Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
If you can’t find fresh blackberries, frozen ones will work just fine. And for those who prefer a different nut, almonds or walnuts can be a great substitute for pistachios, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step takes me back to the countless times I watched Nonna Rosa work her magic with dough.
- Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to form a crust. Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly while preparing the filling.
- In another bowl, toss the blackberries with honey, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
- Mix the chopped pistachios, oats, and brown sugar in a separate bowl; sprinkle it over the blackberry layer, pressing down gently.
- Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the blackberries are bubbling.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This patience in waiting for the perfect slice is something I’ve learned from my mother, who always knew the importance of a well-set dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International