Go Back
Homemade Blackberry Pistachio Dream Bars topped with fresh berries and nuts

Blackberry Pistachio Dream Bars

Deliciously buttery, nutty, and jammy bars featuring fresh blackberries and crunchy pistachios, perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (cold and cubed)
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 large Egg Yolk (do not use the whole egg)
  • 2–4 tablespoons Ice Water (use cold water)
For the Filling
  • 2 cups Fresh Blackberries (or raspberries/blueberries) Adjust sweetness if using different berries.
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (adjust as necessary) Taste and adjust based on berry tartness.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (fresh juice is best)
  • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
For the Topping
  • 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar (or granulated sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1 cup Pistachios (shelled and unsalted) (or other nuts) Feel free to use other nuts as desired.
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (cold and cubed)
  • 1 large Egg
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cubed cold butter, sugar, and salt for the crust. Mix until crumbly.
  3. Add the egg yolk and ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together. Press into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
  4. For the filling, combine blackberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a separate bowl. Adjust sweetness as needed.
  5. Spread the berry filling evenly over the crust.
  6. In another bowl, mix the ingredients for the topping until crumbly. Sprinkle over the berry layer.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes or until the topping is golden and the filling is set.
  2. Let cool before cutting into bars.

Notes

These bars can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container. They travel well for gatherings. Adjust the sweetness based on your preference for berries.