Blackberry Pistachio Dream Bars
These delightful bars combine the buttery crunch of a biscuit crust, the nutty taste of pistachios, and the vibrant tartness of blackberries, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Biscuit Crust
- 1 cup digestive biscuits, crushed
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
For the Pistachio Layer
- 1 cup pistachios, finely ground
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
For the Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 cup softened cream cheese
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Blackberry Topping
- 2 cups fresh blackberries Extra blackberries for garnish
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- ¼ cup pistachios, chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- Prepare the Pan: Start by lining an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper, allowing enough overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Make the Biscuit Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed digestive biscuits with the melted unsalted butter. Mix until well coated and press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Layering
- Create the Pistachio Layer: In another bowl, blend the finely ground pistachios with the powdered sugar and heavy cream until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the biscuit crust.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: Beat the softened cream cheese with ½ cup of powdered sugar and 1 tsp of vanilla extract until fluffy. Layer this mixture over the pistachio base.
Cooking
- Cook the Blackberry Topping: In a saucepan, combine fresh blackberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook on medium heat while gently stirring until thickened.
Assembly
- Assemble the Dream Bars: Once the blackberry topping has cooled, pour it over the cream cheese layer. Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the bars from the pan and cut into squares. Garnish with extra blackberries if desired.
Notes
For added flavor, consider incorporating a teaspoon of almond extract into the pistachio layer. Dairy-free option: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free version.