Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Harmony: The combination of creamy pistachio and tangy blackberry layers creates a balanced and delightful taste experience.
- Textural Contrast: The crunchy biscuit base complements the smooth cream cheese and pistachio layers, adding depth to each bite.
- Visual Appeal: The vibrant blackberry topping and chopped pistachio garnish make these bars as pleasing to the eyes as they are to the palate.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Base:
- 1 cup crushed digestive biscuits
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Pistachio Layer:
- 1 cup shelled pistachios, finely ground
- ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Blackberry Layer:
- 2 cups fresh blackberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
For the Topping:
- ¼ cup shelled pistachios, chopped
- Fresh blackberries for garnish
Directions
-
Prepare the Base:
- Mix the crushed digestive biscuits with melted butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined 8×8 inch baking pan.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to set.
-
Prepare the Pistachio Layer:
- Blend the ground pistachios with confectioners’ sugar and heavy cream until smooth.
- Spread evenly over the chilled biscuit base.
- Return to the refrigerator and chill for an additional 20 minutes.
-
Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
- Beat the softened cream cheese with confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract until creamy.
- Spread evenly over the pistachio layer.
- Chill until set.
-
Prepare the Blackberry Layer:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine blackberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
- Allow to cool slightly before spreading over the cream cheese layer.
- Chill until set.
-
Assemble and Serve:
- Before serving, sprinkle with chopped pistachios and garnish with fresh blackberries.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 9 squares
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes plus chilling time
Variations
- Berry Mix: Combine blackberries with raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry mousse.
- Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of orange or lime zest to the blackberry purée for a citrusy note.
- Chocolate Delight: Fold in some melted white chocolate into the whipped cream before adding the blackberry purée for a richer flavor.
Storage/Reheating
These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blackberries?
Yes, frozen blackberries can be used. Thaw and drain them before use to remove excess water.
Is there a substitute for digestive biscuits?
Graham crackers or any similar biscuit can be used as a substitute for digestive biscuits.
Can I make this dessert vegan?
Yes, use vegan cream cheese, substitute the butter with a plant-based version, and use a dairy-free cream alternative for the pistachio layer.
How do I know when the blackberry layer is ready?
The blackberry mixture should thicken and coat the back of a spoon. Once it reaches this consistency, it’s ready to be cooled and added to the bars.
Conclusion
Blackberry Pistachio Dream Bars offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making them a perfect dessert for any occasion. Their vibrant appearance and harmonious taste are sure to impress your guests.
Blackberry Pistachio Dream Bars
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes plus chilling
- Yield: 9 squares
- Category: Dessert, Bars
- Method: Chilled, No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Blackberry Pistachio Dream Bars are a delicious dessert that beautifully combines the nutty richness of pistachios with the tangy sweetness of blackberries, all on a crunchy biscuit base. These multi-layered bars are visually stunning and offer a balanced, delightful taste that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 cup crushed digestive biscuits
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Pistachio Layer:
- 1 cup shelled pistachios, finely ground
- ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Blackberry Layer:
- 2 cups fresh blackberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
For the Topping:
- ¼ cup shelled pistachios, chopped
- Fresh blackberries for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Base:
- Mix the crushed digestive biscuits with melted butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined 8×8 inch baking pan.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to set.
2. Prepare the Pistachio Layer:
- Blend the ground pistachios with confectioners’ sugar and heavy cream until smooth.
- Spread the pistachio mixture evenly over the chilled biscuit base.
- Return to the refrigerator to chill for another 20 minutes.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
- Beat the softened cream cheese with confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Spread evenly over the pistachio layer.
- Chill until set.
4. Prepare the Blackberry Layer:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine blackberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Allow to cool slightly before spreading over the cream cheese layer.
- Chill until set.
5. Assemble and Serve:
- Once set, sprinkle with chopped pistachios and garnish with fresh blackberries before serving.
Notes
- Berry Mix: For variety, combine blackberries with raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry topping.
- Citrus Twist: Add orange or lime zest to the blackberry layer for a refreshing citrusy note.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan cream cheese, substitute plant-based butter and a dairy-free cream alternative for the pistachio layer.
