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Blackberry Pistachio Dream Bars


  • Author: Linda

Description

These Blackberry Pistachio Dream Bars are a beautifully layered dessert marrying a buttery crust, nutty pistachio richness, creamy filling, and a bright, fruity blackberry topping. They’re perfect for parties, dessert platters, or just a special treat at home — elegant, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make.


Ingredients

Scale

Base / Crust

  • 1 cup crushed digestive biscuits (or similar plain biscuits)

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Pistachio Layer

  • 1 cup shelled pistachios, finely ground

  • ¼ cup confectioners’ (powdered) sugar

  • ¼ cup heavy cream

Cream Cheese Layer

  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened

  • ½ cup confectioners’ sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Blackberry Topping

  • 2 cups fresh (or thawed, well-drained frozen) blackberries

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch (for thickening)

Finishing (Optional Garnish)

  • ¼ cup shelled pistachios, chopped

  • A few fresh blackberries


Instructions

  • Prepare the Crust

    • Mix the crushed biscuits with melted butter.

    • Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined 8×8 inch (or similar) pan.

    • Chill in the fridge for about 20 minutes to set.

  • Make the Pistachio Layer

    • In a blender or food processor, blend the ground pistachios with confectioners’ sugar and heavy cream until smooth.

    • Spread evenly over the chilled crust.

    • Chill again for about 20 minutes to firm up.

  • Add the Cream Cheese Layer

    • In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

    • Spread gently over the pistachio layer.

  • Prepare the Blackberry Topping

    • In a small saucepan, combine blackberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch.

    • Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and becomes jam-like. Stir often so it doesn’t burn.

    • Let the mixture cool slightly. Then gently spread it over the cream cheese layer.

  • Chill & Garnish

    • Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best set).

    • Before serving, sprinkle chopped pistachios on top and add a few fresh blackberries for decoration.

  • Slice & Serve

    • Use a sharp knife for neat squares.

    • Serve chilled for a creamy, refreshing dessert.

Notes

  • Chill between layers — this keeps them distinct and clean-looking.

  • If using frozen berries, thaw and drain them first to avoid excess liquid.

  • Let the berry topping cool before spreading, or it might melt the cream cheese layer.

  • Store in the fridge in an airtight container — they stay good for several days.