Blackberry Pistachio Dream Bars (Print)

Layered bars with pistachio shortbread, blackberry compote, and creamy cheesecake topping.

# Ingredient list:

→ 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 the oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a food processor, pulse pistachios until finely ground. Add flour, sugar, and salt; pulse to combine. Add cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until lightly golden.
03 - In a small saucepan, combine blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring and mashing berries, until juicy (about 3-4 minutes). Dissolve cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water, add to the pan, and cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
04 - In a bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
05 - Once the crust is baked, spread the blackberry mixture evenly over it. Pour the cream cheese layer over the berries and gently smooth the top.
06 - Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the center is just set. Cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for 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 buttery pistachio crust adds this incredible nutty richness that pairs perfectly with tart blackberries
  • These bars look like they came from a bakery but come together with surprisingly minimal effort
  • The three distinct layers create this beautiful contrast of textures and flavors in every single bite
02 -
  • Let the cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing or you'll end up with lumpy batter no matter how long you beat it
  • The center might look slightly underbaked when you pull it out, but it firms up beautifully in the fridge and stays creamy
  • Cutting these bars is so much easier if you run your knife under hot water and wipe it clean between each slice
03 -
  • Press the crust mixture firmly into the pan using the bottom of a measuring cup for an even layer that won't crumble when you slice it
  • If your blackberries are particularly tart, taste the compote and add another tablespoon of sugar before spreading it over the crust

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