Blackberry Pie Bars

Blackberry pie bars are the perfect summer fruit dessert recipe—they’re gorgeous, delicious, and easy to make! These delightful bars showcase the vibrant flavors of fresh blackberries, making them a fantastic treat for picnics, barbecues, or any gathering. With a buttery crust and a sweet berry filling, these bars will quickly become a favorite for family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal kitchen skills, making it accessible for bakers at any level.
• Deliciously Versatile: While blackberry is the star here, you can easily substitute other berries based on your preference or seasonal availability.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 16 servings, these pie bars are ideal for parties or gatherings. Everyone will love this sweet treat!
• Beautiful Presentation: The colorful blackberry filling peeking through a golden crust makes for an eye-catching dessert that impresses without much effort.
• Make Ahead Option: The filling can be prepared in advance, allowing you to save time on the day of your event.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into this scrumptious recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Saucepan
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Perfect for quickly mixing the crust ingredients to achieve that ideal grainy texture.
• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly, ensuring a uniform crust.
• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy base for baking your pie bars while keeping them from sticking.

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Ingredients

For the Crust

• 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

For the Filling

• 12 ounces fresh blackberries
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tsp Instant Clearjel thickener (substitute 1 Tbsp cornstarch)
• juice of 1/2 lemon

For the Glaze

• 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: Bring the Dough Together

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 to check it; you may not need all of the water.

Step 3: Form and Chill Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and bring it together into a ball. If there is dry flour remaining, knead it into the dough. Cut it in half, form two flat rectangles, wrap each one in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight).

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While the dough chills, prepare the filling. Place blackberries in a saucepan. Mix sugar with Clearjel thickener and add it along with lemon juice. Cook on low heat before gradually increasing to medium-high until berries soften and sugar dissolves (about 8 minutes). Chill until ready to use.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 6: Roll Out Dough

Lay out parchment paper on a baking sheet and lightly flour it. Roll out one piece of dough into roughly a 9×13 rectangle. Spoon jam over it, leaving about an inch free around edges.

Step 7: Assemble Bars

Roll out top crust and carefully place over jam filling, pressing down edges to seal. Brush with egg wash.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for approximately 40 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before glazing.

Step 9: Make Glaze

To make glaze, whisk confectioner’s sugar with water until reaching desired consistency. Brush liberally over cooled pie bars and let dry before slicing.

With these easy steps, you’ll have delightful blackberry pie bars that everyone will adore! Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Blackberry Pie Bars

Blackberry pie bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply indulging at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your dessert experience.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

• Top each piece with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light and airy contrast to the rich blackberry filling.

A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

• Serve warm blackberry pie bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture complements the fruitiness perfectly.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• For chocolate lovers, drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over the bars. This adds an indulgent twist that enhances the flavors.

Accompanied by Fresh Berries

• Garnish your plate with fresh blackberries or mixed berries for a vibrant presentation and an extra burst of flavor.

Pairing with Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy blackberry pie bars with a cup of coffee or tea. The warmth of the beverage balances the sweetness of the dessert.

How to Perfect Blackberry Pie Bars

Perfecting blackberry pie bars requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out great every time.

• Use cold ingredients: Ensure your butter and shortening are cold when making the crust. This helps achieve a flaky texture.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mix just until combined to prevent tough crusts. Overworking can lead to dense pie bars.
• Chill before baking: Allow the assembled bars to chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain their shape.
• Check for doneness: Bake until golden brown, as undercooked bars may be soggy. A golden color indicates a perfectly baked crust.
• Let cool completely: Allow the bars to cool before slicing. This helps them set and makes cutting easier.
• Experiment with spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the berry filling for extra flavor depth.

Best Side Dishes for Blackberry Pie Bars

Pairing side dishes with your blackberry pie bars can create a delightful meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Citrus Salad
   A refreshing salad made with mixed greens and citrus fruits balances the sweetness of the pie bars.
2. Cheese Platter
   Include assorted cheeses like brie and goat cheese for a savory contrast that enhances dessert flavors.
3. Grilled Peaches
   Sweet, caramelized grilled peaches add another layer of fruitiness that complements blackberry pie bars beautifully.
4. Vanilla Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy side that’s light yet satisfying alongside dessert.
5. Nutty Granola
   Serve crunchy nutty granola on its own or as part of a parfait to add texture and richness next to sweet treats.
6. Minted Couscous Salad
   A light couscous salad with mint and lemon provides a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of dessert.
7. Ice Cream Sundae Bar
   Set up an ice cream sundae bar with toppings that guests can use on their pie bars or ice cream, creating a fun dessert experience.
8. Fruit Compote
   A warm fruit compote made from seasonal fruits can be drizzled over the blackberry pie bars for added flavor and moisture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making blackberry pie bars can be fun, but there are common pitfalls to keep in mind.

• Using warm butter: Always ensure your butter is cold before mixing with flour to create a flaky crust. Warm butter can lead to a dense texture.
• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the refrigeration step may cause the dough to shrink during baking. Chill the dough for at least 2 hours for best results.
• Overcooking the filling: Cooking the berry filling too long can make it too thick or burnt. Keep an eye on it and remove it from heat once it’s jam-like in consistency.
• Ignoring proper glazing: A good glaze adds flavor and shine. Make sure to whisk your glaze until smooth and apply it liberally over cooled bars for the best presentation.
• Cutting too soon: Allowing the blackberry pie bars to cool completely before slicing is essential. Cutting them while hot may cause them to fall apart.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store blackberry pie bars in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days when refrigerated.

Freezing Blackberry Pie Bars

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Blackberry Pie Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place bars on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making blackberry pie bars.

How do I make vegan Blackberry Pie Bars?

You can substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use a flax egg instead of an egg yolk for the wash.

Can I use frozen blackberries?

Yes, you can use frozen blackberries; however, thaw them first and drain excess liquid before adding them to your filling.

What should I serve with Blackberry Pie Bars?

These bars are delicious on their own but pair wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

How can I customize my Blackberry Pie Bars?

Feel free to mix in other berries like raspberries or blueberries for added flavor. Adding spices like cinnamon can also enhance their taste.

Final Thoughts

Blackberry pie bars are a delightful summer treat that is both easy and versatile. Their sweet-tart flavor makes them perfect for gatherings or as a simple dessert at home. Don’t hesitate to customize these bars with your favorite fruits or toppings!