Blackberry Pistachio Bars – Buttery, Fruity & Perfectly Nutty

These Blackberry Pistachio Bars blend bright, juicy berries with a soft pistachio-infused crust for a dessert that tastes as good as it looks. The bars strike the perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and buttery crunch, making them ideal for spring, summer, or anytime you want a colorful treat. They cut beautifully, pack well, and look stunning on any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The pistachio crust brings a rich, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with blackberries.
• Easy, one-bowl crust and crumble—no mixer needed.
• Uses everyday ingredients you may already have.
• Fresh blackberries give the bars a natural vibrant color.
• Perfect for potlucks, picnics, brunch tables, lunchboxes, or gifting.
• Freezer-friendly for long-lasting homemade treats.

Ingredients

Blackberry Layer

• 1 cup fresh blackberries
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup sugar

Pistachio Crust & Crumble

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup pistachios finely chopped
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper, leaving extra overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
2. In a small bowl, mix the blackberries, lemon juice, cornstarch, and sugar. Stir gently to coat the berries, then set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, finely chopped pistachios, sugar, and salt. Mix until evenly blended.
4. Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture looks crumbly and slightly sandy but holds together when pressed.
5. Add about two-thirds of this mixture to the baking dish. Press it firmly across the bottom to form the crust.
6. Spoon the blackberry mixture evenly over the crust. Spread gently so the berries sit in one even layer.
7. Sprinkle the remaining pistachio crumble across the top, covering the berries.
8. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the top turns golden and the blackberry layer begins to bubble.
9. Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cool, lift the parchment and cut into clean, neat squares.

Tips & Variations

• Press the crust firmly so the bars hold together well.
• Make the crumble chunkier by squeezing sections into larger clumps before placing them on top.
• Swap blackberries with raspberries or blueberries.
• Add a pinch of lemon zest to the crust for an extra bright flavor.
• Drizzle with melted white chocolate once cooled for a pretty finish.
• Use salted pistachios if preferred—just reduce added salt.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Refrigerate bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months.
• Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
• Keep the bars chilled before cutting for the cleanest slices.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Serve with a cup of black tea, iced green tea, or chamomile.
• Pair with vanilla yogurt or Greek yogurt for a breakfast-style treat.
• Add a scoop of vanilla or pistachio ice cream for dessert.
• Garnish with fresh blackberries and chopped pistachios for presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen blackberries?

Yes, frozen blackberries work well. Do not thaw them. Mix them with cornstarch and sugar as written, then bake slightly longer if needed. They release extra moisture, but the cornstarch will help thicken the filling.

Can I make these bars nut-free?

You can replace pistachios with shredded coconut or simply add more flour. The flavor will change, but the bars remain delicious and hold structure well.

Do the bars need to be refrigerated?

Yes, because the fruit layer contains moisture. Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay soft, fresh, and maintain their texture better when chilled.

How do I get clean-cut bars?

Allow the bars to cool completely. For best results, chill them for 1–2 hours before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat, straight edges.

Ready to Make It?

These Blackberry Pistachio Bars offer a perfect blend of fruity sweetness and nutty richness. They’re simple to make, visually beautiful, and endlessly versatile. Save this recipe to your favorite board and enjoy every vibrant bite.

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