Blackberry Pistachio Dream Bars

Q: Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a 9x13-inch pan and increase the baking time slightly—about 5–7 minutes more.

Posted on April 23, 2025

Blackberry Pistachio Dream Bars served on a plate with fresh blackberries

Looking for a dessert that’s as dreamy as it sounds? These Blackberry Pistachio Dream Bars are a little slice of heaven. With a buttery pistachio crust, a creamy blackberry filling, and a hint of crunch in every bite, they strike the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and tangy. Plus, they’re super easy to make—no fancy equipment needed! Whether you’re baking for a party, a picnic, or just a cozy night in, these bars are sure to impress and disappear fast. Trust us—one bite, and you’ll be hooked!

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Why You’ll Love Blackberry Pistachio Dream Bars

There’s just something magical about the combo of blackberries and pistachios—and these bars capture that magic in every bite! They’re perfect for spring and summer treats but cozy enough to enjoy year-round. The layers are simple yet full of texture: think buttery crunch from the pistachios, smooth berry bliss in the middle, and a hint of vanilla sweetness to tie it all together. They’re great for make-ahead desserts, easy to slice and share, and pretty enough to steal the spotlight on your Pinterest board or dessert table. Plus, they’re totally freezer-friendly!

Ingredients

This dreamy dessert comes together with just a handful of pantry and fridge staples. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the crust:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped

For the filling:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg
1/2 cup blackberry jam or preserves (seedless, if preferred)
1/2 cup fresh blackberries (optional, for texture and extra berry flavor)

Optional topping:

Extra chopped pistachios for garnish
Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

These bars are easy to whip up and bake beautifully in under an hour. Follow these simple steps for sweet success:

Step-by-step process of making Blackberry Pistachio Dream Bars — Layer, bake, chill, and slice—here’s how to make your new favorite dessert bar with ease!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
Make the crust:
In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, melted butter, and chopped pistachios. Mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press and bake:
Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Prepare the filling:
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add the egg and mix until fully combined and creamy.
Assemble the layers:
Spread the blackberry jam over the slightly cooled crust. Gently pour and spread the cream cheese filling on top of the jam layer. Dot with fresh blackberries, pressing them slightly into the filling.
Bake again:
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25–28 minutes, or until the center is set and edges are lightly golden.
Cool and chill:
Let the bars cool at room temperature, then transfer to the fridge for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to fully set.
Garnish and serve:
Before serving, sprinkle with extra chopped pistachios and a light dusting of powdered sugar if desired. Slice and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe is perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself (we won’t tell!). It yields about 9 to 12 bars, depending on how generously you slice them. They’re rich and satisfying, so even smaller squares go a long way.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 35–40 minutes total
Chill Time: At least 2 hours in the fridge

You can easily double the recipe for a 9×13 pan if you’re serving a crowd. These dreamy bars are a total win for parties, potlucks, or sweet snacking at home.

Tips and Variations

Want to make these bars your own? Here are some fun and tasty ways to switch things up:

No pistachios? Swap in chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a different nutty vibe.
Jam swap: Try raspberry, blueberry, or even fig preserves if blackberries aren’t in season.
Gluten-free version: Use your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the crust.
Make it extra fancy: Drizzle with white chocolate after baking and chilling for an elegant touch.
Citrus twist: Add a little lemon or orange zest to the cream cheese filling for a fresh zing.
Go crustless: For a lighter version, skip the crust and bake in ramekins for individual cheesecake cups.

Storage

These bars store like a dream—seriously. You can make them ahead and enjoy them all week (if they last that long!).

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They taste even better the next day!
Freezer-friendly: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?

Yes! Just thaw and drain them first to avoid extra moisture in the bars.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Absolutely—just skip the pistachios and use crushed graham crackers or oats in the crust instead.

Do I have to use cream cheese?

Cream cheese gives the filling its creamy texture, but you can try mascarpone or a thick Greek yogurt as an alternative (expect a slight texture change).

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The edges will be lightly golden and the center just set—not jiggly. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time slightly—about 5–7 minutes more.

What can I use instead of jam?

You can mash fresh berries with a bit of sugar and lemon juice to create your own quick fruit layer.

Are these good for a picnic or party?

Totally! Just keep them chilled until serving, especially if it’s a warm day.

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as pretty as it is delicious, these Blackberry Pistachio Dream Bars check all the boxes. They’re creamy, crunchy, fruity, and just fancy enough to feel special—without any of the fuss. Whether you’re baking for brunch, a baby shower, or just because you need a treat, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Craving more tasty recipes? Follow @butteryrecipes on Pinterest and Facebook for daily inspiration!

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Blackberry Pistachio Dream Bars

Why You’ll Love Blackberry Pistachio Dream Bars