, making them an ideal choice for a last-minute dessert.
✅ Perfect for Sharing – The bars are easy to cut into squares, making them perfect for sharing at family gatherings, picnics, or potlucks.
✅ Customizable – Feel free to swap out the pistachios for other nuts, or even add a swirl of chocolate or honey to the filling for an extra twist!