Description
Decadent Blackberry Pistachio Dream Bars a buttery pistachio crust topped with creamy cheesecake, luscious blackberry swirls, and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios for a vibrant, elegant dessert bar.
Ingredients
Crust:
1 cup pistachios, finely ground
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 tsp salt
Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup sour cream
Blackberry Swirl:
1 cup blackberries (fresh or frozen)
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
Topping:
1/4 cup chopped pistachios
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the crust: combine ground pistachios, flour, sugar, salt, and melted butter until a crumbly dough forms. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Bake crust for 10–12 minutes, then let cool slightly.
4. Meanwhile, make the blackberry swirl: in a small saucepan, combine blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, mashing berries until syrupy. Strain to remove seeds and set aside to cool.
5. Prepare the filling: beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg, vanilla, and sour cream, and beat until creamy.
6. Pour filling over cooled crust. Spoon blackberry puree on top and gently swirl with a toothpick.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is just set.
8. Cool completely, then chill for at least 2 hours before slicing.
9. Top with chopped pistachios and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For extra crunch, toast the pistachios before using.
Substitute raspberries or blueberries for a different berry twist.
Bars can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days — even better the next day!
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: blackberry pistachio bars, cheesecake bars, layered dessert, elegant dessert bars