Blackberry pie bars are a delightful treat that brings the essence of summer to your dessert table. These bars are not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor, making them perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any gathering. With a buttery crust and a sweet blackberry filling, they’re easy to make and sure to impress your friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up these bars without much fuss.
- Deliciously Sweet: Fresh blackberries provide a burst of flavor that balances perfectly with the buttery crust.
- Versatile for Occasions: Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a sweet treat after dinner.
- Great for Leftovers: These bars store well in the fridge, making them a fantastic option for meal prep or late-night snacks.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap blackberries with other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a different twist!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Food processor
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowls
Importance of Each Tool
- Food processor: This tool simplifies the process of mixing the dough, saving time and effort.
- Rolling pin: A must-have for rolling out your dough evenly, ensuring a perfectly baked crust.
Ingredients
Blackberry pie bars are are the perfect summer fruit dessert recipe ~ they’re gorgeous, delicious, and EASY!
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour, plus more for rolling
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut in pieces
- 1/4 cup shortening (I used butter flavor Crisco)
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 1 egg yolk mixed with 2 teaspoons water
- 12 ounces fresh blackberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tsp Instant Clearjel thickener (substitute 1 Tbsp cornstarch)
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar, sifted
- water for thinning
How to Make Blackberry Pie Bars
Step 1: Make the Crust
Start by making the crust. Pulse the flour and salt a few times in a food processor to combine. Add the cold chunks of butter and shortening to the bowl and pulse about 20 times until the mixture is grainy.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Add the ice water, a little at a time, while continuing to pulse until the dough just comes together when you pinch it between your fingers. Stop the machine to check it. NOTE: You may not need all of the water.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and bring it together into a ball. If there is still any remaining dry flour make sure to knead that into the dough. If your dough is too sticky, add a touch more flour.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cut the ball of dough in half and form two flat rectangles. Wrap each one in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before rolling out.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
While the dough chills, prepare the filling. Place fresh blackberries in a saucepan. Mix sugar and Clearjel thickener together; add this mixture along with lemon juice to the pan. Start on low heat and increase to medium-high until berries soften.
Step 6: Cook Filling
Cook for about 8 minutes until you reach a runny jam consistency. Mash most of the berries as they cook. Chill filling until ready to use.
Step 7: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 8: Roll Out Dough
On lightly floured parchment paper, roll out one piece of chilled dough into roughly a 9×13 rectangle.
Step 9: Assemble Bars
Spoon blackberry filling over rolled-out crust, leaving about an inch around edges free.
Step 10: Top with Crust
Roll out second piece of dough and carefully place over jam filling. Press down edges to seal tightly.
Step 11: Bake
Brush with egg wash and bake for about 40 minutes until golden brown. Allow cooling before glazing.
Step 12: Glaze
To make glaze, whisk confectioner’s sugar with water until desired consistency is reached. Brush generously over cooled pie bars before slicing.
Enjoy your homemade blackberry pie bars!
How to Serve Blackberry Pie Bars
Blackberry pie bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these bars will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Pair with Fresh Whipped Cream
- Fresh whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that balances the sweetness of the blackberry filling.
Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over the warm pie bars, creating a delicious contrast of temperatures.
Enjoy with a Drizzle of Honey
- A drizzle of honey enhances the natural flavors of blackberries and adds a touch of elegance to your dessert presentation.
Accompany with Coffee or Tea
- Pairing blackberry pie bars with a cup of coffee or tea makes for a comforting dessert experience, perfect for any time of day.
Garnish with Mint Leaves
- Fresh mint leaves not only add color but also bring a refreshing taste that complements the rich berry flavor.
How to Perfect Blackberry Pie Bars
To ensure your blackberry pie bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh blackberries: Fresh berries provide the best flavor and texture. Frozen berries can be used but may result in excess moisture.
- Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps it hold its shape during baking and contributes to a flaky crust.
- Don’t overwork the dough: Mix just until combined to keep your crust tender. Overworking can lead to tough pie bars.
- Adjust sweetness: Depending on your preference and berry ripeness, feel free to adjust the sugar in both the crust and filling.
- Cool before glazing: Letting the pie bars cool completely before adding glaze ensures it sets nicely without running off.
- Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days for maximum freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Blackberry Pie Bars
Blackberry pie bars can be paired with various side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:
- Greek Yogurt: Creamy Greek yogurt adds a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the pie bars.
- Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad brings freshness and balance, making it an excellent accompaniment.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses offers savory contrast; try pairing with brie or goat cheese for interesting flavors.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce over your slices provides an indulgent twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Granola: Crunchy granola on top adds texture and pairs well with any leftover whipped cream or yogurt.
- Lemonade: Refreshing lemonade serves as a zesty drink option that enhances the overall dessert experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Blackberry Pie Bars can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can ruin your dessert. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Not chilling the dough adequately: Skipping the chilling step can lead to a crust that is too soft and hard to work with. Always refrigerate your dough to ensure a flaky texture.
- Overcooking the filling: Cooking the blackberry filling for too long can make it too thick. Aim for a runny jam consistency to keep it juicy and flavorful.
- Ignoring the egg wash: Skipping the egg wash can result in a pale crust. Brush it on before baking for that golden, glossy finish you desire.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is precise; using too much or too little of an ingredient can affect the outcome. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
- Cutting the bars too soon: Allowing your pie bars to cool completely before slicing helps them set properly. Cutting them while warm can lead to messy servings.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Blackberry Pie Bars in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Blackberry Pie Bars
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Blackberry Pie Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on low power for 20-30 seconds, checking often.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Blackberry Pie Bars that may help you perfect your recipe:
Can I use frozen blackberries?
Yes, you can substitute frozen blackberries for fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
What if I don’t have Instant Clearjel?
You can replace Instant Clearjel with cornstarch. Use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch as a substitute.
How do I know when my pie bars are done baking?
Your pie bars are ready when they turn golden brown on top and the filling bubbles slightly around the edges.
Can I customize the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other berries or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Blackberry Pie Bars are not only a beautiful dessert but also incredibly versatile! You can easily customize them with different fruits or toppings. So gather your ingredients, give this recipe a try, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Blackberry Pie Bars
Blackberry Pie Bars are a delightful summer treat that captures the essence of fresh berries in every bite. With a buttery crust and a luscious blackberry filling, these bars are easy to make and perfect for any occasion—from picnics to family gatherings. The combination of sweet and tangy blackberries complements the flaky crust, making these treats irresistible. Plus, they can be customized with different berries for a unique twist! Enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled with whipped cream—either way, they’re a must-try dessert.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut in pieces
- 1/4 cup shortening
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 1 egg yolk mixed with 2 teaspoons water
- 12 ounces fresh blackberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tsp Instant Clearjel thickener (or 1 tablespoon cornstarch)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 cup confectioner's sugar, sifted
- Water for thinning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a food processor, pulse flour and salt; add butter and shortening until grainy.
- Gradually add ice water until dough forms.
- Chill the dough for at least 2 hours.
- Cook blackberries with sugar, Clearjel, and lemon juice until jam-like.
- Roll out dough and layer in a baking dish; fill with blackberry mixture.
- Cover with additional rolled-out dough, seal edges, brush with egg wash.
- Bake for about 40 minutes until golden brown; cool before glazing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
