Blackberry Pie Bars

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 Blackberry Pie Bars are a perfectly delicious handheld treat made with fresh or frozen blackberries.  These have  a flaky crust filled with a creamy custard with tons of blackberries.

Oh my goodness! Are these a pie, a bar or a pie bar? Kind of tricky right? I’m calling this delicious dessert Blackberry Pie Bars. These bars are so great to serve at a family barbecue or bring to a pot luck dinner. They are also fancy enough to serve at a wedding or baby shower or a Sunday brunch. 

What is a pie bar?

Think of a handheld portable little bite of a pie made into a bar that won’t fall apart when you pick it up. Whew! That’s a mouthful. Don’t worry about what you call them, just get making them! 

Do I use fresh or frozen blackberries?

You can use either fresh or frozen blackberries for this dessert. If using frozen, allow berries to thaw slightly. Break apart any berries that are clumped together.  The thawed berries will have more juice than the fresh berries. It may turn your batter a bit purple. 

We picked a lot of blackberries last year and froze them by the gallons.  In addition to these bars I also make baked french toast, blackberry muffins and blackberry jam with the berries. 

How do I make the crust?

I use a food processor to make this crust.

1. Place flour, sugar and salt in the food processor. Pulse 3-4 times to mix.
2. Cut up butter into small cubes and add to food processor. Pulse until well combined.

The dough will look very dry.  

Grab a small handful and squeeze together. The dough should hold together.

Place 1 cup of the flour mixture aside and save to use as a topping. Place remaining mixture into a greased 9 X 13″ glass baking dish.

Pat mixture down in dish so it forms together. 

How do I make the filling?

In a large bowl combine

• eggs
• sour cream
• sugar 
• cornstarch

Mix in

• cinnamon
• lemon juice 
• lemon zest
• vanilla

Gently fold in blackberries

Pour mixture on top of unbaked crust. Take remaining flour mixture and sprinkle over filling. Press flour mixture together into small pieces before sprinkling on top. 

How long do I bake Blackberry Pie Bars?

Bake for 1 hour until center is no longer wiggly. 

Do I need to let these bars cool before serving?

I find it best to allow the bars to cool before slicing and serving. The bars will continue to setup as they cool. I serve these at room temperature.

Slice bars into small squares or rectangles and serve.

Top with fresh blackberries if desired.

 

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If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop

Check out all my delicious desserts!