Go Back
–+ servings
A close-up view of a layered Blackberry Pistachio Dream Bars slice topped with bright green chopped pistachios.

Blackberry Pistachio Dream Bars

These bars feature a simple shortbread base topped with a layer of sweet blackberry filling and crunchy pistachios.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Shortbread Crust
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
For the Blackberry Filling and Topping
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries Thawed if frozen
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, chopped

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1/2 cup sugar until creamy. Mix in the 2 cups of flour and salt until just combined into a crumbly dough.
  3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  4. While the crust bakes, prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, gently mix the blackberries, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup flour, and lemon juice.
  5. Spread the blackberry mixture evenly over the partially baked crust.
  6. Sprinkle the chopped pistachios over the blackberry layer.
  7. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the topping is set and bubbling slightly.
  8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into 16 squares.

Notes

You can substitute raspberries or blueberries for the blackberries if desired. For a richer flavor, use browned butter in the crust mixture.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!