Blackberry Pie Bars

Blackberry pie bars are a delightful summer dessert that combines the sweetness of fresh blackberries with a buttery, flaky crust. These bars are not only easy to make but also perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or simply enjoying at home. With their vibrant color and luscious filling, blackberry pie bars will impress friends and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of blackberries and lemon juice creates a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for summer picnics, family gatherings, or a sweet treat at home.
• Great for Meal Prep: These bars can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment.
• Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors make these bars as beautiful as they are tasty.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your blackberry pie bars, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Speeds up the mixing of the crust ingredients, ensuring an even texture.
• Rolling pin: Essential for evenly rolling out the dough to create a uniform crust.
• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy base for baking your delicious pie bars.

Ingredients

To create these scrumptious blackberry pie bars, you will need the following 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 (butter flavor Crisco works well)
• 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 (or 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: Prepare 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 Dough Ingredients

Add the ice water gradually while continuing to pulse until the dough just comes together when you pinch it between your fingers. Stop to check; you may not need all of the water.

Step 3: Forming and Chilling the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a ball. If there’s dry flour remaining, knead it into the dough. If too sticky, add more flour as needed. Cut in half, form two rectangles, wrap them in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Make the Filling

While chilling the dough, prepare your filling. In a saucepan, combine fresh blackberries with sugar and Clearjel thickener along with lemon juice. Cook over low heat then medium-high until berries soften and sugar dissolves—about 8 minutes—mashing along the way.

Step 5: Preheat Oven & Roll Out Dough

Preheat your oven to 350F. Roll out one piece of dough on lightly floured parchment into roughly a 9×13 rectangle.

Step 6: Assemble Bars

Spoon blackberry filling over rolled-out dough leaving an inch around edges free. Roll out top crust and carefully place over filling. Seal edges by pressing down firmly.

Step 7: Bake & Glaze

Brush with egg wash and bake for about 40 minutes or until golden brown. Allow cooling before glazing with a mixture of confectioner’s sugar and water for desired consistency.

Enjoy these delightful blackberry pie bars warm or chilled—perfect any time!

How to Serve Blackberry Pie Bars

Blackberry pie bars are not only delicious but also versatile in their serving options. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these bars can be served in many delightful ways.

A la Mode

• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of warm blackberry pie bars for a classic dessert experience. The creaminess of the ice cream pairs perfectly with the tart berries.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

• Serve the pie bars with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The lightness of the cream enhances the berry flavors, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Accompanied by Fresh Berries

• Garnish your blackberry pie bars with additional fresh blackberries or other seasonal berries. This adds color and freshness to the presentation.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of chocolate sauce over each bar can add an indulgent touch. It contrasts beautifully with the tartness of the blackberries.

Pairing with Lemonade

• Serve blackberry pie bars alongside refreshing lemonade. The citrusy notes complement the sweetness of the dessert and create a perfect summer treat.

How to Perfect Blackberry Pie Bars

To achieve the best results with your blackberry pie bars, consider these helpful tips.

• Chill Your Dough: Ensure that your dough is well-chilled before rolling it out. This helps maintain its structure and prevents it from becoming too sticky during baking.

• Use Fresh Blackberries: Opt for fresh blackberries for the filling whenever possible. They provide better flavor and texture compared to frozen options.

• Don’t Overmix: When blending your crust ingredients, pulse just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough crusts instead of flaky ones.

• Check Consistency: When cooking your filling, aim for a jam-like consistency. This will ensure that your pie bars hold together nicely when cut.

• Let It Cool: Allow your pie bars to cool completely before slicing. This helps set the filling and makes for cleaner cuts.

Best Side Dishes for Blackberry Pie Bars

Pairing side dishes with blackberry pie bars can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some suggestions that complement this sweet treat wonderfully.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A creamy scoop adds richness to each bite and balances out the tartness of the berries.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast and adds natural sweetness.
3. Lemon Sorbet: The light and zesty flavor of lemon sorbet refreshes the palate after indulging in rich pie bars.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses balances sweetness with savory flavors; try goat cheese or brie for an elegant touch.
5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a wholesome side that complements the dessert theme.
6. Herbal Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea provides a soothing beverage option that pairs nicely with sweet treats like pie bars.
7. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These decadent bites add an extra touch of luxury while still keeping within dessert territory.
8. Coconut Macaroons: Chewy coconut macaroons offer a delightful texture contrast and add another layer of flavor to your dessert spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making blackberry pie bars, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the chilling step: Not refrigerating the dough can lead to a tough crust. Always chill the dough for at least 2 hours to ensure a flaky texture.
• Overcooking the filling: Cooking the blackberry filling too long can turn it into jam instead of a juicy filling. Keep an eye on it and remove it from heat once it reaches a runny consistency.
• Inaccurate measurements: Using too much or too little flour can affect the crust’s texture. Always measure ingredients carefully for the best results.
• Neglecting to seal edges: Failing to seal the edges properly can cause the filling to leak during baking. Be sure to press down firmly around the edges before baking.
• Skipping the glaze: A glaze adds a lovely finish and sweetness. Don’t skip this step for that perfect touch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Allow bars to cool completely before storing.

Freezing Blackberry Pie Bars

• Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months; just remember to label them!

Reheating Blackberry Pie Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars on medium power for 30 seconds, checking until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Blackberry Pie Bars?

Blackberry pie bars are sweet dessert bars made with fresh blackberries and a buttery crust, providing a delicious twist on traditional pie.

Can I use frozen blackberries for Blackberry Pie Bars?

Yes! You can substitute frozen blackberries, but thaw them first and drain excess liquid before using.

How do I know when my Blackberry Pie Bars are done baking?

The bars should be golden brown on top, and you may see bubbling around the edges when they are fully cooked.

Can I customize my Blackberry Pie Bars?

Absolutely! You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or mix in other berries for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

These blackberry pie bars are not only easy to make but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize with your favorite fruits or toppings. Give this delightful recipe a try, and enjoy a sweet treat that captures summer’s essence!