Go Back

Blackberry Pistachio Dream Bars

Delightful bars combining rich cheesecake with blackberry and pistachio for a beautiful and tasty treat.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 16 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup ground pistachios
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
  • 0.75 cup cold butter (cubed)
For the filling
  • 16 oz cream cheese (softened) Make sure it is at room temperature.
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
  • 2 pieces eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the blackberry swirl
  • 2 cups blackberries Fresh or thawed frozen.
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for swirl)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
For garnish
  • Crushed pistachios
  • Fresh blackberries

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small saucepan, combine blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes until the blackberries soften. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve and let the reduction cool.
  2. In a food processor, pulse together the flour, ground pistachios, sugar, and cold butter until the mixture is crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into a lined 8×8 baking pan.
Baking the crust
  1. Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden.
Making the filling
  1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully combined.
  2. Pour the cream cheese filling over the baked crust. Spoon the cooled blackberry reduction on top, and use a toothpick to swirl it gently into the filling.
Final baking
  1. Bake everything together for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center remains slightly jiggly.
Cooling
  1. Allow the bars to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before slicing into squares.
Serving
  1. Before serving, garnish each piece with crushed pistachios and fresh blackberries.

Notes

Best served chilled. They may even taste better after sitting overnight as the flavors develop. For a marbled effect, take care during the swirling process.